Some Things to Look For When Buying a Used Car
Don't just buy the first thing you find on the lot. Read this to learn about some things to look for when buying a used car, so you can be confident buying it!
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Ever bought a lemon?
We're not talking about sour yellow fruit. We're talking about cars.
Estimates state that around 5% of vehicles sold are actually lemons. A lemon is a car that has either one recurring major problem or several less severe problems that negatively impact the reliability of the vehicle.
Simply put, a lemon spends more time in the shop than it should.
There are a few things to look for when buying a used car that can help you avoid ending up with one of these. Let's look at a short list here.
Vehicle History Report
A vehicle that has been in an accident isn't necessarily a dealbreaker. Depending on the circumstances, the car may be fine and adequately suit your needs.
However, you need to know about it to make an informed decision. Request the vehicle's history report through a service like CARFAX.
In addition to accident information, you'll also learn about any liens on the vehicle or if there have been any recalls for the model.
Overall Condition of the Interior and Exterior
Take a moment to examine the overall condition of both the interior and the exterior. This won't tell you much about any mechanical issues, but it will give you clues as to how the previous owners have treated it
Check the paint for chips or rust spots. Small spots are normal and will be easy to fix if they are noticeable enough to bother you.
Lots of rust around the wheels can indicate the previous owners lived in a snowy place where they salt the roads and didn't adequately wash the salt off after driving. This can mean there are more problems with rust eating through parts of the undercarriage and even in the engine.
The age of the car will affect how used the interior should look. However, if the previous owners used car seat covers, didn't smoke in it, and kept things clean, the interior shouldn't look too rough.
Excessive damage can indicate there will be mechanical issues. An owner who didn't take care of the interior probably didn't take care of the engine well either.
The Engine
Of course, the engine is the most important part of the vehicle. Problems here are what will send you running to the mechanic.
Visually inspect the engine for corrosion and evidence of oil leaks or other automotive fluids. Inspect the belts for signs of wear and check the transmission fluid and oil for discoloration.
Beware of an engine that looks too clean. This is not always the case, but a seller trying to cover up problems may wash the engine right before showing the car.
More Things to Look For When Buying a Used Car
These tips, of course, aren't the only things to look for when buying a used car. However, they do give you a good place to start. Don't forget to test drive the vehicle and turn on all the electronics to make sure they work. Having a certified mechanic inspect the car is also an excellent choice.
Looking for more great automotive tips? Keep browsing our blog for tons of fun information!