Buying a used car can be exciting as well as overwhelming in either a good or bad way. In order to have the best choice and guarantee you won't have to visit the mechanic every week, pay attention to the following six areas when you arrive to inspect the vehicle of your choice. If you don't know much about cars, or it's your first time buying a car, it's important to go with someone with a bit more knowledge in the purchase of cars to the appointment, preferably a trusted mechanic (Ikokuonline can be of proper assistance to you in this scenario, due to our wealth of knowledge and experience in auto parts and repairs). Buying a vehicle that is appealing to the eye but is full of hidden repairs can be a depressing and expensive mistake.
1) Inspect the Exterior
First, make sure the car is parked on level ground because it makes it easier to access the vehicle when you are inspecting. There are several areas to pay attention on the vehicle’s exterior:
Paint: Look for dents, rust, or scratches that could indicate past and future deterioration.
Trunk: Usually a good indicator of a car’s real treatment, even if the outside looks fine.
Tyres: Should match and show even wear.
Front: Look for signs that fenders have been replaced. It could indicate a vehicle that has been in a wreck.
2) Take a Look Inside
It’s not unusual for a used car to look unappealing on the inside. Take this as evidence that the owner did not tend to the vehicle’s mechanical needs any better. Specifically, check the upholstery for rips, tears, and stains. Start the car and test the air-conditioner and heater.
Take a look at the odometer. An average driver puts 10,000 to 15,000 miles on a car annually. This doesn't necessarily mean that an old car with few miles is a steal. Sitting around in a garage for long stretches of time isn't necessarily a good thing.
3) What Lies Beneath
While it might not be your favorite task in the world, getting on your back on the ground and sliding beneath for a look underneath is a very smart idea, your trusted mechanic would be of best help here, cause they already know what to search for and how. There are clues to be found related to what could make buying the vehicle a bad idea.
Your first order of business should be to inspect the frame for cracks, bends, or signs that it has been replaced after an accident. The exhaust system should be free of black spots, which indicates a leak. Run your finger inside the tailpipe because grime could predict an expensive engine repair in your future.
4) Look under the Hood
There are a few items to take note of under the hood. Excessive dents, damage, or rust could indicate it has not been cared for. Find the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and write it down to check out online. Different manufacturers locate it in various places, but it shouldn't be hard to find. If there isn't one, be highly suspicious. Hoses and belts should not be cracked or soft.
There shouldn't be any evidence of leaks or corrosion around the battery or engine. Take a peek under the oil filler cap. A foamy residue means the head gasket leaks, and these are very expensive to fix. Check the oil and transmission fluid; the oil should be a clear to light brown color and the transmission fluid pink or red. Finish off your under the hood inspection by checking the timing belt for cracks or excessive looseness.
5) Controls
You definitely need to take a used car for a test drive before buying it. This is the time to listen and feel how it runs. Whether automatic or standard, there shouldn't be any jerks or bumps when shifting through the gears. This could mean transmission trouble which is another expensive repair. As you increase speed, pay attention to vibrations in the steering wheel, which could mean front-end mechanical parts that need to be replaced. Find an area where it’s safe to decelerate rapidly (but not enough to cause a skid). Strange noises, squeals, or a tendency to pull one direction or the other could point to worn and possibly dangerous brake parts.
6) Perform a Leak Test
Any car that is leaking fluids is generally a red flag for a needed repair. While you’re on a test drive, take a moment to park in a clean area on the road, and let the car run for at least 30 seconds. Then, move the car and do a visible inspection for any leaking substances. Black fluid might be an indicator of leaking oil, green fluid may indicate a leak in anti-freeze and pink fluid may indicate a leak in the transmission.
