Buyer Beware. a Few Concerns to be Aware of Before You Buy a Used Car
• Look carefully at the entire outside of the vehicle.
-> Spots on the auto body, which are rusted through, or obviously patched.
-> Once rust has eaten through the metal, it really cannot be repaired effectively. There are compounds that can be used to patch over the rusted places, but they do not last indefinitely. The metal is now weak because of the rust, and will not support the patch material for very long. So eventually, the compound will eventually just drop away. Sellers of used cars will sometimes try to hide the rust, and by the time the buyer finds out, it is too late.
-> Off matching colors of paint, lumpy looking paint, or cracks in the paint.
-> These types of issues indicate that the car has had bodywork done, which could mean that the car has been in an accident. Or, that it has not been taken care of properly. Either way, bodywork should raise other questions that the seller might not want you to ask about this used car.
-> Cracks or chips in the windshield or windows.
-> Again, this is something that might have resulted from an accident. There are legal issues involved if the crack hinders a driver’s visibility in anyway.
• Look at the inside of the car.
-> Damage to the interior, upholstery, floor, instrument panel.
-> If the car has an obvious musty, damp, or smoky (fire, not cigarette) smell, be wary. These are signs that the car has been through a fire, or a flood. This might lead to further problems later on.
-> Torn or faded upholstery can be mended, or covered, but should lower the price of the used car at least a little bit.
-> Lift the floor mats, and look under the seats. If there are going to be tell tale signs, these are great hiding spots of damage in used cars.
• Take a good look under the hood.
-> Problems with any of the engine parts.
-> Carefully check for any cracks in any parts, any missing parts, damaged or rusted.
-> Check all the fluids and make sure none are low, dirty or smell rancid. Most importantly, check the oil, the radiator fluid, the brake fluid, and the engine coolant.
-> Start the car, and then have another look, if you see any white or black smoke, it means big problems. Also, if you hear any noises that are just not normal engine sounds, this used car could be too much of a risk.
• Ask to have a look in the trunk.
-> Things that should be in there.
-> The spare tire, is it there, and is it in good condition?
-> Are there jumper cables? Or a tire iron?
-> The wires from the taillights, can you see them? Are they frayed or loose?
• Have a look under the car.
-> Potential problems with the tires, or engine troubles.
-> If there is oil in the tailpipe, this could indicate a serious and expensive motor problem.
-> Any puddles underneath the car, are possible problems and dangers.
-> Look at and feel each tire, if any one of the tires is soft, has bulges, is lop sided, or obviously flat, ask the seller about it.
If you have looked carefully at this used car, from every angle, and are ok with what you see, then ask for the keys and take it for a test drive. There are more things to consider during your first drive in any used car, but that will be a list for another day.
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