Things to check out when buying a used car

Things to check out when buying a used car
Buying a used car can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know exactly what you are looking for in a car. While others simply want a vehicle that can take them from point A to B, the more meticulous buyer will go the distance to get more bang for their buck. It is important to know what you are looking for in a second hand car before making the purchase, to ensure that it meets your expectations. Our country, after all, has some of the most challenging driving environments in the world including floods and other forces of nature that can eventually damage your prospective car. To ensure that you get a used car that is in good condition and still has the capability to last up to a decade, we have come up with a guideline when shopping for a second hand vehicle below.

Check for signs of a significant collision

Car crash ©www.heslinlawfirm.com
Start off by checking the body of the car and inspecting if it has unmatched body paint, if the seams or other body parts appear to be uneven and if it has dents or scratches. These are signs that the car has been involved in a road accident. Significant collisions are often unreported, making them hard to track on the car’s records. You could also ask your dealer if he has the service record of the car and the repair receipts. If he doesn't, ask for the profile of the previous owner or how the dealer obtained the car. It is important to know these facts not only to ensure that the car is safe to drive, but it could also clip off a decent amount on the vehicle’s sticker price.

Make sure all exterior equipment is OK

Check car door handles © ramysgarage.com
Go around the vehicle and inspect the condition of its equipment such as side mirrors, wipers, door handles, wheels, head lamps and rear lamps. If you see any cracks or disfigurements, you should also take them into account as you may have to replace them sooner or later if you buy the car. When checking the headlights, make sure that they are still clear and give you a decent amount of light. As for the tires, make sure that they are uniform (same size and brand), that they do not have cracks, are properly installed and aligned, and are not yet worn out. A rugged tire can also indicate that the car’s suspension may have some issues. For door handles, locks and liftgates (in the case of a hatch), make sure that you try to open them all before making the deal. Also check if the previous owner has left some equipment such as a tool box or a spare tire. In addition, check the under body of the car to see the condition of the suspension.

What’s under the hood?

Check car oil levels © www.drivingtesttips.biz
The hood is one of the most vulnerable parts of the car when there is a flood. If the car has a low ground clearance (mini cars and sedans), inspect if the liquid levels (especially the consistency of the oil) are normal by using the dip stick method. Also take note of any moisture in the car and signs of mold, particularly in the air cleaner or filter; this will give you a hint if the car has been flooded. When you are test driving the car, make sure you listen to the noise it produces and observe the cars handling responsiveness on the road. Also take note of any oil leaks in the tube seals before and after the test drive. Don’t close it until you have checked the battery, timing belt and the brake fluid reservoir.

Evaluate the interior

Car interior © www.sensethecar.com
The moment you open the car door, let your nose sniff the smell of the interior. Flooded cars often give a pungent smell because of the mold that has accumulated in the interior. Turn up the seats and check if there are accumulations of moisture. Also check if the door locks, window controls and reclinable seats are working properly. If the car has other components such as an in-dash CD/MP3 player, an LCD monitor or an air conditioner, make sure that they are also in good condition. Other electrical components such as cabin lights or a lift gate switch should also be evaluated.

Check the odometer and instrument panel

Car mileage © www.paaco.com
Moving to the driver's seat, check to see if the foot brakes are loose or rusted, if the steering wheel is hard to operate, and check the indicator lights by turning them on and off. The most important aspect of the car you have to check is the mileage. Based on the wear and tear of the vehicle, you can take a calculated guess of the mileage and see if it matches what is registered on the odometer. Some notorious car dealers often tamper with this meter to get a higher resale value for the car. To have better information on assessing a used or second hand car, read the Carmudi Journal frequently for more information.

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