4 Quick Tips to Ensure You Are Buying a Quality Used Car
August 17, 2017
When buying a used car, checking the car history can save you a world of hurt. Search online for a website that can help you find out if the car has accident history, liens, safety recalls, or anything else that may cause you trouble once you buy it. This is a great way to ensure you are a buying a quality vehicle. Here are some additional tips to ensure you are buying a quality used car.
1. Check the exterior
The first thing that you want to look at when buying a used car is the outside of the car. Carefully look over the entire car to see if there are any signs of weakness or excessive wear. Look for any signs of rust, especially under the vehicle. Check the tires as well. If the tires are worn unevenly, that can be a sign of poor alignment. Finally, look at the frame to see if there are any signs of damage which may cause you difficulty down the road.
2. Inspect the interior
The next thing you want to check is the inside of the car. Look for any obvious tears in the fabric of the seats or any other damage. Turn the car on and check for any warning signals in the dashboard. Test out the air conditioning and heat to ensure there are no issues. If the car has a computer, check to make sure it is operating as expected. Check any other regular functions such as lights, radio, or anything else that is important to you.
3. Pop the hood
This is a step that you might want to ask a mechanic or “car guy” to look at, especially if you are not knowledgeable about the workings of a car. However, even without a mechanic, there are things you can look for under the hood. Check the belts and hoses to see if they are worn or look like they need to be replaced. Look for any signs of leaks or rust on or around the engine. You can also check the fluids, although most dealerships will replace the fluids prior to trying to sell the car.
4. Take it for a drive
Probably the most important part of buying a car is the test drive. You want to make sure the car drives smoothly, that it doesn’t pull to one side of the road while coasting, and that the brakes work well. Listen for any unusual sounds that may be a sign of trouble. Overall, make sure the car drives like it should.
