You have finally found the used car you been looking for. Buying a used car can be a great way to get on the road without the hefty price tag of a new vehicle. But, how do you know a pre-owned vehicle is in the condition that the seller described.
The checklist below outlines 10 things to look for when shopping for a used vehicle so you can make the purchase with a little peace of mind.
1 Vehicle History
ASK the seller and get as much information as you can from the current owner and then do your own research. Running the VIN (vehicle identification number) through a paid service like CARFAX will tell you if the car has been in an accident, if there are any liens on it, and if there are any recalls on the model. the report will also indicate if the number of miles on the odometer is accurate or not.
2 Rust or paint damage
It is easy to walk around the car and pay close attention to any rusty spots or paint chips. Small, localized rust patches aren’t necessarily a deal breaker because they can be fixed fairly easily. If there are places where the metal is totally rusted through, it is very likely that the undercarriage also has some rust that could mean serious damage.
3 Frame Damage.
While you’re walking around the vehicle, you should also look for problems with the frame. Is the car sitting level on the ground? Is there anything hanging from the undercarriage? Pay close attention to the bumpers and look inside the trunk and hood for new bolts or warping that could indicate a recent accident.
4 The engine.
The engine is the most important part of any vehicle. With the car turned off, pop the hood and visually inspect the engine for: fluid leaks, corrosion and cracked hoses and belts. Check the oil and transmission dipsticks for discoloration. Oil should be light brown, transmission fluid should be pink or red. Don’t forget the check the coolant level also as it is important to keep the engine running at a good temperature.
5 Tires.
The tire tread should be worn evenly and all four should match. Uneven tread or extra wear on a few of the tires often means poor alignment, which can be a symptom of steering, suspension or frame issues. A poorly aligned car will pull to the right or left when driving.
6 Car Electronics.
Blasting the radio when your favorite song comes on is one of the little joys of car ownership. Press the buttons and make sure the stereo and the other electronic components in the car are working properly. Turn on the air conditioning and heat as well to see if everything is in good working condition
7 Mileage.
The average car will rack up about 12,000 miles each year. To figure out if the car you’re looking at has high or low mileage, divide the number on the odometer by the vehicle’s age. A car with high mileage will have more wear and tear on its steering wheel and brake pedal.
8 Interior and Upholstery.
Seats and interior fabric can take a beating in a vehicle. Watch out for tears, stains and cracked leather on all the front and back seat .upholstery can be a pricey thing to repair.
9 Test Drive.
The test drive is probably the most important part of shopping for a used car. Plan your route and put the car through the paces to test its maneuverability, acceleration, braking and suspension. Take it on the highway, if possible. Don’t be afraid to accelerate and brake to see how well the car handles.
10 Get a Pre-purchase Inspection.
If you think you’ve found the used car of your dreams you should hire a trusted car pre-purchase inspection company. A Migo pre purchase inspector can determine if the vehicle has any underlying issues or areas that might become an issue in the future. It’s not a free service, but it could save you from buying a lemon.