When you are purchasing a used car, there are certain problems that you should check for before you buy. Knowing what these problems are, and how to fix them, as well as how serious they could be if they become worse or need immediate repair after purchase can help you to determine whether a really great deal is worth it, or if you should pass on a vehicle because the repair cost would be greater than what you would save by getting the lower priced car. There are a few different areas that you should check as you are negotiating.
Before you check anything else you should take a look at the oil. Make sure that the oil is filled to the full mark on the dipstick and then check it. If the color is golden brown or any lighter than that then you have good oil passing through the engine. However, if you have a dark colored oil, or black oil, then this can indicate a problem – namely that the car has a dirty engine. This might not be a surefire sign to discount the car from consideration, but you should at least ask for a discount if you experience this. Be aware that is the owner gets the oil changed, the oil will be the right color again – at least for a while so don’t be fooled by this.
Another major factor that you should check carefully is whether or not the engine is overheating. Asking the owner if the engine overheats may get you results with a honest seller or dealer, but the best way to determine whether or not it overheats is to let the car cool down for a while and then remove the radiator cap. If the coolant inside is free of great and oil, not to mention debris and other substances, and if the coolant is full then you probably are okay. If the engine does overheat then the coolant will probably escape and you will notice leaks. Check the tube that runs from the engine block to the radiator for leaks.
One important thing that you should do is to check the frame of the car. Make sure that the only a little rust that is on the car is on the body and surface. If you notice signs of extensive rusting or rotting on the frame of the vehicle, then it will not be safe to drive. This is a common practice in those purchasing classic cars for rebuilding, but it should be done on used cars as well. Another item that you should check for rest is the floor pan underneath the driver’s side seat, as this area can become rusty from all the debris on the driver’s shoes.
You’ll also want to carefully check the car for damage from any repairs or accidents that the vehicle may have been in, including the insides of the door frames and the lid of the trunk as well as checking the engine compartment steel for wrinkles or looking at the paint to determine if the car has a new paint job. A more modern way of doing this is a vehicle history report that will tell you the majority of things that your used car has gone through, and is well worth the nominal fee that is charged for this service. A well known company that provides this is CarFax.
Check that all the lights work, the door locks are functional and that the horn is working as well as the windshield wipers. Also, examine the glass in the car to make sure that it is not on its last leg – er, shard. These are minor repairs to make if you are getting a good deal on a used car, but it is important to note that they will usually have to be in working order for the vehicle to pass an inspection. Also, check the underside of the car for any leaks that may indicate serious problems in the future.
Check that the brakes work and the tires have an even amount of wear. Brake problems could present with symptoms like squealing or squeaking, or having trouble stopping the car. Feather the brakes when you are test driving to determine if they are smooth or warped. Also, when you drive the car make sure that is is straight and that you can travel in a straight line with minor corrections. Alignment problems can be as simple as an alignment service or they could be an extremely costly repair. Let go of the wheel while traveling at a high speed and see if the car pulls one direction or another.