So, you have finally decided to buy that used car. First things first, congratulations! Buying a used car comes with a host of benefits including enjoying some of the best deals out there. It is not all fun and games though- unless you are careful, you risk ending up with a used car that is not worth your money.
A complete assessment of all the facts followed by extensive research and a thorough inspection by a mechanic you can trust are all vital aspects of buying a used car. When shopping for a used car, your objective should be to locate a decent car that will fit your budget and perform as you expect it to.
A used car can be one of the best things that you have ever purchased, but there are some warning signs that you should be on the lookout for before you pay anything. These warning signs include:
Skewed, crooked or misaligned body parts
When inspecting your car, you should remember to check every area of the car for imperfections that stand out. A lot of used car sellers try their best to cover up such irregularities but by conducting a closer inspection, you can uncover anomalies caused by major accidents such as misaligned body parts. Before you pay for a car, be sure that every area of the car including the doors, panels, trunk and hood gaps are evenly aligned.
A poorly maintained interior
Although a shiny and perfectly maintained exterior is always nice, if the exterior of the used car does not match the interior, it is more than likely that the seller is trying to cover up an issue with the interior. Be on the lookout for rips, cracks, stains or any other signs that will cost you money to repair.
If these signs are evident, then you should definitely look at other used cars. Although a stained interior may not look like a big deal at first, it could be a potential indicator of water damage, which will bring with it a host of other electrical problems down the road that you want to avoid.
Unwillingness to share repair records
If the dealer or the private seller that you are buying your used car from is unwilling to share the car’s repair records with you, then you should automatically assume that it was not serviced regularly. Whenever you buy a used car, you should always approach its condition with a lot of skepticism because it is used, after all.
Check the oil and transmission
Checking your used car’s oil and transmission is a great way to determine the condition of your used car. Since it can be a little difficult to tell a car’s condition by its oil if you do not have prior experience, allow your trusted and professional mechanic to do it for you. The mechanic should check for coal black oil as well as send out the oil for analysis for comprehensive answers. The condition of the transmission fluid is also essential as it is an indicator of its upkeep.
