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- Don’t Buy a Used Car Without Checking These 13 Things First (financebuzz.com)
Used Car Buying Guide: 13 Checks Before You Sign
Americans love used cars. For most of us, they’re a smart way to get behind the wheel without breaking the bank.
But buying used comes with risks. A sparkling exterior can hide a multitude of problems.
To avoid costly repairs down the road, follow these 13 essential checks before you buy.
1. Check the Car’s History: Before you even look under the hood, obtain a vehicle history report. These reports can reveal past accidents, title issues (like a salvage title), and service records.
2. Look for Flood Damage: Flood-damaged cars are ticking time bombs. Check for musty smells, water stains, rust in odd places (like under seats or in the trunk), and debris in the glove compartment.
3. Inspect the Frame: Frame damage is a serious safety issue. Look for uneven panel gaps, doors that don’t close properly, and unusual vibrations during the test drive.
4. Evaluate the Engine: Pop the hood and look for leaks, worn belts, and cracked hoses.
With the engine running, listen for knocks, hisses, or other unusual sounds. Check the oil dipstick – milky or sludgy oil is a bad sign.
5. Beware of Overly Clean Engines: A spotless engine bay in an older car might be hiding something. New parts on an old engine could indicate a recent (and possibly poorly done) repair.
6. Test the Transmission: Transmission problems are expensive.
Pay close attention during your test drive. Hesitation, jerking, or clunking sounds are all red flags.
7. Assess Brakes and Suspension: Check that the brake pedal feels firm and the car stops smoothly without grinding noises. Test the suspension by pushing down on each corner of the car – it should bounce back without excessive movement.
8. Examine the Tires: Tires can tell a story.
Uneven wear can indicate alignment or suspension problems. Check the tire manufacturing date (a four-digit code on the sidewall).
Tires older than six years may need replacing.
9. Check for Rust: Rust is more than a cosmetic issue.
It can compromise the car’s structure. Inspect the undercarriage, wheel wells, and the bottom of doors and rocker panels.
A small magnet can help detect body filler used to hide rust.
10. Verify the Mileage: Compare the odometer reading with the vehicle history report. Look for wear and tear that doesn’t match the mileage.
11. Test All Electrical Systems: Test everything: lights, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and the infotainment system. Check for blown fuses, which could point to recurring electrical problems.
12. Check the Catalytic Converter: A faulty catalytic converter can hurt performance and fuel economy. A rotten egg smell from the exhaust, poor acceleration, or a persistent “check engine” light are warning signs.
13. Inspect the Exhaust System: Exhaust leaks are dangerous. Listen for unusual noises and inspect (when cool) for holes or loose connections.
Bottom Line: A well-maintained used car is a great value, but a thorough inspection is crucial. These 13 checks can save you from costly surprises.
If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic. The small fee is a worthwhile investment.
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- Don’t Buy a Used Car Without Checking These 13 Things First (financebuzz.com)