What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

 

What to Look for When Buying a Used Car?

 

When you buy a used car, there is an underlying risk that the vehicle you decide on may have unseen structural or mechanical damage, is a stolen vehicle, or has a history riddled with bad accidents. When you are investing your hard-earned money, you want to make sure you are spending it on something that meets your needs and brings you joy, not additional headaches. Laid out below are a few things to look out for when buying a used car.

 

You Can’t Judge a Car by its Body

While it is important to consider aesthetics when searching for your next vehicle, it is also critical that you remember not to put too much weight in this category when making your decision. 

Many dealerships give used cars a fresh paint job to make them more attractive. This practice is misleading and can easily lure an unsuspecting buyer into purchasing a lemon. There are several features of a car that are more important than the body. Many of these features reside in the hard to reach places under the hood and below the car itself. If these integral mechanical parts are not properly maintained, you may have to spend a significant amount on repairs right after acquiring the car. Here is a list of some of the most important parts of a vehicle and what to look for when inspecting them on the lot.

Engine

The condition of the engine is crucial when determining the overall health of a vehicle, as engine problems can be extremely expensive to repair.  Unfortunately, it is not always easy to assess the condition of the engine through a quick test drive. Because of this, you should get the car inspected by a mechanic before you buy it. A visual inspection can also tell you a lot about the condition of a vehicle. Check under the hood, do you see any leaks or smell burnt oil? Repairing oil leaks is not always expensive, however, an engine in good condition will not have any oil leaks.

Battery 

Car batteries will last for anywhere from 3 to 5 years. The average cost of a battery is $75 to $200. If a battery is in bad condition, the car may need a battery replacement. In that case, you can ask the owner to reduce the price. Some battery checks include checking the batteries for signs of rust, loose joints, and leaks. You can use a multimeter to check the battery condition. A fully charged battery should be a minimum of 12.6 volts.

Brakes and Clutch

The brakes are arguably the most important part of a car with respect to your safety. These components undergo lots of wear and tear. You can find information about the condition of the brakes during a test drive. If you hear a screeching sound when brakes are applied, the brake pads need to be replaced as soon as possible.

Suspension System

Suspension repairs can be quite expensive. That’s why you need to ensure that the suspension system of the car you are considering is in good working condition.  Try driving the car on a rough patch of road. If you feel every bump, you can safely conclude that the suspension system needs repairs or should be replaced.

Cooling System

A car’s engine generates lots of heat and the cooling system needs to work efficiently to keep the engine cool. Check the coolant level and the components for cracks and signs of damage. Cooling system repairs do not cost as much as many other repairs, however,it is still beneficial to know the condition of the cooling system before purchasing a vehicle.

Keep these tips in mind when you hit the lot and make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for before you take the wheel.