Buying a used car - Part 2: Mechanical control
How to inspect a used car - used car checklist shown.
Process of purchasing used car is always tricky, like a used car may have hidden problems that aren t obvious when you test-drive it I hope this guide will help you recognize the signs of potential problems make more informed decisions before finalizing the deal, have the vehicle by a competent mechanic there are so many things that can not be inspected properly when the car is raised on a hoist If possible, find a mechanic who is closely familiar with that particular brand, for example, many buyers of used cars arrange to have the car used to be brought to another broker specializing in this brand for an inspection before buying.
When inspecting a used car you are looking for two things signs of major problems that should tell you to avoid the car and minor problems that need to be supported, or you can use in negotiations If you found no evidence of a large problem in a car, there is no point to inspect more, go to the next car the main problems include significant rust damage, and potential engine problems transmission, previous serious accidents, flood damage, and signs that the car has been abused or neglected by previous minor problems owners are those that can be easily corrected, including used tires, suspension and minor problems brakes and minor appearance defects such as dents, scratches, etc.
Almost every vehicle has problems or weaknesses that are common for this make and model with the amount of available Internet resources, it didnt take much to do a little research before you go for a test, the reliability of the research and common problems for the car you are interested We researched a number of cars and SUVs that you can find in our section used car reviews our site is easily accessible from a mobile device you can also check other sites with reviews of the owners, dedicated forums, NHTSA basis of complaints and other sources once you know the common problems you will have much better idea what to look for you this also help avoid car failure.
You need something to take notes and a flashlight, but with the technology available, your smartphone with a camera and an integrated flashlight works great if you have a small magnet, it could be useful in detection repair corrosion spots you also need paper towel to check engine oil and a CD or iPod disk to check the CD player and audio system If you use a child seat, it is advisable to take with you , so you can see if it fits easily what is most important, you need a knowledgeable friend who can help you weigh the pros and cons and make informed decisions.
During a quick overview, you want to know whether it is worth checking the car more or if you avoid Start with appointments around major rust stains fast as it should tell you to avoid Check this car inside How the steering wheel, the driver's seat and facing the inner door handle like a bad smell of tobacco and other strong odors are difficult to get rid of, especially in the inner fabric Can you find a comfortable driving position is it enough legroom and headroom How is the visibility check if the car has the features that are important to you, such as cruise control or USB the best harbor how to detect engine problems is to start cold, after the car sat for a while Ask the seller or seller to start the engine; Is the smoke from the exhaust The operation of the engine or rough groan loudly at startup If the engine is not running or caused a stir at startup or if there is a blue or white smoke smelling smoke antifreeze of the exhaust, avoid the car the engine should start easily and run smoothly If you think this car is worth checking further, start from the outside If you plan to inspect several cars, it could be a good idea to take pictures of each car if the seller or the seller provides including defects and features so you can view them later when weighing the pros and cons of each vehicle.
It is difficult to check the car when it is parked in a crowded place; ask the sales person to park in an open area, so you can have better access to all sides Take a look at the car remotely; This way it is easier to spot if the color of some panels didnt match the colors certainly don t match in this photo; this red Toyota underwent body repair Walk around the car and score or take pictures if left all the bumps, scratches and other defects.
Look at the windshield Note carefully all chips, scratches or other damage few chips and cracks stars, if large enough, can cause the vehicle to fail a safety inspection replacement cost of the windshield 400 250-.
This scratch was made by the metal part of the broken wiper scratch that produce a glow when driving at night Similar scratches can be made by sand caught in the windshield wiper blades.
Look at the reflection of the body panels; it is easy to spot the difference in the texture of the paint which could be erratic possible signs of previous body repairs the side of the car looks like it has never been damaged Click the image to enlarge.
If you look closely at this photo click to zoom, you can see the texture of the paint appears rough and the door is not very right Looks like there was some body repair here, it could be something minor, but at least this sector still needs to be investigated.
This car was stamping Even after the repair, you can see that the rear fender still doesn t look very simple Click to see the wider view, look carefully thought.
This car is badly rusted and we recommend avoiding, like rust can be repaired temporarily If you suspect a repair rust, try placing your magnet to the suspect area, if there is no metal in the painting, magnet won t stick.
Try opening and closing the doors; they should close easily open the driver's door and try to lift it on hinges; there is some shouldn t Freeplay Is the car has a trailer hitch does show signs of overuse If the car has been regularly used for towing, transmission might be too worn out more How to inspect a car body.
Check the tires Do they look worn Do they have cuts or other damage like this on photo This tire should be replaced the tires of a reputable brand All four tires must be of the same brand, it seems that the unevenly worn tires for example innermost This would indicate potential problem of wheel alignment.
This tire has a bump on the side wall and must be replaced by a bump is not repairable and the tire with damage like this is hazardous.
The new tires have a tread depth 10 32-11 32 Here is how the new tire looks; click the image to see larger view new tires as it can last up to 50,000 miles.
This tire is worn, it is about 2 32, which means that this car needs new tires A set of tires, depending on the size and cost brand from 400 to 1200 You can check the price.
How to inspect a used car used car illustrated checklist, inspect used, illustrated.