Curtis Smitley asks, are you looking into purchasing a used car? If you are, then you have made a great decision. Buying a used car will not just help you save but you have also extended the life of a vehicle which in turn helps the environment. There are so many used but impressive cars; you just have to know how to look.
How To Shop For Used Cars
First off get a Carfax before buying any car. They reveal a cars maintenance and collision histories in detail.
Also you can use NADA and KBB to find the value of a used car as it relates to the current market.
How to Inspect a Used Car Before Buying
Start from the exterior of the car. Make sure that the car is level on the ground. This is important to assess any damage on the tires and to find out any sagging parts. View the car from a distance just to make sure.
As you assess the exterior of the car you will now be able to check the car’s paint job. As you view it from afar, look for areas where there are obvious changes in the tint and color of the car. Another way is to closely inspect the discoloration with your hands. Any rough or uneven edges would mean that there were scratches, dents or spot paint repairs that were done on the area.
Look Under the Hood!
Possibly the most important area that you need to check in a used car is under the hood. Check for dents, rust and any signs of damage. If you are new to inspecting car engines, you may ask the service of a car repair technician instead. The car’s Vehicle identification Number or the VIN is found inside the hood along the fender. The number is printed on a decal and if this is missing surely the fender has been replaced.
Inspecting the Interior
As you open the doors of the car, check for the door siding, glass windows, locks and handles. Find out if each one is in good working condition. The windows must move up and down when the switches are pushed and every window should be operated from the driver’s side as well.
The car seats are next. Check for rips, stains and other kinds of damage. Look under the seats and check for the chair controls, any damage on the actual seat and don’t forget to check the seat belts. If the car has removable car seat covers, remove these and inspect the actual seat.
The carpets, sides, trunk and containers found in between the seats should be checked for any water damage, cracks and leftover items from the previous owner. Check if the radio and air conditioning unit are working.
If the car has a security system or an on-board computer, see if all these are working accordingly.
Test Drive the Car
Check the car’s oil through the oil filter cap. Check for any foam formation or residue on the inside of the gasket would mean that it has a leaking head. Be sure to consult this so you can save time and money in oil and gasket replacement in the future.
Be sure to test drive the car to assess the car better. Any noises could mean that there is something internally wrong with the vehicle which could be a very costly repair in the long run.
Curtis Smitley
Last but not least and this is probably the most important thing of all. Curtis Smitley advises to never let a salesman sell you a car that you don’t like. If you don’t love the car it won’t love you back. You will neglect it and it will break down consistently due to your lack of efforts in taking care of it. On the other hand if you buy a car you love?
You’ll see it as your baby and take good care of it. In turn it will take good care of you and rarely if ever leave you stranded on a cold rainy night