Save your money! There are ten key items to look at when buying a car, either from a dealer or privately.
Many people don’t know what to look for when buying a car. Nobody wants to buy a lemon but often when you find a car you like, you emotions take over any reason. It’s easy to be blinded buy nice paint, wheels, etc. but what’s lying underneath that can cause you much grief.
I always recommend taking any used car to a mechanic for an inspection. Very few used cars will be perfect, and that is quite all right. Wear and tear is normal. However, before you spend one cent at a mechanic, you can easily assess the car and see if it is worth your consideration.
I will outline 10 immediate items to look at BEFORE you even go to a mechanic. Often these will save your time, and money. These items will make you think twice.
1) Check the tires.
You don’t have to be an expert to see if they need replacing. Replacing tires can cost a lot of money, not all tires are created equal. If you are buying a high end car, you may spend $200 or more per tire! This may help you negotiate a better price on the car, or determine it is not worth buying
Also, if there is uneven tread wear on the tires, this may be a sign of other hidden issues with the car.
2) Check for body damage.
Walk around the car, and inspect every panel thoroughly. Look for freshly painted areas, doors/panels that don’t line up evenly. Also, make sure the trunk, doors, hood all open and close properly.
3) Look for rust.
It may not be obvious. Look for in under doors, around windows, and trunks. On the inside look under the carpet and trunk mat. If you live in an area where cars aren’t prone to rust, this may indicate the car is from a different state or region.
4) Check the odometer.
It really doesn’t matter how many miles are on the car. You can decide if it is worth buying higher mileage car. What’s important is making sure the odometer matches the condition of the car and the maintenance records. If it doesn’t, the odometer may have been altered. A car with low miles, should have an interior that is clean, and not very worn. Check the condition of the steering wheel to, it shouldn’t have many wear marks. Also, if records have been kept for the car, make sure that they correspond with the mileage.
5) Is the car local?
Often cars from out of state have previous accidents and owners that you will never know about. A few things to look for include salt stains on the carpets; if you live wear it never snows, this is a sure fire way of knowing its not from your area. Also, check the radio, are the preset stations local radio stations? The car should have records to indicating its history.
6) Sit in the car, close the door.
This is when you decide if you actually like the car. Outside appearances are important, but if you’re not comfortable, there is not point to go further. Now look around, how much room do you have? Is visibility outside the vehicle good? How are the blind spots? Also, look for features you need. Make sure it has enough, and big enough cup holders and anything else you will need.
7) Now check the engine compartment.
You don’t have to be a mechanic for this step, you just have to check a few things. Just check for oil leaks, coolant leaks, Also, check the for any home repair jobs( you shouldn’t see any duct tape!) Make sure everything looks original and that its condition matches the odometer. (newer car = cleaner engine).
Get back in the car at this step.
Make sure everything(and I mean everything) works. Check all the power windows, locks, lights, power seats etc. You may never sit it the back seat, or use the some of the features, but you don’t want any surprises down the road. Any electrical problems may cost a fortune to use.
9) Start the car.
Just listen to it, give it some gas, and make sure it sounds healthy. Now go for a drive, with the radio OFF!. Don’t let yourself be distracted. Listen for noises, rattle, and smell for anything that isn’t right. Make sure the car accelerates properly, and stops properly.
10) Rate the seller.
Don’t worry about negotiating yet, there is a lot consider especially if you are buying from a dealer. But if the seller has been evading any questions or have proven to be somewhat or totally dishonest, it may be worth continuing your search elsewhere. They should have nothing to hide!
I hope the Ten Steps for buying a car have been helpful. Remember, this is only part of the process. Don’t get down if not everything checks out perfectly, it is used after all.
If you have found a car you like, new or used, you must know how not to get scammed. Dealers have many tricks up there sleeve to give you the worst possible deal on a car. I have recommended a few sites with information on this.
By Marco Dakota. Cheap Cars Here! For More Information, Check you my Website! Car Buying Scams Revealed!
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