How to inspect a used car’s condition before purchase?

Many people feel hesitant when buying a previously owned vehicle and for good reason. There can be hidden faults or oddities that surface later and may even cost you more than the car was originally worth. So, always make sure that you have gone through all the necessary details when you sign any papers. You can negotiate the price to a lower number according to its quality and be satisfied that you have made the right decision.

1. Pay attention to the body

It is a large surface area to check in such tiny detail but if you want a good looking car and avoid any future body repairs then you must perform this inspection diligently.

a. Rust

Even with the amazing technology we have the age old enemy of vehicles everywhere cannot be defeated. Especially check for rust on any part of the car. Bring a flashlight with you and inspect in daylight so that any rusted areas no matter how small they may be are apparent to you. Observe each section of the vehicle with a keen eye because it is very difficult to repair rusted areas and it is almost irreversible in most cases.

b.  Dents

Denting is a really obvious flaw and extremely easy to spot but how do you know that there have been denting repairs performed on this particular vehicle? Run your finger between the joints of the car panels and you will feel that the smooth surface is rough in that section due to asking tape if indeed it was dented once. Another hint is the difference in paint job between the part that has been fixed and the rest of the car. Another confirmation can be the presence of non-metallic dent fillers that may be detected with the help of a small magnet. The magnet will stick to the car metal body everywhere except for the repaired portion.

c. Sealing

All the panels should slide perfectly in place and be sealed well against each other like the hood of the car or the hatch of the trunk must be in line and seal well. Everything must fit. Keep a sharp eye out for any odd things that you notice during inspection.

2.    Tire inspection

The wear and tear that tear that tires have suffered over their journeys with the previous owner will tell you quite a lot about how much they were used and how much longer they can run in the future. Check all the tires to make sure that they have the same amount of wear to them. If not, that might mean that the vehicle has been through an accident. It also highlights problems with the car’s alignment which is really important to maintain.

3.   Trunk check

You must check the trunk of the car for the spare tire and observe the amount of wear it has too. It needs to be in good condition. Also, lift the carpeting and inspect the trunk for any signs of damage or rust that indicated leaks and other issues. You must also consider how much space you require in your trunk and does it fulfill your requirements. Lastly, check if the hatch opens properly and can stand on its own without falling on top of your head.

4.   Lift the car’s hood

The main part of the car is under the hood so you must make a good effort to check it out or even hire a decent mechanic to help you evaluate it. Check for any damage and notice if the VIN is still present otherwise it means that the fender has been replaced. The engine should be clean, free of corrosion and leakages. The oil dipstick should be full and not smell strange when you pull it out, wipe it, replace it and pull it out again. Observe the radiator fluid. It must not be oily or rust colored. The belts and hoses should be in good condition and not damaged in any way.

5.   Look under the car

This may seem extreme but this a great way to check for any faults with the system, alignment, pipe leaks, repairs, rust and other such issues.  Also, the exhaust should not be oily and the vapors should not be white except in cold weather.

Auto House, Calgary is dedicated to the supply of good quality previously owned vehicles in the best possible conditions in a large variety of models to suit your needs.  

http://www.autoshouse.com