By Mikhaela
Now that you've found a car that you just might happily drive home, it's time to do some dirty work through a physical checkup. A vehicle, just like a book, should not be judged by its appearance. It might have plenty of problems lurking beneath the shiny metal surface that could cost you a lot of money to fix later on.
Now that you've found a car that you just might happily drive home, it's time to do some dirty work through a physical checkup. A vehicle, just like a book, should not be judged by its appearance. It might have plenty of problems lurking beneath the shiny metal surface that could cost you a lot of money to fix later on. When buying a used car, make sure to check these non-negotiable parts:
The Engine
The engine should be clean. When making a visual inspection, look closely for burned areas. If you find one or a few – even slightly burned ones – move on to the next car.
Inspect the engine coolant. Green means it's good. Other stuff, such as rust, are signs that the engine has not been well taken care of.
Brakes
Check the brakes for integrity and for fluid leaks. Take a look at the brake fluid container. If the level is low, it could be an indication that there is a leak or that there is something wrong with the brake pads. Check these for wear and tear.
Transmission
Existing issues with the car's transmission can translate to a huge cost in terms of repair. This is another non-negotiable part of a used car you should definitely check. Inspect this part for any leaks (usually brown or red in color). If you find any, they are not good signs of the car's condition.
Frame, Doors, Windows And Handles
The car's frame holds the whole unit together and as such, is also a non-negotiable part you need to check. Frames should be smooth. If you find waves or visible indentations, those are signs that the car had undergone some sort of repair.
Check windows, doors and handles as well. Do they work? Are they aligned? Is there an air leak? Have they been replaced? If so, why?
The Test Drive
It's always a good idea to test drive a used car prior to purchase. Do this even after you've checked the car visually. A used car that has a few hidden issues generally does not manifest its troubles until after it's been driven around the block a few times. Here are some of the non-negotiable parts you need to check when taking a potential used car buy for a spin:
Cruise Control
Check the response of the wheels in relation to the steering wheel. Is there a delay? Do you have to turn the steering wheel too much for a relatively simple turn?
Gas
Check if the car accelerates readily when you step on the gas.
Brakes
Test the brakes at short speeds and then at faster speeds. Take note of how the car responds. When you step on the brakes, does it vibrate? Can you feel a slight pull to either right or left? At faster speeds, does the car have a tendency of swerving?
Engine
The engine is decidedly the biggest expense you'll ever have in case you choose a used car with damaged parts. When test driving the vehicle, check for noises, such as whirring, clunking and other strange sounds. When accelerating, take note of any audible or obvious strain in the engine.
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Tuesday, May 5, 2009
How To Check Parts Of Used Car
Monday, May 4, 2009
Check Out The Used Car Before Purchasing
By Alan
A new car may not be worth all that money you are planning on spending!
If you are on a really tight budget, and don’t care too much about the prestige of having a brand new car, purchasing a used car might be the best option for you. Why do we say that might be the better option?
To purchase a second hand car, all you have to do is pick up a used car listing to see that brand new cars lose anywhere from 30 to 40 percent of their original price in as little as two years. That’s a pretty steep number. Here’s another number, 65 percent – this is the amount you save if you buy a used car that is five years old instead of a brand new one.
Theoretically speaking second hand cars of this age, as long as they have been well cared for will perform just as well and are just as reliable as their brand new counterparts. In fact, they may even be better customized for daily use since it has already been broken in and properly set up.
Of course, you cannot discount the possibility that the used car you are looking at is not in the best of conditions. Therefore when surveying used cars to purchase consult the following tips.
1. Check the Exterior
The first thing to look at is the overall condition of the used car’s body and finish. Look out for paint blotches and poor body fit. Also look for body filler. You may want to use a simple magnet to help you pinpoint suspicious spots. Finding any of these is evidence of a previous car collision.
Also look out if the second hand car is newly painted. You may want to inquire why this is so. It may mean a major overhaul due to some extensive damage. Rust is a bad sign of body damage, so is dampness in the trunk.
2. Check Suspension
Go to each corner of the car and push down on them. If the car bounces more than once, you may need to have shocks installed.
Try nudging or pulling the wheels from beside the car. If the wheels can be nudged, or if they move in or out, there could be serious damage to the CV joints or the bearings.
If tire wear is uneven, this is indicative of bad suspension. If the second hand car you are checking has new tires, you will have to exercise more caution and test the suspension thoroughly.
3. Check the Insides of the Car
Make sure the upholstery, odor, and condition of the car’s interior are acceptable and in line with the age of the car.
4. Take It for a Spin
Have a friend observe you while you take the used car for test drive. The car should be stable and should not show signs of shifting from side to side. If so, there could be a major problem with the frame or suspension. If you can, have a mechanic look at it too.
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