Buying a used car is really a challenge if you have no experience whatsoever on this topic. There are so many things that need to be taken into consideration and if you do it for the first time, you will be afraid not to mess things up. There are numerous aspects in a car, but the physical check needs to be done before you make the decision of buying it. Here are some precious instructions that you need to know before betting the money on the lucky winner.
1. Car on level ground
The first thing to do is make sure that the desired vehicle is levelled on the ground. This will give you the opportunity to inspect the tires and to see if everything is in the right place.
2. The paint
Of course when you think about pain, you should not think about colour. You will need to identify any rust spots, possible scratches or dents. The side is the place where these things are most obvious. Look at the joints and if they are not smooth this means that the car was repainted and masking tape was used.
3. The trunk
Not many people check the trunk, but it is vital for it to be in perfect condition. Make sure that there is no rust or holes in which the water can infiltrate. Oftentimes, the fact that the trunk is really worn out, indicates that the car has been extensively used.
4. Belts and hoses
It is best to check if the belts and hoses are free of cracks. They should not be soft because this indicates an extensive use.
5. Upholstery and seats
In most cases you will be able to determine the value of the car by looking at the interior. The upholstery should not have stains, rips or tears of any kind.
6. The air-conditioning system
The only way to check this system is to turn it on. You can take a ride and see if it cools enough and check for any leaks at the feet level.
7. The odometer
Mileage is really important in a used car. The odometer will indicate how old the car really is. In general a car will run 15,000 miles per year. Make sure that the odometer was not turned back in order to trick you. A really old car with low miles is an alarm sign.
8. The test drive
Before committing to a decision, ask for a test drive. This will give you a chance to feel the car and the way it works. You should never buy a car without a test drive.
9. Take the car to a service
In some cases you will not be able to notice every little thing. Ask the seller to get the car to a specialised service. Here, you will be given a full diagnosis of the car. If the car has a computer, this will be able to tell a lot about its condition. The specialists will also be able to tell you if there are any changes made to the structure or any repairs, which were caused by accidents. After getting the service sheet, you will be able to clearly assess whether this car is for you or not.
By following these simple rules you will be able to get a deal from a used car. The fact is that investing your money in a thing like this is really important. Actually, in most cases, people are tricked because they do not follow these ten simple steps. Buying the best car is not magic. It is simply keeping your eyes open for any opportunities which might occur.
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