USAinDebt

Buying a used car is like buying a cat in a bag – most of the time you won’t know about the problems the vehicle may have until after you sign the documents and drive off. Unfortunately, there is never a 100% guarantee, but here are some helpful tips on how to do as much as possible to ensure that the vehicle is good.

Check the history records: Carfax.com offers a vehicle history report. You will need the vehicle’s VIN number (ask the person selling it) in order to run the report. It will provide vital information concerning the auto you are about to invest your money into. A CARFAX report can disclose past vehicle accidents, recalls and registration information.

Check the vehicle body: All panels should be well-aligned, especially around the doors – check the gaps, the sections should be evenly positioned. Look at the paint color – does it match on all panels? Check the bottom of the doors for rust. Inspect the body for scratches, dents and fresh paint. Take a good view of the tires – especially the sidewall should be clean of cuts and damages. All tires should be the same (brand and type) and they should be evenly worn out. Open the driver’s door and take a look at the vehicle label – it usually will indicate the VIN number. Compare it to the registration VIN.

Inspect the interior: Good interior usually means the vehicle was taken good care of. Check for broken locks, buttons. Take a look at the dashboard, the seat belts, and the trunk. Test all doors.

Electrical stuff: Test all the lights on the dashboard – turn the key halfway until all lights light up. Make sure they all work – this indicates that the on board control unit tests the various systems of the car. Check the headlights, the taillights, the signal lights, the backing up lights. Turn on the radio.

Heater and A/C: Start the car, turn on the A/C. Make sure that the air is cold. Check the heating function as well. Turn the A/C on the highest speed possible and listen to the engine – if it struggles there may be a problem.

Engine: Pop the hood with the engine off. Inspect visually for oil leaks, torn cables / pipes. Open up the coolant fluid and take a look inside – is it clean and bright green? If it is brownish or there’s oil floating on top there is a problem. Also take a look at the engine oil – it should be brownish and there shouldn’t be any bubbles in it. Black oil means it hasn’t been changed regularly or that the engine burns oil. The transmission oil should have bright red color. Ask if the transmission has been flushed ever and if the transmission filter was changed. Let the owner start the engine and listen for noises, clicking. Check the temperature too. Ask the seller to shift the transmission from Park to Neutral (make sure to apply the brakes first) and look at the engine. It may move a bit but if it jumps a lot during shifting, avoid buying this vehicle. If you can, stick your head under the engine bay, watch out for leaks.

Transmission: Take a seat inside the car, start the engine. Apply the brake, and shift from P do D than to L / 1 / 2 / 3 / R (or whatever options you have). Fell the car – does it jump or does it make weird sounds every time when you shift?

Take a test drive: Don’t just drive on the parking lot – take a good ride, slowly, make some turns, and it would be great if you can do a short highway run. Listen, smell and look for anything out of the ordinary. Try turning the A/C, the radio, the heating while driving. Stop the car somewhere; leave it for a minute with the engine running, than ask the owner to sit inside and step on the gas. If a smoke cloud appears, this vehicle is burning oil – avoid buying it.

Trust your intuition: I the car is really good, but the price is unrealistic, avoid buying it. Ask for maintenance records; oil changes; known problems. Why is this car up for sale? How long have they owned the car? Has the car been involved in an accident? Check the title – does the VIN, the owner’s information match? If everything looks ok to you, go ahead with the purchase. If you have doubts, take the car to your mechanic / nearest shop and have it checked out. After all, it’s your hard earned money!

For more information or to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, visit the FTC site.

Tags: car | vehicle | used car | dealer | credit