When you’re looking for the right used car for purchase, you want to do everything in your power to make sure that it’s a good choice. After all, the last thing you want is a vehicle that isn’t a reliable purchase. By utilizing a healthy mixture of good research, observation, and investigation, you will know how to avoid any potential issues and determine the reliability of the vehicle.
When online shopping for a used car for purchase (especially if you still feel wary of people), you can use services such as Carvana or Driveway to minimize contact and search for cars with the internet at your fingertips. Many people are used to buying used cars in person and looking at the vehicle, but these websites have options that allow you to see what you’re buying while sitting in your living room.
Used cars can be an expensive hassle down the road if you make a poor purchase, and this article will ensure that you make the most informed decision possible.
Make An Informed Inspection
Even if you decide to go with an online seller, you need to take your time and carefully inspect the vehicle. Take the used car to a mechanic (or ask to see the repair/upkeep history of the car) for a thorough inspection. If any auto parts or accessories need to be replaced, you will want to know before making the purchase.
You want to make sure that inspections are always held in full light (typically during the day or early morning) so that you can properly give the car a once-over. Whenever you’re looking over a vehicle, give it a test drive that lasts a good hour or so and actually brings the vehicle up to speed.
Check the Exterior
When checking over the outside of the car, keep an eye out for any dents, scratches, or rust that might be hiding (this is part of the reason you want to expect the car in daylight). The paint and finish should be the same on every panel along the body. Rust is a big issue with used cars, and you’ll want to get down and dirty when inspecting the vehicle.
- Check all wheel wells and door panels.
- Check the stability of the doors, especially the driver’s side. Look at and test each hinge, making sure each rubber hinge is free of rot.
- When inspecting the windshield, make sure it is free of cracks or dented areas. While you may be willing to shrug away a chip or too, this can be an issue down the road as it’s very easy for a small pockmark to turn into a crack.
- Be sure the car is sitting level on a flat surface. Put some pressure on where each shock sits above the wheel well, testing them for use. Look at the tires and make sure they aren’t in poor shape. Tread should be even across the tires. You should be able to fit a quarter into the tread.
- Check that all lights are in working condition, that the bulbs aren’t burned out, broken, cracked, fogged, or taking on moisture. If there is an issue with the lights make sure that it isn’t a fuse problem.
Examining the exterior of the used car is an extensive process, but it should be. The car may look like it’s in good shape at a glance, but you want to make sure that it can pass muster. If anything sticks out to you, let the seller know.
Check the Interior
While the exterior is important for the longevity of the vehicle (and appearances do matter), you’re going to be spending most of your time inside the car, and so that inspection is equally important.
- Check out each seat (yes, even the ones you won’t be sitting in). The seats should be comfortable, the upholstery nice and maintained. Damaged upholstery can lead to mold or mildew, and can be a sign of wear on other parts of the vehicle.
- Check the seat adjustments, particularly if they use machinery, and adjust your driver’s seat until you find a comfortable position.
- Test every instrument in the car, including pedals and controls. The pedals can actually wear over time as the rubber gets worn, and you really don’t want a brake pedal that’s about to give out.
- On a test drive, check that the brakes are in good working condition. If the brakes are problematic, suggest that the seller get them replaced. PartsAvatar is a great place to find EBC brakes in Canada for your vehicle.
- Check the warning lights, and ask the seller what each means if you are unsure. Check all the buttons, open all compartments, make sure the A/C and heater work, and check the turn signals.
Since you will be cruising in this vehicle you’ll want to make sure the radio and sound system work correctly. If there is a CD player, check to make sure there are no issues with it. Pair your phone to Bluetooth and ask for any relevant passcodes to be reset if it’s a newer model sound system.
Check Under the Hood
Inspect the engine and its general components, and if you are unsure about this step of the appraisal you should bring someone along that can help you know what you’re looking at. This may be one of the most important steps when looking for the best used car for purchase.
- First and foremost, check the battery. If you notice any hanging wires or corrosion around the terminal, point this out and ask for a battery replacement as part of the sale.
- Check all the hoses, especially the ones that lead to the Air Conditioning unit.
- Inspect the belts, and note if any of them look worn or frayed.
- Check all fluids, inspecting the oil stick. Make sure there’s no evidence of fluids on the engine. Notice any spills. You will want to do this both when the engine is cold and when it’s warm.
- Examine the transmission fluid, and ask to see evidence of when the transmission was last checked and when the fluids were last changed or topped off. You will want a receipt of the vehicle’s regular service.
While making this inspection, go ahead and check the tailpipe of the vehicle as well as an inspection of the undercarriage. Look for oil leaks and any structural damage underneath the vehicle.
Need a used car for purchase? Make an informed choice
When it comes to inspecting a used car for purchase, you’ll want to make sure you follow this guide and keep an eye out for any issues that could arise. You don’t want to walk away with a lemon, but that doesn’t mean you should end up with a used vehicle that has more issues than you bargained for.
If you ever feel uncomfortable with a potential purchase, never be afraid to walk away.