Car Repair-Purchasing a Used Car

For the average person in today’s economy, buying a new car is simply not feasible. Many people do not have the necessary income to afford a vehicle that has not been previously owned. So when the time comes to purchase a car or truck, these people must look for something used. Buying a used vehicle can be very risky because the purchaser does not always receive every bit of pertinent information about the vehicle.

While dealerships are often required by state laws to provide vehicle history reports, private sellers are not. And, unfortunately, not all dealerships are trustworthy. There are several ways for the potential buyer to tell if a car has had extensive car repair work or if it will require repairs very soon.

By performing an inspection and test driving the vehicle, the prospective purchaser may discover something that will deter him or her from buying it. This also helps the buyer to ensure that the seller has been honest about the car’s history. The first thing the buyer should do is a thorough visual inspection. Some signs that the car has been in an accident in the past include loose bumpers and small cracks in the body. Also, if the seams around the doors and windows look like they have been welded, it is likely that the car has been partially rebuilt.

During the inspection, the buyer should also search for rust because small spots of it can become much bigger problems in time. Some areas to check include the doors and panels, under carpeting in the trunk, and around the lights and bumpers. Additionally, a close look should be taken at the paint color throughout the entire body. If the paint doesn’t perfectly match from one section of the body to the next, it is a good indication that part of the car has been repainted to cover damage. Another indication of previous damage is if there are tiny paint spots on the windows, mirrors, or trim.

If the doors or trunk of the car do not close properly and are slightly uneven, it is very likely that the car was previously in an accident. All windows and doors and the trunk should be opened and closed as part of the inspection. The tires should also be examined for signs of uneven wear, which is symptomatic of a possible front suspension problem or bad alignment. The potential buyer should also visually check various other parts of the car, including fluids, lights and signals, battery, and interior. If the interior looks heavily worn, but the odometer shows low mileage, it is quite possible that the odometer has been manually altered.

During the test drive, the buyer should pay close attention to the sounds that the car makes. Any strange noises can signify mechanical problems. The drive allows the buyer an opportunity to check the car’s steering, brakes, acceleration and deceleration, alignment, and many other functions.

Some people are more mechanically inclined than others, but no one deserves to be taken advantage of. A prospective used car buyer should always take every possible measure to ensure that he or she is getting a reliable automobile. The buyer should take the time to inspect and test-drive a car before making a purchase he or she will regret and avoid extensive car repair.