| With the economy the way it is these days, people | | | | accident or just a fender bender . . . you'll need to |
| are opting for used vehicles as a more cost effective | | | | check further into it. |
| alternative to a new car. Unfortunately, if you don't | | | | Taking a Test Drive |
| know what to look for in a used car, you are more | | | | Actually driving the car will give you far more |
| likely to end up spending even more money in the | | | | information than just looking at it. Once you have had |
| long run. This is why it is important to educate | | | | a chance to start it up and take it out on the road to |
| yourself before purchasing a vehicle that isn't new. | | | | get up to speed, you'll have a pretty good idea of |
| Having a mechanic that you trust take a look at any | | | | whether or not the car runs well. A few things to |
| car you are interested in buying is a good way to go. | | | | check for: |
| This ensures that you know just what you are | | | | How the car starts. Does it start easily and stay |
| looking at in terms of replacement parts and most | | | | running on its own or do you need to pump the gas |
| hidden problems will be found during a routine | | | | to keep it going? |
| inspection. | | | | How does the vehicle shift? If it's an automatic |
| Upkeep and Maintenance | | | | transmission, does it shift correctly or does it tend to |
| It's a good idea to buy a car that has been well | | | | rev high and seem reluctant to switch? Manual |
| looked after. That means a vehicle that is neat and | | | | transmissions should be fairly easy to shift and not |
| clean, not just on the outside, but inside, as well. | | | | jerk or stick. Check how the clutch works . . . it |
| You'll be able to tell whether the upkeep has been | | | | should require firm pressure but not require being |
| good or if they just did a last minute cleaning to | | | | stomped into the floor. |
| impress you. The interior should be in good condition, | | | | Notice how the car feels and sounds. If there are |
| free of too much wear and tear. Look for rips in the | | | | any abnormal sounds like grinding, squealing or other |
| vinyl and seat covers. | | | | unusual noises, this could indicate problems that will |
| Check under the hood. If the car body is clean but | | | | need to be fixed in the near future. The same goes |
| the engine compartment hasn't been touched in | | | | for vibrations and jerks that shouldn't be there. Use |
| years, you'll know that the maintenance hasn't been | | | | all your senses to notice if there is anything that |
| great and there could be plenty of hidden issues | | | | could be wrong. |
| here. You can also compare the odometer to the | | | | Is it comfortable for you to drive? Some vehicles |
| maintenance stickers that are on the windows. | | | | just aren't made for tall or short people and can be |
| Take the time to run the VIN number to see what | | | | uncomfortable. Make sure that you can adjust |
| the vehicle's history is like. If it's been in an accident | | | | everything according to your height so that you are |
| or had any major problems, these will show up when | | | | comfortable. If the car doesn't fit you, then it might |
| you check the number. Knowing the history of a | | | | be best to look for another used vehicle instead. |
| used car can be invaluable, since it will let you know | | | | Buying a used car just makes sense when you're on |
| what to expect in the future. A vehicle that has | | | | a budget. On average, used cars are about half the |
| been in an accident could be host to a number of | | | | price of a brand new one, with older vehicles |
| problems that might not be apparent until later on. | | | | dropping incrementally in price. This means that there |
| Signs That a Car Has Been in an Accident | | | | are some huge savings to be had, but you do need |
| Obviously, if a vehicle has been in an accident, you | | | | to make sure that the used car you buy is in good |
| want to know about it. Accidents can cause serious | | | | condition and can be used for years to come without |
| problems that may go undetected, such as twisting | | | | major repairs needed. That's why it's a good idea to |
| of the frame or even weakening of vital parts like | | | | have a mechanic do an inspection. |
| the axle. Here are some signs that you should be | | | | Another thing to look for in older cars is the gas |
| watching for: | | | | mileage. While gas prices are down again for the time |
| A new paint job. Look for overspray on the trim or | | | | being, that doesn't mean they will stay down, so |
| very new appearing paint. | | | | you'll need to make sure that you look for a vehicle |
| New paint on one particular area. If a quarter panel | | | | that has relatively good gas mileage. Otherwise, you'll |
| appears to have been recently painted, while the rest | | | | probably be regretting it down the road! |
| of the car looks normal, this could be a bad sign. | | | | There are many reasons to choose a car that has |
| Wrinkled metal. Watch for areas that may not be as | | | | had previous owners. As long as you are careful to |
| smooth as the rest of the vehicle . . . they could | | | | inspect the vehicle and make sure that there is |
| mark where repairs were made. Dents may have | | | | nothing wrong with it that you don't mind fixing. Make |
| been pounded out or a more temporary repair may | | | | sure that it's a comfortable vehicle for you to drive |
| have been made. | | | | and that there is no history of accidents (this can be |
| These could all be signs that the car has been fixed | | | | done by checking the VIN number) and you should |
| after an accident. Whether or not it was a major | | | | have a great new-to-you car to drive! |