10 things to look out for when inspecting a used car
Finding a trouble-free car has more to do with good research than luck. A careful evaluation will help you steer clear of hidden problems and avoid headaches, here are 10 things you should look out for when inspecting a used car.
Benefits of getting a used car over a new car
Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you buy a used car instead of a new car:
Price: Used cars are usually significantly cheaper than new cars, which means you might be able to get something nicer for the price of a brand-new entry level economy car.
Lower Depreciation: A car loses a large chunk of its value during the first few years of its life. By getting used, you won't have to worry about dinging the car or rock chips in the paint as the previous owner has already taken care of that for you.
Lower Insurance Rates: Generally, used cars tend to have cheaper insurance rates as they cost less to replace in the event of an accident.
More Choice: You might want a colour or an option that is no longer in production for the car you want. By getting used you'll have a higher chance of getting the car you want at a great price.
1. Mileage
Source: CARFAX
Checking the mileage on a car is essential when getting a used car, as it gives you a general idea of whether it's lived a hard life or not. The average cars racks up between 16,000 to 20,000 km every year. In order to figure out whether the car you're looking at has high or low mileage, just divide the mileage by the vehicle's age. However, low mileage might not always be the best thing as it might indicate that the car wasn't used very often by its previous owner. When a car sits in storage and isn't used consistently, rubber and plastic housings that are integral to the car's mechanical functions may dry out and become brittle. This may lead to a very expensive service down the line. However, higher mileage is also something you shouldn't fear. For brands like Toyota and Honda, their cars were designed to run forever provided adequate maintenance was done to the car. As long as the car is well-maintained, it might be worth getting that over a neglected car with low mileage.
2. Look for Exterior Defects
Source: Consumer Reports
The most important thing to remember when buying a used car is to never view cars when it's raining or when it's gloomy outside, as paint imperfections may be obscured. You should check each panel and the roof to look for scratches and dents. You should also be on the look-out for misaligned panels or large gaps, which may indicate the car has had repair work done to its bodywork after an accident. Moreover, the colour and finish of the paint should be consistent across every body panel. Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk to see how the wear-and-tear is and watch out for creaking. You should also be looking for any rock chips and look closely to see if there are any cracks in the bumpers. Finally, you should look closely at the headlights and see if they're yellowy and sun-faded, it's an easy fix if they are, but you could probably talk the salesman down and get a better price on the car if that's the case.
3. Rust
Source: Autotrader.co
If you live in places where it snows, chances are that the roads get salted very often. Road salt is very corrosive when it reacts with water and air, as it damages the metal of your vehicle and causes rust build-up. You should check the car and see if there's any blistered paint or visible rust. Remember to check inside the wheel wells as well as the panels behind the doors as those might contain nasty surprises. You should also check the underside of the car to see if there's any rust damage to the undercarriage as that might compromise the car's structural integrity. If there are only small localized rust patches, those can still be salvaged. However, if you see places that have been rusted through completely, walk away.
4. Vehicle History
Source: Canada drives
You should always consult the vehicle's history before you go in-person to view the car. A vehicle's history tells you a lot about the car such as when it was first purchase, how many owners it's had, as well as what kind of life it's had. By using the vehicle identification number (VIN), you can find out if the car has been in an accident or if it's been the subject of any recalls. You can get all this information at home through paid services like CARFAX. Moreover, you should also check the car's service history to see how regularly it's been maintained. Having a well maintained car not only tells you that the previous owner takes good car of it, it also means that the car will probably go on to be very reliable with no nasty service surprises. You should also look at what region the car has lived most of its life in, if it was mainly driven in places where there is very bad weather commonly, it might affect the car's lifespan.
5. Closely Inspect the Interior
Source: CARFAX
The inside of the car matters the most as that's where you'll be spending the majority of the time when you own the car. When you first open the door, get a big sniff to see if there's a moldy smell that might indicate water leakage. Moreover, odors such as smoke can be very hard to get rid off so you should smell the interior thoroughly to see if it's to your liking. You should check the seats to see if there are any tears in the fabric. You should also check the instrument cluster to see if there are any warning lights flashing, as well as trying the heater and air conditioning as some cars might have defective units. If you're getting a newer car, you should also check out the infotainment system and double check to see whether there's phone connectivity options for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You should also test out the audio system and watch out for any rattles when you turn the volume up. Lastly, you should check the window sills to see if there are any signs of leakage as well as checking the headliner to see if there's any sagging.
6. Check Under the Hood
Source: Driving.ca
You don't need to be a mechanic to be able to spot serious flaws when you pop the hood. You should check to see if there's any corrosion on the battery, as well as check the engine bay to see if there are any oil splatters. There should also be dipsticks to check the condition and levels of engine oil. If the dipstick is honey-coloured that means the oil was recently changed. However, if the dipstick has water droplets or foamy oil on it, that might indicate that there is a crack in the engine block or a blown head gasket, which is very costly to fix. You should also check that the transmission fluid, power-steering and brake fluids are at an adequate level.
7. Check Under the Vehicle
Source: Consumer Reports
When viewing a used car, it's usually parked on a lot but you still check a few things under the vehicle without getting it raised up on a vehicle lift. You should check underneath to see if there are any oil puddles or oil drips. You should also check if the suspension and brakes are all right as well. You should also take a quick peek at the exhaust, catalytic converter thefts have been rampant recently so check that the one installed isn't stolen or missing.
8. Check the Tires
Source: Consumer Reports
Tires wear down over time and sharp objects may get embedded in the rubber. You should first check if all four wheels have the same kind of tire, and you should ask them why they've been changed this way. Treadwear should also be even across the width of the tread, if it's uneven, that may indicate that the alignment for the wheels are off and need recalibrating or there might be issues with steering and suspension. Some cars come with a spare tire as well so check and see if they're in good shape as well.
9. Take it For a Test-drive
Source: CARFAX
Now that you've inspected the car thoroughly, you can take it for a test-drive. You need to pay extra attention when test driving a used car as issues with the car may not be covered by warranty. You should research a route before hand to test out the car in different environments such as stop and go traffic, highway driving, and how it performs over potholes. You should also bring a friend or family member along to the test-drive so they can act as an extra pair of eyes to spot any issues you may have missed. If you're buying from a dealer, depending on the price of the car, they might not allow you to go on longer test drives to get a feel for the car. If you're buying from a private seller, it's up to them to decide how long you can go on a test drive for.
10. Take it to a Mechanic
Source: CARFAX
Before you close the deal and pay for the car, you should take the car to a repair shop that does diagnostic checks regularly. Dealers should have no issues with you taking it for an inspection as long as you leave your identification with them. A thorough diagnostic will let you know any problems found as well as how much it would cost to repair them.
Now that you have a grasp on what you should be on the look-out for when inspecting a used car, have fun looking for a great deal on your dream car and follow my blog and Twitter for more car related content!
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