There are always risks when buying a used vehicle . In the past there was the fear that the odometer reading had been rolled back to show a lower mileage . Though it is possible that this could still happen , it is pretty much a thing of the past . Most cars and trucks are now equipped with electronic speedometers and electronic odometers . Service on these electronic devices must be done by a specialty shop and can not be done by just any mechanic . The cost to remove a speedometer and send it out to have the mileage altered would defeat the purpose .
The worst problem you could get involved in , when buying a used vehicle would be to buy a rebuilt automobile . These are ‘not’ very common , but they can be a nightmare if you buy one . Reputable dealers will not knowingly sell rebuilt automobiles !
Rebuilt ’s are vehicle that were involved in a serious accident and written off by an insurance company . Some people will buy these wrecked vehicles and then repair them with used parts , just well enough to make them look good . In some cases parts from two wrecks of the same model are used to make one vehicle . I have even see a vehicle with the front damaged and a vehicle with the rear damaged both cut and then the good front patched to the good rear to make one vehicle . This deadly action is not legal any where that I know of . The finished vehicle is often so badly miss-aligned that it is not safe on the road and impossible to drive straight on the highway . Heavy expense to try to repair the problems with rebuilt ‘s is the normal result to the buyer of a rebuilt .
In most jurisdictions any major damage to a motor vehicle must be declared to the buyer , every time that vehicle is resold or changes hands .
I tested and diagnosed a vehicle (in the 1970’s) for an on going steering problem and found that this vehicle had at some time had major collision damage to the chassis . I condemned the vehicle . No major damage was ever declared to the ‘new owner’ . When the ownership history of the vehicle was traced , it was found that 2 previous owners did not know of the damage because an owner 4 owner back , failed to declare the damage when he sold the vehicle . A judge made the owner that failed to declare the damage , refund to the ‘new owner’ , all the money she spent to buy the vehicle and all the money she had spent to try to fix problems with the vehicle . The vehicle was taken off the road .
Things to look for when you by a used vehicle are;
New paint , specially on newer low mileage vehicles . Why did it need to be painted ?
Fresh paint or undercoat on the underside of a vehicle and unusually marks such as dents or scratches on the chassis or frame of a vehicle . These can be indications that collision repairs may have been done to the vehicle . If you have any suspicion that a vehicle might have been involved in an accident , stay away from that vehicle and by a different one .
In many jurisdictions now require that an owners history be purchased before the vehicle title can be transferred . You can ask the seller of the vehicle for an owners history if you have any question about a vehicle you are thinking of buying . Contacting the previous owner of the vehicle to inquire about the vehicle condition and history , before you buy it , is a good idea , when ever possible .
Having a vehicle inspected by a mechanic is a good idea . The inspection will cost you but it could cost less than buying a vehicle with defects .
When buying a used vehicle , some things to look for are;
The General condition of the outside of the vehicle . Check for little dents , scratches , cracked lights and other damaged parts . These can be indications of neglect and abuse of the vehicle . If the vehicle looks rough on the outside it was likely not maintained very well . Not a good buy !
Test all the doors , all the windows , the trunk lid and the hood for proper operation . On a well kept vehicle these will all open and close easily and quietly .
Check all the tires for even wear . (see ‘Tires’ on this website)
Unevenly worn tires can be a sign of worn steering parts or wheel alignment problems etc .
Test all the lights , windshield wipers , windshield washers , heater and defroster for proper operation . On a well maintained vehicle all equipment will all work right .
If the vehicle has been parked for a while in the same place , move the vehicle and check the ground for fluid spots . This can be a sign of fluid leaks such as engine oil or coolant , transmission leaks etc .
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