Used cars buyers By P B Gill

There is always a risk when buying a used . In the past there was the fear that the odometer reading was turned back . Though it is possible that this could still happen , on rare occasion , it is pretty much a thing of the past . Many cars and light trucks now have electronic speedometers and odometers . Service on these is done in specialty shops . It is not a thing that just any mechanic can do so the cost to alter an odometer reading would defeat the purpose .

The worst problem you could get involved in with buying a used vehicle is a rebuilds . These are very rare , and reputable car dealers will not sell them ever . Vehicles that have been involved in serious accidents and then repaired , for resale . I have seen cars that were , the front of a car that had major damage to the rear and the rear of a car that had major front end damage , were cut and the good halves were patched together to make one car . This is a deadly action and is not legal anywhere that I know of . In most jurisdictions any major damage to an auto must be declared , every time the vehicle is resold or changes hands . I tested and condemned a vehicle (in the 70s) that was resold 5 times without the major collision damage being declared . The girl (I did the test for ) that bought the car , could not drive it straight on the road , the car was so bad . The history of the car was traced and it was found that the owner at the time of a major collision did declare the damage . The next owner resold the car and did not declare the damage . Two more owners were unaware of the damage . The court made the second owner , (who failed to declare ), buy the car from the fifth owner for the price that she paid plus all repair bills she had .

Things to look for are , new paint (specially on low mileage vehicles ), fresh paint or undercoat underneath the vehicle , unusual marks (scratches etc) on the chassis or frame . If you are suspicious of the a vehicle might have been in a serious accident , stay away of it and buy a different vehicle.

Many jurisdictions now require that a vehicle owner history be purchased before the vehicle is transferred. You can ask the seller for an owner history if you have any questions about the vehicle . Contacting the previous owner to fine out the condition and history before you buy is a good idea when ever possible .

Inspection of the vehicle by a mechanic is a good idea ,but it will cost you .

If you had every vehicle you looked at , inspected it would cost a fortune.

Things to look for are . General condition of the out side , check for dents , cracked lights and damaged parts etc . These can be a sign of abuse and neglect . Test the operation of all doors and all windows , as well as the hood and trunk lid . If the vehicle is well kept these will all open and close properly and quietly . Check the tires for even wear (see tires in this website). Test lights , wipers washers etc for proper operation .

If the vehicle has been parked for a while , if you move it and then check the spot were it was parked for fresh oil (etc) stains it could warn you of possible fluid leaks problem .

Check under the hood . Visually inspect for leaks dirt etc. Also inspect for neatness , wiring , hoses and parts in there proper places and properly secured . This is and indication of good maintenance . Parts out of place indicates sloppy maintenance (some one did not care when the worked on it). Radiator coolant color and odor . (check cold only). The colors of coolant very but good coolants are normally bright shades and the odor is faint . If the coolant is dull or brown color , or has a strong odor. These on a lower mileage vehicles , can indicate a lot high heat , operating commonly relative to a lot of city or very high speed driving. Remove the engine oil dip stick and check on the stick its self for stains or discolor . If the stick is discolored or has a varnish like stain on it , this could indicate the very long periods between oil changes or the use of a very poor engine quality oil . A very strong burnt type odor will usually be present in these engines , when the oil cap is removed.

Remove the transmission dipstick and check for stains and discolor on the stick .a discolored stick indicates very warm operation due to city or high speed driving . Also check the fluid color and odor . Brownish color or strong and burnt type odor are indication of high mileage with out proper service.

If you are not sure of what to look for when checking for fluid colors odors , you could go to a new car dealer and check a new car first . This will help you to know what colors and odors are normal . The dealer is always willing to show you a new car . Who knows ,you might by it.

Road test . This is very important . The road test should involve all driving conditions low speed and highway , smooth roads and rough roads . Non- traffic roads are best to test a car you are not used to . Some dealers may even let you drive the car a day or so ,which is the best way to test it.

Acceleration should be smooth with No hesitation , vibrations or miss.

There should not be any rattles , thumps , bumps or noises when driving and no vibrations .

On a straight and level road , the car should go straight , with no steering effort and the steering wheel should be completely straight .

When slowing or stopping the car should stay straight with no steering effort . If a vehicle does not steer straight or brake straight , you can loose control in an emergency situation or in slippery road conditions.

Low mileage vehicles are normally low risk .

Now days many new cars are leased and turned in for more new leased vehicles , so there are many good used cars and trucks on the lots these days . If you see the vehicle you want done fall in love with it until you shop around . Get lots of prices on similar vehicles first . This will give you some idea of what price you should pay . It will also give some leverage to deal for the best price on the car or truck you buy.

Warranties .

Be ware of percentage warranties such as 15% parts and labor warranties . These low rate warranties are a sales gimic and give you no protection at all.

The 50/50 warranties are not much better as you could be paying a larger 50 than the dealers 50. Full warranties are the best even if the time is a little shorter than a partial one . The main idea of a used car warranty is you let you drive the vehicle long enough to know it has no faults and to cover any adjustment it may need to satisfy you . Get any promises or guarantees in writing .

Low mileage vehicles may have factory warranty available or the balance of new car warranty . These are good . After market warranties are also available . Some of these are good and some not so good. Read the contract of any warranty before you buy it . What does it really cover and what deductable must you pay . Is the deductable per visit to the repair shop or pre repair. Per visit is better .

So visually inspect , check over , road test and get all promises, guarantees and warranties in writing.