The used car market provides drivers with a diverse selection of reliable vehicles. Whether you’re in the market for a compact sedan or a large SUV, there is something to fit your lifestyle and budget.
Shoppers should research the make and model that interests them to take advantage of used-car values and reliability ratings. They should also consult used-car value guides and compare prices online. Contact Used Cars Antioch CA now!
The used car market is booming, and it’s no wonder: You can save money and get behind the wheel of a quality vehicle that you can enjoy for years to come. But buying a used car can also be risky if you don’t know what to look for or how to do a thorough inspection. This guide will walk you through the most important aspects of a used car inspection, helping you find hidden problems that may otherwise go unnoticed.
The first step in a used car inspection is to check the body for damage. Look for dents and scratches, as well as any signs of repainting. You’ll also want to inspect the panel alignment and gaps for consistency. If they are uneven, it could mean that the car was repaired badly in the past. Finally, be sure to open and close all the doors, hood and trunk and look for signs of rust or corrosion on the body.
Once you’ve inspected the body, it’s time to move on to the windows and exterior lights. Be sure to test all the headlights, taillights and turn signals. It’s also a good idea to test the backup and fog lights, too. If any of them aren’t working, it can be a serious safety hazard.
Finally, take a close look at the tires to see if they are evenly worn and if the brand and size match. If the tires are showing excessive wear, it could indicate suspension issues or misalignment.
Lastly, be sure to ask for a copy of the car’s service history. This will help you determine whether or not the car has been regularly maintained. You’ll want to avoid cars with a history of neglect, as this can lead to future problems that will be expensive to repair. You should also look for any oil leaks, rust in the engine bay and any odd smells coming from the cabin. It’s always a good idea to have a professional mechanic do a full inspection before you buy a used car. They will have the knowledge and experience necessary to detect any potential problems and give you a better idea of what the car is actually worth.
Inspect the Interior
Whether you’re buying from a private seller or car dealer, an in-depth inspection of the interior of any used car is essential to ensure its overall safety and functionality. This evaluation will also allow you to identify potential problems before they become a problem, giving you confidence in your purchasing decision and laying the groundwork for additional professional inspections that any vehicle worth more than a few hundred dollars warrants.
Open the Hood and Inspect for Signs of Leaks
Before moving on to other parts of the car, pop the hood and check for signs of leaks or corrosion. This can indicate a lack of proper maintenance and care. Inspect the fluid levels as well, particularly engine oil and coolant. If these are low, it can be a sign that the vehicle needs a replacement.
Test the Windows and Locks
While examining the outside of the vehicle, walk around it checking the doors, trunk and hood for rust and dents. Small dings are normal, but large ones may be a sign of neglect or accident damage. Also, check the paint job for consistency and any evidence of tampering, such as signs of bodywork or paint mismatches.
Once you’ve inspected the exterior, it’s time to move inside and look at the condition of the seats, carpeting, dash, door panels and trunk. Pay special attention to the trunk, ensuring it’s large enough for your daily routine, especially if you frequently carry a child stroller or oversized sports equipment. Also, be sure the trunk seals tightly and doesn’t smell musty.
Finally, be sure to test all the electronics, including the radio and navigation system, as well as any power windows and locks. If the vehicle has a sunroof or moonroof, make sure it opens and closes easily and without any air leakage. You can also take this opportunity to inspect the tires, making sure they’re all wearing evenly and that the brand is the same as the one on the vehicle. If you can, drive the vehicle over some rough pavement to hear how it handles and listen for squeaks, rattles or other strange noises.
Test Drive It
During a test drive, you can better evaluate the car’s performance and comfort. Oftentimes, mechanical problems don’t make themselves known until you take the vehicle on a long trip. Identifying problems like engine, transmission, and brake issues early on can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road.
Try to drive the vehicle for as long as possible, and on different roads. If you’re shopping during the coronavirus pandemic, bring a child seat and dog crate to test their fit. Also, make sure you bring any other gear that you commonly use to transport in your car so that you can assess how much storage space there is.
When driving the vehicle, be sure to listen for any odd noises or vibrations that may indicate potential mechanical problems. During the test drive, it’s helpful to have someone accompany you so that you can ask questions and get additional perspectives about the vehicle. If you feel comfortable, bring a spouse or family member with you to help you assess the vehicle more objectively.
If you are shopping for a used car, be sure to bring along your smartphone or MP3 player to play music during the test drive and to check out the infotainment system. You can also use this time to determine if the car has sufficient USB ports or if it has any other features that are important to you. If you are planning to buy the vehicle, you can even load suitcases and other gear in the trunk to see if it fits your lifestyle.
During the test drive, you can also ask the dealer to bring the vehicle to your home or office. A legitimate seller will respect this request and do so happily if it’s convenient for you. This will give you the opportunity to park the car in your driveway and to drive it on local roads, as well as to see how it fits into your garage. This is especially useful if you’re considering buying a larger model and want to ensure that it will fit in your parking garage.
Get Pre-Approved for Financing
When shopping for a used car, it’s a good idea to get preapproved for your loan before you visit dealerships. It will help you narrow down your search and avoid spending time looking at cars that are over your budget. The lender will provide you with an estimate of how much you can borrow, based on the information it receives from your credit report and your current financial situation.
This preapproval will not be a guarantee of a loan, since the lender needs to verify your information when you finalize the car purchase. However, it’s better than relying on prequalification which is often based on limited information and can be withdrawn if your finances change significantly.
You’ll also benefit from having a firm idea of what your monthly payment can be, allowing you to engage in purposeful conversations about the price and loan features of the vehicle that you want. This can reduce the stress and pressure of making such decisions in a dealer’s finance office, where it’s easy to lose track of the clock and overspend.
It’s also helpful to compare loan offers from a few lenders before heading to the dealership. Some lenders will offer a lower interest rate than others, so it’s worth comparing rates and terms. You can also use a calculator to estimate your payments, which will factor in the car’s cost and additional costs such as taxes and fees.
In addition to lowering the overall cost of your car, getting preapproved for your financing can also protect you from dealership markups of interest rates and loan terms. A lot of dealerships advertise competitive interest rates, but may then inflate them or add extra dealer fees to make a profit. By having a preapproved loan with an independent lender, you can compare these quotes and make sure that the loan amount you’re offered is accurate.
Finally, some lenders restrict the type of used vehicles they will finance. It’s important to find out these restrictions before you fall in love with a car that won’t meet their criteria, as choosing a vehicle outside of those parameters could result in a denied loan or less favorable loan terms.