How To Buy A Trouble-Free Used Car
If you want to save money when buying a car, getting a used, reliable vehicle can be a great idea. You can get yourself a fantastic ride if you follow our guidelines detailed here:
Look At Old Car Ads Online
Let’s say you want to buy a car that is more than 10 years old. If you do your homework, you can still get a reliable vehicle.
Take a look at how many used car ads you notice online for old vehicles you are considering. This may be a good indication of how long that 10 or 15-year old vehicle will last.
For example, if you scan the internet for 15-year-old Honda Accords in your city, you’ll probably find a bunch. Does this guarantee the old Honda you buy will be bulletproof?
You can’t say for sure how a particular Honda was treated or maintained (but looking at the vehicle’s CarFax can give you some important information).
However, it’s a good indicator that the car is generally reliable, and there are many still on the road.
On the other hand, if you look for 15-year-old VWs, you probably won’t see as many car ads. VWs generally have a reputation for being affordable and fun to drive, but there aren’t as many old ones on the road.
When you do pick out a car to try, make sure you check the oil pan drain plug and spark plugs for thread wear. It’s important to make sure the old car has been fitted with precise parts for more longevity.
Inspect The Car Before Driving It
Take a close look at the interior and exterior of the car before taking it for a test spin. For example, you should verify that the check engine, airbag, and antilock brake lights come on when you start it. But they should go off after one or two seconds.
If they don’t come on or one stays on, there could be a problem.
Also, take a look at the tires and make sure they have plenty of treads and the wear is even. If they don’t, the car may not be well maintained. You still could buy the car, but you should deduct $300 or $400 from the price.
Next, look for oil sludge buildup when you take off the oil cap. Look inside the engine as best you can with a flashlight.
It’s also important to check the fluids. Look at the brake fluid; it should be gold or dark brown.
Coolant can be many colors, but don’t buy a car if you see a rust color in the fluid. You will need to spend a lot on cooling system repairs that you don’t want.
It’s very important to check the oil level and color, too. If it’s a quart low, that’s a bad sign. And if it’s black, it probably isn’t changed often.
Take A Drive
When you drive the car, see if there is anything to suggest the car isn’t safe. For example, look for a brake pedal that goes to the floor, a broken windshield, a warning light, or extremely worn tires.
Also, watch if the car pulls to one side or if it takes a long time to start. A rough idle could suggest a fuel filter or PCV valve problem. Or there could be something wrong with the fuel injectors.
Remembering these simple tips will help you find the best and most reliable used car for your money.
