Buying a new car may be a fun and anxiety-free journey, but purchasing a used car will make you wonder if you are making the right choice or not. Therefore, to get the best out of the deal, you need to know what to inspect when purchasing a used car. Below are some of the factors you should consider when buying a used car.
Vehicle’s history
Find out everything you can about the car from the current owner, then make sure you do your research. Running the VIN through a paid service will show you if the car has been in an accident or if it has lines. It will also show you if there are any recalls for that model.
Rust or paint damage
Walk around the body and look for rust spots or paint chipping. You should not be concerned about small localized rust spots since they can be easily repaired. However, if there are areas where the metal is destroyed and rusted, you may want to reconsider the purchase.
Frame issues
Walk around the car and look for signs of damage to the frame. Ask yourself, Does the car stand completely straight on the ground? Does anything seem to be hanging off the chassis? Pay attention to the bumpers and check in the trunk and on the hood for signs of recent accidents such as damaged bolts.
Under the hood
The engine is the most important component of any car. With the car off, open the hood and inspect the engine for leaks, cracked hoses, corrosion, and faulty belts. Look for stains or discoloration on the oil and transmission fluid dipstick. Make sure the oil is light brown and the transmission fluid is red or pink.
Tire condition
Tire tread should be evenly worn, and all four tires should match. Uneven tread or excessive wear on the treads usually indicates poor alignment, which can be a sign of steering, frame, or suspension problems. A poorly aligned car will pull to the left or right when driving.
Mileage
The average vehicle travels up to 20,000 km each year. To find out if a car you are looking at has high or low mileage, divide the number on the odometer by the age of the vehicle. A car with high mileage has more wear and tear on the mechanical components.
Interior electronics
Turning up the radio when your favorite songs are playing is one of the little joys of car ownership. Push some of the buttons and make sure the stereo and other electronic components in the cockpit are working properly.
These are the few tips to keep in mind when purchasing a used car. If you would like to get a used car checked professionally, you're already at the right place. Book an inspection with BeSoji and let us do the rest. Booking is simple, easy and convenient.