Purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is a great way to find a deal on a car you love and save some extra bucks. However, there are a few essential things that should be running smoothly in the car for the purchase to be worth it. You do not want to purchase a vehicle that is just going to require you to sink more and more cash into it in order to get it to work. With just a little bit of preparation, you can sure you are getting a great deal and not just committing to more trips to the mechanic. Wade Auto recommends three non-negotiable things that you should know about the vehicle when considering purchasing it. Keep reading to learn what to look for when buying a used car.
Perform a Used Car Pre-Purchase Inspection
A great tip for when you are trying to decide whether to purchase a used car is to take it to an independent mechanic to give it a thorough look over before pulling the trigger. It should be noted that all three non-negotiables can be found by performing your own used car inspection, but it is a smart idea to find an independent contractor to do it for you.
Not only is it easy to miss something when you do it on your own, but sometimes you might be so excited to have found the make and model of the car you want that you miss something important. If you have the opportunity, taking the car you are considering purchasing into a mechanic is the way to go. But either way, these are the three non-negotiables that should be red flags when considering purchasing a pre-owned vehicle:
Hoses and Belts
This is one of the more minor of the three, but it’s still something that can cost you time and money if you don’t catch it before you purchase the vehicle. Ask the previous owner, and then check for yourself, to learn how recently the hoses and belts have been replaced. You can even squeeze them with your fingers for a quick check. The rubber should be soft and squishy. If it is cracked or hard you can expect to have to fork over some good cash to replace it in the near future. Something like the timing belt can be especially expensive if it hasn’t been recently replaced.
Fluid Leaks
You can never be sure when a slow leak from the car or engine can turn into a big problem. When checking for leaks make sure to also check all fluid-levels and make certain that they are all within the safe area. Leaks can be a sign of old fixtures, old hoses, or cracks. Checking the fluid levels can help to determine if a car is hemorrhaging fluids or not.
Metal Flakes in the Oil
When you are checking all of the fluid levels, be especially attentive when checking the oil and be on the lookout for any specks of metal. Any specks of metal in the car’s oil means that there is a serious problem and could mean the engine is on the verge of exploding.
The term “lemon” is used to denote a car that seemed great at first, but then turned out to be a dud, leaving you with a sour taste in your mouth. However, by checking for these three simple non-negotiables you are bound to find a reliable car. And now that you know how to avoid purchasing a lemon, once you buy your used car, check out Wade Auto for affordable parts to help fix up your new vehicle.