ALT-1 Buying a used Car
Things to Check Before Buying a Used Car
Normally when people buy a new car, they can be drawn in by the shine of the paint or a flashy new set of tires. So naturally, when people buy a used car they look for the same things. Unfortunately this can lead them astray.
When buying a used car, it is important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle. Logically, the most important things to check are the most expensive things to repair. Now, not everyone is an auto expert, so it isn't practical to inspect an engine, but a simple way to check its condition is to start up the car. Does it turn over quickly and start right up? Does is emit smoke upon starting or being put into gear? Thin gray smoke is a natural by-product of the burning of fossil fuels. Thick black smoke, on the other hand, is a sure sign of a problem.
Another thing to carefully inspect is the body and frame of the car. Rust spots are not an automatic no-no, but spots where the metal is rusted out and you can see the interior are. If parts of the car look like they were cleaned of rust and redone, it is very important to find the materials that were used. Metal plates can be very expensive and soldering even more expensive, but in order for a car to be safe and to prevent further rusting, they are a must. Many owners will try to fix it the cheap way: with bond-o or some type of clay or plastic based filler. A simple way to check the nature of the materials is to place a simple magnet on the affected area. If it sticks, you are good-to-go, if it doesn't, you might want to reconsider.
Also, the tires of a car can be very expensive to replace. It is important to carefully inspect the treads and studs of the tires, and also to inspect the color of the tire itself. If a car is older than 10 years, the tires can degrade by sunlight. This will soften the rubber and decrease the car's handling and grip on the road. On ANY car, the treads and studs should be inspected. Each state has varying laws regarding these, but if the treads are warn down and there is little definition on the tires, you can be sure that they will need to be replaced. The average tire costs anywhere between $200-$400 a piece, so be sure that you take a look before you buy.
References:
TIW. "Tire Advice on Care and Use." Tire Information World Home Page. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. <http://www.tire-information-world.com/tire-advice.html>.
