ALT-1 How to Buy Good used Cars
Doing your homework and research about the car you would like to purchase can be valuable tools with helping you to get a dependable vehicle that is worth the price being asked. To simplify the process of looking at used cars, it can help to have a standard check-list for each vehicle you look at. Copies of the list can be made from the master so you have a new sheet for each vehicle.
When you find a vehicle you are interested in looking at further be sure to go to the Kelly Blue Book web-site so a summary can be completed to find out if it is being priced correctly. This will also help you to know how much bargaining room you have available when negotiating the price. There are a number of web-sites available today where the VIN number of the vehicle can be entered and a report will be generated informing you if the car has been in previous accidents or had repair issues. There is usually a small fee with these companies but the information is very valuable.
When inspecting a used car take a dollar bill, small piece of cloth with you as well as a small hand mirror and a small magnet. Begin by inspecting the exterior of the car. Begin with the body and look for possible Bondo work due to an accident or damage to the vehicle. A good way to find this if you do not have an experienced eye is to place the small magnet over the piece of cloth on the fender areas. If the magnet does not adhere to it then it is likely Bondo and has been involved in an a prior accident. Look underneath the vehicle for possible leaks such as oil, transmission or brake fluid. Make sure the doors close tightly by placing a dollar in between the window and the door. Then close the door and tug lightly on the dollar bill. If the dollar bill is easy to remove, this might be sign that the body is out of alignment or it has been in an accident.
Then inspect the interior of the vehicle by looking at the floorboard to make sure there is not any moisture or rust. Look at the condition of the seats. Make sure all of the lights and turn signals are operating properly. Check all the electrical functions of the vehicle such as power locks and windows, the radio and any other like gadgets. It is best to have a car you are interested in looked over by a qualified mechanic before making the purchase. Test drive the vehice to check for proper alignment. The tread on the tires is another thing you must look at during inspection.
By paying attention to the vehicle and doing a little homeowrk you should be able to find a decent running used vehicle.
