Buying a car is one of the most important purchases we make in our lives. For many of us, this is the second most expensive purchase. But buying a new car also comes with have lots of hidden costs – depreciation and financing to name just two. That’s why buying used trucks in avon has become so popular among budget-conscious shoppers – it means cheaper cars, lower taxes and fees, and more money left in your pocket over time.
But there are many risks involved when buying from an individual or at a private vehicle sale event without researching the seller first or inspecting the vehicle yourself. Luckily for you, these tips will help you inspect vehicles when checking out used cars at dealerships so that you can avoid making any costly mistakes.
- Look for signs of damage
While it is still possible to find a great car at a discount when buying used, don’t take chances with something that looks as if it has been in an accident. When inspecting used vehicles, look for these telltale signs:
- Cracks in the windows or doors
- Damaged wheel rotors
- Any brand new undercarriage protection plate missing
- Any holes in the sheet metal beneath the hood and trunk area
- Tinted windows that appear too large for the lights within. This is often caused by damage from hail and other weather-related events.
- Shine a flashlight inside
Check the dashboard, footwells and trunk for any damage. If there’s been any damage to these areas during an accident, it’ll likely be covered up by an insurance company to ensure they don’t have to pay out on repairs.
- Check the interior
Before you sit down and start driving, take a good look around the interior of the vehicle and check for any problems or defects – especially those that could indicate water or smoke damage.
- Check the backseat for cigarette burns or melted seat covers.
- Look over everything in plain sight inside the cabin for cracked surfaces and discoloration on fabric seats, armrests and headliners.
- If possible, open up the glove box and inspect the contents for damage. Look for items left behind by previous owners that may point to problems with the vehicle such as missing manuals or failed inspections.
When inspecting used cars, take a good look at the pedals, brake and accelerator pedal mechanisms. Check to see if they have excessive wear and tear on them that could be causing mechanical issues down the road or if they show signs of tampering.
- Even if it doesn’t look like the pedals have been tampered with, take your foot and press it down on each pedal several times to make sure they return smoothly to their original positions.