What to Inspect Before Buying a Used Car

There are many things to consider when buying a used car, but one of the most critical steps is the inspection process. Unfortunately, many people stray away from inspections for several reasons; they don’t want to pay the extra money, they don’t want the hassle, or they don’t realize how readily available inspections are. The good news is that there are several red flags you can look for when shopping for a used car. Discover them below.

Vehicle Report

Thanks to websites like Carfax and AutoCheck, used car shoppers can check the vehicle history of used cars. Using a vehicle’s identification number, or VIN, allows you to see details about a car’s ownership, accident history, title status, mileage, etc. Vehicle history reports give shoppers peace of mind and help them make informed decisions.

Visual Inspection

When doing a visual inspection, you are looking for things like paint damage, rust, corrosion, Bondo, frame issues such as uneven gaps, exterior lights holding water, tire condition, etc. Using a small magnet, you can tell if Bondo has been used to repair a car. If the magnet doesn’t pull towards the car, Bondo or body filler may be in that area. Uneven gaps in the frame can mean that the car was in an accident and wasn’t repaired correctly. If the car’s exterior lights have moisture, the car may have suffered water damage. Check the exhaust pipe for black greasy residue. That is a sign that the vehicle may be burning oil.

It is essential to pay close attention to the tires. They can tell a lot about the condition of a vehicle and its alignment. Look at the tires’ wear and identify if it shows any signs of unusual wear on the treads. The first thing you should notice when getting into a used car is the smell. It may have some sort of water damage if it smells like mold or mildew. Next, lift all the carpets and inspect for rust or corrosion. Finally, don’t forget to test out all the vehicle’s electronics, a/c, and other features. 

Engine

Lift the hood and inspect the engine for any rust, corrosion, belt or tube damage, unnatural welds, low fluid, dirty filters, or repairs from the vehicle being in an accident. If possible, it’s a great idea to slide under the car and look at the engine from beneath. If you notice any colorful fluids or oils leaking, I recommend having these inspected further. Look for socket marks on the bolt heads for signs of possible repairs. Look for paint lines and overspray on the inside of the fenders. That could be a sign they were replaced or repaired.

Test Drive

A test drive is a vital part of the used car buying process. Most people don’t use their time behind the wheel during a test drive effectively. Most vehicle problems won’t arise on a simple drive around the block. Instead, take the vehicle to a large empty parking lot, test the brakes, and listen to the engine.

Professional Inspection

After you have completed your inspection, it is always a good idea to have a professional look at any vehicle you are seriously considering buying. Professionals have a keen eye for possible red flags because they are more practiced at finding and fixing them.

Quality Used Cars at Jerry Seiner Chevy Casa Grande

When you buy a used car, used truck, or used SUV you get lower prices and little to no vehicle depreciation. Buying a used Chevrolet from Jerry Seiner Casa Grande guarantees all those things as well as assurance that you are getting the best value for your money. Our used cars are carefully chosen for the best quality and sold to you at a competitive price. In addition, we have used car specials as another bonus for purchasing a used car from us that will help you save even more money. Our used dealership is proud to be your home of quality used cars for sale near Mesa and Phoenix.