To buy or not to buy…evaluating a used car

 

You’ve done your research, figured out what’s affordable and after months of pondering whether to purchase a new or used car, you’re opting for pre-owned. You’ve decided on a make and model, and even picked out your top three color choices. As you begin the search for the perfect used vehicle, there are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping.

Used Car Outside Evaluation

Do a walk around and look carefully at the outside of the vehicle. Look at the headlights – a cracked halogen headlamp could be expensive to repair. Check the windshield for scratches, cracks or stars. Does the paint match? Look at the overall fit of the body components. If the paint is off or something such as the trim is not lining up, this could be a sign that the vehicle has been repainted or some body work has been done. Evidence of previous body repair also can be detected in the trunk and under the hood. A small refrigerator magnet carefully placed (you don’t want to scratch the paint) along various parts of the car’s body panels can indicate that body work has been done on the vehicle. If filler is present, the magnet will not stick.

Further Inspection

While looking for signs of bodywork in the trunk, make sure that there is a spare tire and jack. (For some SUVs, the spare is stowed underneath the rear of the vehicle.) Also, check for dampness. Before and after the test drive, you will want to look for leaks underneath the vehicle. Keep in mind that if you’ve used the air conditioner, clear liquid under the car is okay. Also, take a look under the hood to examine the belts and hoses for cracking and don’t forget to check those fluids. Low levels could indicate poor maintenance.

Inside the Used Car

Inside the car, make sure that all of the equipment is functioning properly.

• Does the heater and AC work?
• How about the radio and CD player?
• Is the wear and tear on the interior of the vehicle appropriate for the car’s age and mileage?

When you’re driving, listen for strange noises and pay attention to how the car handles. And remember, with the VIN you can obtain a vehicle history report from most dealership or online. It's always best to do a little homework on the front end instead of regretting your purchase later. 

Our motto, "Whiteside's Gives You More!" means we want the best for you. Whether you buy from us or someone else, we want to make sure that you're driving a safe used car.