Used Car Buying Tips

When buying a used car or truck there are a few important things that you can check to ensure you're not buying a headache waiting to happen.

The following are a few things to check when shopping for a used car:

Tires: Check that each tire on the vehicle is wearing its tread evenly. This will ensure that there is no frame damage on the vehicle. The tires do not have to be very new or even good for that matter, but you do want to be sure that they are not wearing more on one side of the vehicle than the other.

Oil: Be sure to check the cars oil level. A well maintained vehicle will have an oil level which is at least near the suggested full level on the engines dip stick. Also check for a golden colored oil and that there are no icky deposits or white foam inside the engines oli compartment. White icky deposits will signify a bad oil water mixture which can be a major problem down the road. If the oil is just dirty (black) the car could be fine and just not had it's oil changed as often as it should, but if the oil is golden in color and fairly clean, then you should be in good shape.

Transmission: The best way to test a transmission is to drive the vehicle. When getting into the vehicle, with the car running, try shifting the transmission into all gears to make sure it switches gears properly. Drive the vehicle and make sure the vehicle shifts into each gear properly while moving. Be sure to go over as fast as the law permits to ensure all gears including overdrive does work and shift properly. After the vehicle has been driven or running, you can also check the transmission fluid (automatic vehicles only). Make sure it does not seem burnt or contain any materials in the fluid. Material in the fluid could represent warn internal parts.

Water: If the car has not been started you may want to check the vehicles water or antifreeze level. DO NOT CHECK THE LEVEL IF THE CAR IS HOT! It is very dangerous to do so as there will be pressure in the radiator if the car is hot and you can be badly burned by the antifreeze or coolant if it is to shoot out from pressure. I always want to see a full level of coolant in a car I am about to purchase.

These are just a few things to check when inspecting a vehicle before purchase. There are many other things a professional would check, but as a novice, if you at least check these things, you should be in good shape. Happy used car hunting!