How to #3 - How To Check A Used Vehicle Before Buying It

              Purchasing from a reputable dealership is a really wise decision when it comes to buying a used vehicle. A good dealership will be looking out for your best interest, they should be ensuring the vehicle has been inspected and in good condition. With this being said it is important not to put all of the responsibility in the hands of the dealership, after all you are the only one who knows your standards.  You don’t want to take a vehicle home to find out a few days later that it is not up to your expectations.  Often, if there is something that you notice at the dealership you can bring it to their attention and they will be able to address your concerns on the spot. You have to have realistic expectations, remember you are buying used and depending on the age of vehicle there will be some imperfections. Also, the asking price usually reflects these blemishes. Knowing at the time of purchase is easier to live with rather than finding out later. Make sure you take the time to thoroughly inspect your purchase before you buy. 

                Start with the exterior. Walk around the vehicle and have a good look at the condition of the paint; take note of any dents, rust, paint chips, or scratches. Take a look at the windshield; see if it has any cracks or chips. The tires should be looked over as well; look at the tire tread, make sure it is not too worn. Also, look at the side walls of the tires, there shouldn’t be any cracks or bulges. A good sales person will have nothing to hide and will often point out these flaws.

                Now go ahead and pop the hood. I know not everyone knows their way around a motor, but don’t worry you don’t have to be a mechanic to have a look under the hood. What you are looking for here is the basic condition of the motor. You want to look at the hoses and make sure they are not cracked or split. Look at the interior of the hood and motor frame; see if there are any dents or rust.  The motor should be relatively clean. Check for any leaks, look under the vehicle to ensure nothing has been dripping on the ground. You could go even further to check the fluids: Oil, transmission fluid, etc. Again remember that you don’t have to be a professional, just make sure the fluids are not below level and that nothing looks out of sorts. If you are not sure, ask.

                If you feel that you have given the motor and exterior a good once over then turn your attention to the interior. Have a look at the upholstery and carpet. The seals around the doors should get a quick inspection too, make sure they aren’t sagging or cracked. Turn the vehicle on and test out the radio, heater, A/C, power windows, locks, and any other electrical features. The trunk should also be checked out. See if there is a spare tire on board, is there a jack? 

                You’ve looked the vehicle over inside and out, now it’s time for a test drive. This is a very important step in your overall check. This is when you really get a feel for how it handles. Make sure you have enough time to take it for a good spin. It’s best if you have an opportunity to try driving around town where you can do lots of starting and stopping, as well as trying it out on the highway. You are going to be using all of your senses here to make sure things are up to par- except your sense of taste, that’s not necessary. Turn down the radio, you really want to pay attention to any noises you hear; rattling, squeaking, rumbling, these could be an indication of something that needs attention.  Take note of any vibrations, if you feel any shaking that is also a sign that there could be a problem. Smells are also important to pay attention to, if it smells like something is burning or you smell anything unusual make sure to bring it up to your sales person. If you do see, hear, or smell anything unusual pay close attention to what you were doing when you noticed a problem, were you turning or stopping? What speed were you going? Knowing this will help the dealership to identify the source. Some people like to take the vehicle to a shop for an additional inspection (we already have a 50 point safety inspection done on every vehicle we sell.)

                Used car dealerships have a bad rap, rest assured we are not all the same. A good dealership will take care of their customers throughout the buying process and well into the future. They will also take good care of their inventory, making sure maintenance on their vehicles is a priority. We do our best to have a great product to suit your needs, but ultimately you should make sure are taking measures into your own hands to ensure your satisfaction. If you are dealing with a reputable dealership then your experience should be stress free, you shouldn't have to go over everything with a fine tooth comb. Just know what is important to you. This will help you to feel confident with your purchase and help you to get years of enjoyment from your vehicle.   

-Muriel Rolufs