Extensive Consumer-Friendly Checklist When Buying from a Used Car Dealer

Buying your next car or even your first car is a very big deal. Let's face it; our cars get us everywhere that we are going like work, errands, to visit friends and more. When buying from used car dealers there are some tips you need to know before ever leaving the lot.

Check the Used Car for Good Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers are important on all cars whether the car is new or used. Not only that but these things are expensive to replace. Put your body weight on the corner of the car that you are thinking about buying. If the car bounces up and down at all when you release your body weight there is a problem.

Guess what? If the car bounces, it probably needs new shock absorbers or will need them very soon. Ask the used car dealers if they are going to replace the shocks for you prior to your purchase and taking the car off the lot.

Radiator Condition

The condition of the radiator is important. Pop the hood of the car that you want to buy and make sure that the radiator has no rust. Remove the radiator cap and check the radiator fluid for rust. If there is any type of rust on the radiator, there are probably hidden mechanical problems. You do not want to buy this car and should select a different one.

Oil Condition

Ask used car dealers to turn the engine to idle. Allow the auto you want to buy to idle for several minutes. Measure the oil and look at the oil. The oil should read as full. You should not see any white bubbles when you remove the oil cap. Also, the oil should not be white. Oil that is any shade of white indicates some major, major engine problems that are going to cost you a fortune down the road to repair. You want to skip buying a car that has any problems with the oil.

Clean or Dirty Tail Pipe

If the rings are worn or the valves in need of repairs, this can become extremely costly. Guess what? The warranty will probably not cover these repairs! Check the tail pipe of the auto you want to buy for any dark or black gummy, goopy or smutty build up. A dirty tail pipe will let you know that the auto you want to buy is going to cost you a fortune later on. Move onto the next vehicle on the lost.

Leaky Car?