3 Tips to Help You Select a Good Used Car If You Don't Know a Thing about Cars

Articles

There may be dozens of used cars to choose from at an auto dealership, so how do you know which one to pick? Well, most people narrow it down by price, what they need in a vehicle, and the condition of the car. As you begin shopping for a used car, you may be clueless when it comes to knowing how to inspect a car you really like. If you can relate and do not have someone to bring with you that knows what to look for, you may want to follow these three tips to help you choose a car that will be dependable.

Use a Magnet to Check the Body

When a car is in an accident and is not fixed properly, you will be able to tell by using a magnet on it. If a car had a dent and the panel was not replaced, the auto body shop that fixed in may have removed the dent with filler. While this is not an issue as far as looks go, it can cause some problems. The main problem is that this area on the vehicle might start to rust faster than it should.

If you want to check the body of a car, place a magnet on it. The magnet will stick to metal, but it will not stick to filler. If you place the magnet on the car in a lot of places, you may be able to detect some areas on the body that were not fixed quite right.

Smell and Examine Interior for Signs of Water Damage

If a car is exposed to water damage, the title should reveal this, but you might not be able to see the title right away. Buying a car that has been water damaged could be a really bad thing, though, so you will want to take the right steps to make sure this is not the case. When a car has been water damaged, it could have major problems, and here are some signs to look for as you shop for a car:

• Strange smell in the car—Cars that have been submerged in water often have a strange smell.
• Moldy smell when AC is turned on—You should turn the AC on when looking at a car. If it has been water damaged, you are likely to smell mold or mildew when you turn the AC on.
• Stains on carpet—You should carefully look at the carpet and floor boards in the vehicle to see if there are any signs of staining. While a used car may have a few stains here and there, the entire floor should not be stained.

If you suspect water damage, ask the dealer if you can see the title. If the car has been water damaged, the title may say "salvage title" on it.

Test Drive The Car and Try Everything in It

Finally, you should never buy a used car without test driving it first. As you begin, listen to the way it sounds when you start it. Does the car start easily? Does the engine sound normal? As you drive it, carefully take notice on how it shifts, and always test the brakes to see how they work.

You may also want to test the power windows and door locks in the vehicle, as well as the radio, HVAC system, and windshield wipers. In addition, you should check the lights and any other components the car may have.

If you are not sure whether to buy the car or not, you could always ask the auto dealer if you could drive it to a local auto shop to have it examined. This is a great step to take just to make sure everything is working as it should.

Buying a used car does not have to be difficult, but it does require knowing what to look for. If you are ready to begin shopping for one, visit a used car dealership in your area today. 

14 January 2016