Knowing what to look for when it comes to not buying a used car is vital to not coming home with a lemon. No one wants to feel like they’ve been ripped off and the way you avoid doing so is by making sure that you check for a few key factors before you buy the car. You can save yourself a lot of grief by paying close attention to a few things. Sometimes it’s the little details that make the biggest difference in customer satisfaction. If you’re ever in doubt, ask the salesperson very direct questions so that you can be fully educated about what you’re buying.
Ask if the previous owner was a smoker
Are you the type of person who hates the smell of smoke? Maybe you don’t want to drive a car that smells like an ashtray. The reason why you care whether the previous owner is a smoker or not, is to make sure that you don’t buy a stinky cart. You also might have allergies to smoke that cause you to have a reaction. If this is important to you, clear it up with the dealer right away before making the purchase.
Signs of abuse or neglect are always a concern
Is the hood of the car faded? That might be a sign that it sat in a driveway for a long time. There could also be paint on the car that doesn’t match. The reason for the paint that doesn’t match could be that the car was wrecked and needed replacement body parts. The previous owner might have painted the car themselves, and if that’s the case, who knows what else they have done. If you see anything that doesn’t look like normal dings and scratches, be very leery.
The transmission fluid tells a lot about the maintenance of a car
Some are going to say that you should check the oil, and they’re right. However, the real test of a car’s maintenance is in the transmission fluid. If the fluid is brown or looks burnt, there’s a big-time problem on your hand. Transmissions are expensive, and you don’t want to find yourself having to replace one. People are far less concerned about transmission fluid, and that’s why it’s a better indicator of how well the previous owner of the car took care of it. You will more than likely need to have your mechanic take a look at the fluid, but if you’re mechanically inclined, it’s possible to do it yourself.
Always look over a used car with a fine-toothed comb before making the purchase
Inspecting your potential new car can save you so much future hassle and heartaches. You know how difficult it is to have to put up with a car that doesn’t run properly. Nothing can make you feel more upset than dealing with a car that’s always breaking down. Those who shop search for used cars in montclair know this all too well, and it’s why they are some of the pickiest buyers out there. They’ll inspect a car like it’s nobody’s business and ask all the necessary questions before putting down their hard-earned money.