High prices for used cars has a lot of people shopping for older cars in a bid to save money.
Most cars built since the late 1990s have a longer lifespan and can still provide several years of good service.
There is much risk in buying an older car, especially if you are not buying the vehicle from the original owner or the car's maintenance history is spotty at best.
Running a Carfax report may fill in most of the gaps, but there is always a chance that something was missed such as the flood damage it received.
When buying a used car, the following must always be considered: 1.
Examine the body.
The car's body should be in good condition, with no rust present.
The finish should be clear with no signs of peeling.
If the car was repainted, ask the owner why.
It could be as simple as wanting to give the vehicle a new car look.
Or, he might be hiding something such as salt damage.
Only look at a car during daylight -- artificial light won't give you a true picture of the car's condition.
2.
Inspect the tires.
If the tires are new, then you have no issue here.
Older tires, however, can show signs of wear including bowing, cracking and tread wear.
Assess the tires to determine how much life is left in them.
Check the spare too -- it might be worn or flat.
3.
Check the interior.
Look closely at the inside of the car.
Seats and carpeting should be in good condition; the dash should not be cracked.
Older cars will show signs of faded trim, worn mats and discoloration.
Check the heating, air-conditioning, audio system and other components to ensure that everything is working.
4.
Turn on the car.
With the radio and climate control system off, engage the ignition.
The car should start up immediately and no strange noises should come from underneath the hood or from the exhaust system.
Put the car in gear and take note of how its shifts.
Pull away gradually and pick up your speed, shifting between gears.
Stop the car and put it in reverse.
5.
Test the brakes.
Take the car up to cruising speed and then slam on the brakes.
The car should remain under your control with the antilock brake system kicking in.
Screeching brakes are normal, but failing brakes are not.
6.
Activate the lights.
Turn on the headlights to ensure that they are working -- high and low beams.
Get out and observe the same, check the turn signal lights, fog lights and brake lights.
Look closely at the headlamps -- there should be no moisture gathering inside.
7.
Pop the hood.
Underneath the hood is where major problems can be observed.
Check the engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid to ensure that fluids are clean and not contaminants are present.
Start the car again and listen carefully.
Tapping, chatter or other misplaced noise can mean trouble.
8.
Observe belts and hoses.
Hoses and belts should be in good condition with no signs of cracking, weakness or wear.
Belts should be tight, including the timing belt, a part that can cost you plenty if you need to replace it.
9.
Explore the electrical system.
The battery should be clean, fairly new with secure connections.
When you start the car, the lights should be bright, the radio loud and the HVAC system working without a problem.
If lights are faded, it can be a sign of an electrical problem, such as a fading alternator, a weak generator or a loose connection.
10.
Raise the car.
At some point, you will want to get the car off the ground.
By putting it on a lift, you can do a more extensive check of the suspension system, the exhaust system and look for signs of damage including water.
The catalytic converter should be functioning, a very expensive part to replace on any car.
Purchase Considerations Verify that the vehicle identification number on the car matches on all parts including the engine, the dashboard and other places where the vehicle manufacturer posts this number.
Ask a mechanic for his opinion about the car, with expected repairs and the costs that would need to be within the coming year.
Factor that information into the price you are willing to pay and negotiate from a position of knowledge and strength.
Most cars built since the late 1990s have a longer lifespan and can still provide several years of good service.
There is much risk in buying an older car, especially if you are not buying the vehicle from the original owner or the car's maintenance history is spotty at best.
Running a Carfax report may fill in most of the gaps, but there is always a chance that something was missed such as the flood damage it received.
When buying a used car, the following must always be considered: 1.
Examine the body.
The car's body should be in good condition, with no rust present.
The finish should be clear with no signs of peeling.
If the car was repainted, ask the owner why.
It could be as simple as wanting to give the vehicle a new car look.
Or, he might be hiding something such as salt damage.
Only look at a car during daylight -- artificial light won't give you a true picture of the car's condition.
2.
Inspect the tires.
If the tires are new, then you have no issue here.
Older tires, however, can show signs of wear including bowing, cracking and tread wear.
Assess the tires to determine how much life is left in them.
Check the spare too -- it might be worn or flat.
3.
Check the interior.
Look closely at the inside of the car.
Seats and carpeting should be in good condition; the dash should not be cracked.
Older cars will show signs of faded trim, worn mats and discoloration.
Check the heating, air-conditioning, audio system and other components to ensure that everything is working.
4.
Turn on the car.
With the radio and climate control system off, engage the ignition.
The car should start up immediately and no strange noises should come from underneath the hood or from the exhaust system.
Put the car in gear and take note of how its shifts.
Pull away gradually and pick up your speed, shifting between gears.
Stop the car and put it in reverse.
5.
Test the brakes.
Take the car up to cruising speed and then slam on the brakes.
The car should remain under your control with the antilock brake system kicking in.
Screeching brakes are normal, but failing brakes are not.
6.
Activate the lights.
Turn on the headlights to ensure that they are working -- high and low beams.
Get out and observe the same, check the turn signal lights, fog lights and brake lights.
Look closely at the headlamps -- there should be no moisture gathering inside.
7.
Pop the hood.
Underneath the hood is where major problems can be observed.
Check the engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid to ensure that fluids are clean and not contaminants are present.
Start the car again and listen carefully.
Tapping, chatter or other misplaced noise can mean trouble.
8.
Observe belts and hoses.
Hoses and belts should be in good condition with no signs of cracking, weakness or wear.
Belts should be tight, including the timing belt, a part that can cost you plenty if you need to replace it.
9.
Explore the electrical system.
The battery should be clean, fairly new with secure connections.
When you start the car, the lights should be bright, the radio loud and the HVAC system working without a problem.
If lights are faded, it can be a sign of an electrical problem, such as a fading alternator, a weak generator or a loose connection.
10.
Raise the car.
At some point, you will want to get the car off the ground.
By putting it on a lift, you can do a more extensive check of the suspension system, the exhaust system and look for signs of damage including water.
The catalytic converter should be functioning, a very expensive part to replace on any car.
Purchase Considerations Verify that the vehicle identification number on the car matches on all parts including the engine, the dashboard and other places where the vehicle manufacturer posts this number.
Ask a mechanic for his opinion about the car, with expected repairs and the costs that would need to be within the coming year.
Factor that information into the price you are willing to pay and negotiate from a position of knowledge and strength.