Hello. My name is Joe Summers. Welcome to my website about purchasing a vehicle from new and used auto dealers. When it comes time to buy your next vehicle, it really pays to know what to expect. With clear expectations in mind, you can navigate the buying process with confidence and get a great deal on a clean, functional vehicle. Missteps in the process, however, can leave you with a serious case of buyer’s remorse and a vehicle that just doesn’t live up to your expectations. So, spend your time on my site to learn everything you need to know about purchasing a car from new and used auto dealers.
Buying A Used Car? 5 Things To Check Out
When you are purchasing a used vehicle, you are purchasing a car that someone else has driven and presumably taken care of as well.
That is why beyond researching the brand and model of vehicle that you want to purchase, you need to carefully inspect that actual vehicle you want to buy. The way that one person took care of a car could be very different than how someone else took care of that same vehicle. When purchasing a used vehicle, here are some things you should always check out.
Thing #1: Always Run the VIN Number
First, you always need to get the VIN and run your search on the vehicle to ensure you are getting all of the VIN information. There are lots of websites where you can get free or low-cost VIN reports. A VIN report will let you know about the vehicle's ownership history, the accident history, and often the service history of the car. If the car has any recalls, you will be able to see that and if the vehicle was taken in for repair work based on that recall.
You can get lots of detailed information by reading a VIN report. For example, based on ownerships and mileage, you can figure out how many miles were put on the vehicle per year and what types of climates the vehicle was in. This information can help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Thing #2: Check for Rust Damage
Unless you are getting a car for under a thousand dollars, it is best to avoid a car with rust damage. Unfortunately, once rust takes hold of a vehicle, it can be challenging to get rid of.
Rust will slowly destroy a car, compromising the bodywork and damaging essential components as well. You may be able to fix a small patch of metal, but extensive rust damage is usually a sign to move on.
Thing #3: Inspect the Frame
Third, you need to inspect the frame. Make sure the frame looks even on the car. Pay attention to how each body panel fits. If any body panels are hanging off or are uneven, that could be a sign of unrepaired or improperly repaired damage from an accident. You want to purchase a vehicle with a strong frame.
Thing #4: Look Under the Hood
Fourth, even if you are not a mechanic, you should still look under the vehicle's hood. When the car is off, pop the hood and look. Look for signs of leaks, corrosion, and cracks.
The engine area should look clean. You should also check the dipsticks for the oil and transmission fluid and ensure the fluid is not discolored. Oil should be a light brown color, and transmission fluids should be a translucent pink or red color. If the engine looks beat up, get a mechanic to give it a closer look.
Thing #5: Tire Wear
When purchasing a used vehicle, the tires may be worn as well, which is actually a good thing, as the tires can provide you with information about the vehicle's alignment. Ensure that the tire wear is even; uneven tire wear is a sign that something is wrong with the alignment or suspension.
When purchasing a used car, you need to run the VIN, check for rust, inspect the frame's quality and bodywork, and look under the hood. You should also check the tires to see what the wear pattern is like. A used car will not be a perfect car, but it should be in good condition and safe for you to drive. Keep these tips in mind while purchasing vehicles like used Hyundai cars.