Automotive Buyer's Tips
If at all possible take a mechanic with you or have the vehicle checked over thoroughly by a mechanic or service garage before purchasing. Things to look at or check Mileage (over 100,000 miles�timing belt needs to be changed) Maintenance record? Vehicle history? Check tire tread and spare tire. Is there a jack? Are the windshield wipers working properly? Is the rubber on the wiper blades dried, cracked or chipped? Are the wipers cleaning properly? Do the windows open and close with ease. Doors and locks Headlights, tail lights, blinkers Dashboard lights, overhead light, tag light. Horn Gas cap? How many miles per gallon does the vehicle get? Brakes�pedal should not go near the floor and have the brake pads been changed and when? Do you hear any noise when the pedal is pushed down? Rust, holes or body damage Upholstery damage When the engine is running turn the steering wheel both ways�listen for unusual clicks or sounds. Lift the floor mats; look for holes or water damage. Lift the rug in the trunk to see if there is water damage in the trunk. Glove box door opens and shuts properly? Check engine water level, oil and transmission fluid. Is it water in the radiator or antifreeze liquid? Antifreeze will be a greenish color. Lift the hood and look for oil laying any where on the engine where it should not be or look up under the hood to see if oil has sprayed up on the inside of the hood. Check the color of the oil on the oil stick�it should be smooth, clean and basically clear, not black. Start the engine and let it idle without moving. Does it sound smooth or do you hear skips�will it stay running? Does it go into all gears easily? Take a test drive�is the transmission changing gears, as it should? Do you see or smell smoke? Check belts and hoses under the hood for wear and tear. Is the air conditioning working and cold? Does the stereo and sound work properly? Does the CD Player open and close easily? cassette? Does the tailgate open and close properly on a truck? Try starting the engine several times in a row. Let the vehicle run for a few minutes to see if there is any over-heating. Check the date on the battery�check battery connections. Look for cracked battery terminals or excessive corrosion. Look under the vehicle at the exhaust system; is the tail pipe or muffler rusted or loose? Look on the Internet for the �Blue Book� price for that make and model. Do your homework�investigate and read up on the model vehicle your interested in for known problems or safety concerns.
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Automotive Buyer's Tips
