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Always get an independent mechanic to inspect the car you are about
to buy. The following technical tips will be handy, when you are
looking for a used car.
Body
- Look for rust, particularly at the bottoms of fenders, around
lights and bumpers, on splash panels, under doors, in the wheel
wells, and under trunk carpeting.
- Check for signs of a new paint job, which indicate masking of
body problems.
- Look for cracks, dents, and loose bumpers, which are warning
signs of a past accident.
Tyres
- Uneven wear on the front tyres usually indicates either bad
alignment, or front suspension damage.
- Always check the condition of the spare tyre.
Doors, Windows, Trunk Lid
- Look for a close fit and ease of opening and closing. A door
that fits unevenly may indicate that the car was involved in a
collision.
Window glass and Lights
- Look for tiny holes and hairline cracks.
Tailpipe
- Black, gummy soot in the tailpipe may mean worn rings, or bad
valves, and expensive repairs.
Shock Absorbers
- Lean hard on a corner of the car and release; if the car keeps
rocking up and down, the shocks may need replacing.
Fluids
- Oil that is a whitish color, or has white bubbles, can be a
sign of major mechanical problems.
- Check the radiator fluid; it should not look rusty.
- With the engine idling, check the transmission fluid; it should
not smell rancid, or look dark brown.
- Check for leaks and stains under the car, on the underside
of the engine, and around hoses and valve covers.
Lights and Mechanical Parts
- Make sure all headlights, taillights, brake lights, backup
lights, and direction signals work properly.
- Test the radio, heater, air conditioner, and windshield wipers.
Interiors
- Check the upholstery for major wear and tear; do not forget
to look under floor mats and seat covers.
- Check the steering wheel; unlocked, with the engine off, it
should have no more than two inches of "play."
- A car with low mileage, but with a lot of wear on the driver's
seat or the brake and accelerator, may indicate tampering with
the odometer.
- A musty smell inside the vehicle could mean that the car was
damaged in a flood, or that rain leaks inside the car.
Emission
- Make the emission test a must, otherwise, you will be resposible
for the impending costs, because, if it can't pass the emissions
test, the car cannot be licensed, and you cannot use it for transportation.
- If a car catalytic convertor is emitting borderline levels of
hydrocarbons, the catalytic converter may soon need to be replaced.
But by then, installing a new catalytic converter is probably
only one small part of the solution.
- High emissions could be due to cracked or worn out valve seals,
malfunctioning fuel injectors, a bad oxygen sensor, clogged fuel
filter, improper timing, or an indication that the previous owner
simply did not take good care of the car by performing regular
oil changes.
- In the worst case, the engine might need to be completely overhauled.
In such a case, look for another car.
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