Beware These Bad Used Car Signs
You can save big buying a used car. You can also lose big if you buy the wrong used car. That’s why when you’re in the market for a new-to-you car, you must be diligent and hyper aware of potential problems your new ride may cause. Yes, a trusted automotive professional is definitely your best friend in the used car buying process, but there are signs that can alert you immediately whether a used car is worth a second look.
Judging a book by its cover is totally okay when you’re faced with a rusty car.
“While rusted out body panels can be replaced, it’s expensive and time consuming. Rust on the frame means that the frame—the very bedrock of the car—is rotting away,” according to HowStuffWorks.com writer Jamie Page Deaton.
If you smell mold, mildew or something musty or notice mismatched or new carpet, which reveal the car might have incurred damage from flooding, Deaton advises you to keep on moving.
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If a used car is sporting a non-uniform coat of paint, especially on the body panels, it has been repaired due to an accident.
“While some accident damage can be repaired, other accident damage can make owning that car a headache and a seller that’s trying to camouflage accident damage is not someone who you want to deal with,” according to Deaton.
Literal signs, like a bunch of glowing dashboard lights, should either cause you to say no immediately, or if you can’t see yourself driving any other wheels, Deaton advises you to enlist the evaluation of a trusted auto pro to see if the lights signal real mechanical trouble.
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Even if the car seems like a real contender if the seller denies you an independent inspection, a test drive or seems too controlling during a test drive, Deaton suggests you keep shopping.
“Beware of sellers that try to control the route or prevent you from using certain systems—the radio, air conditioner or heater—during your test drive. They might be hiding a serious flaw with the car,” according to Deaton.
Too low of a price, a missing or fake title, and outstanding recalls are also huge red flags, according to Deaton—if the used car you thinking of investing in sports these qualities, you’re better off logging more miles on the retail trail.
News Source: How Stuff Works
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