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Are you currently in need of a new set of wheels? Buying a new or used car is easy enough to do. You may wish to pick up a used car in order to save some money on your household budget. If this is the case, you’ll need to be on your toes. Here are a few of the most crucial things to look for when buying a used car.
Check the Body for Tell-Tale Signs of Rust
The first thing you want to be aware of is the general condition of the body of the vehicle. This means checking both the exterior and interior for signs of rust and other forms of wear. If you see any of these signs, it’s a good indication that the previous owner has not taken good care of the vehicle.
A spot or two of what looks suspiciously like rust may not be a cause for your immediate alarm. However, you need to keep in mind that rust can spread quickly. It can compromise the body of your car and put you at serious risk. It’s also unsightly and will immediately lower the resale value of the vehicle if not taken care of.
1. Check to See That a Test Drive is Permitted
One of the best things that you can do when buying used cars in Spearfish, SD is to make sure you will be allowed to take it for a test drive. This is a very important part of the process. It will be the ultimate test of whether or not the car you are considering buying is really right for you.
When you put the key in the ignition, make sure to turn it over to the “accessory” position. Do this before you start the engine. When you do so, you should see all of the various warning lights on your dashboard light up. This is the quickest way to make sure that all of them are functioning in the proper fashion.
As you start the engine, listen closely for any clicking, hissing, or tapping sounds. These are the telltale signs of a possible problem that may develop into a real headache if not addressed. You should also drive the car on a few different surfaces in order to check how it handles.
Finally, you should drive at a couple of different speeds and back the car up in order to test how smoothly the transmission handles each shift. If you have any trouble in this area, it’s a good idea to try out another car. And if your dealer refuses to let you go for a test drive, you should move on to a different dealership
2. Check the Odometer to See How Many Miles Are on the Engine
Some dealerships will offer a discount on a car that has already exceeded 100,000 miles. You may well be tempted to take advantage of such a seemingly good deal. But this needs to be weighed against how long you expect to own the car for. If you want a car you can drive for a long time, it’s better to move to a much “younger” vehicle.
3. Check to Make Sure There Are No Leaks
One of the most important signs of whether a car is in good shape is the absence of leaks. You certainly don’t want to be driving down the road when you suddenly discover that your car has lost all of its brake fluid.
Check the car thoroughly in order to make sure that no leaks are present. This includes oil, brake fluid, transmission, power steering, antifreeze, and other important fluids. If you see any kind of leak, ask for an explanation. If none is offered to you, move on to another car.
The More You Know, the Safer Your Purchase Will Be
It all comes down to knowing what to look for and what to avoid. Buying a used car need not be a wallet-draining nightmare. You can use these handy tips and tricks to save a great deal of time, energy, and money. The more prepared you are to make a safe and sensible decision, the better your decision will be.
