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Buying a used car can be a tough job in today's market. Prices are high and
solection is poor. Save some money the nex time you buy a used automobile.
I have been in the automotive field for well over 26 years and have seen it all.
Don't be fooled but the high presure long presentation gimmicks used by car salesman
on the fast paced lots of today. You must beleive they are not your friend (they only play the roll)
they are on a playing field and you are the goal. There are a few things you can do to help take control.
1. Call the bank find out the trade in value of your used car.
2. Ask what your car is booked for they are happy to help.
3. Take the car you like to a mechanic check out the new pruchase befor you buy.
4. Shop around for a better deal.
5. Stop look and listen is the rule here.
6. Turn off the radio roll up the windows and listen for noises, clunks, bangs, knocks, and bangs.
6a. Remember you are not buying a raido but the car.
7. If the deal don't fit don't wear it ( or don't buy it ).
8 Use caution and good sence it could save you hundreds of dollars.
>>>>> 21 POINT INSPECTION <<<<<
$$$$$ IT COULD MEAN HUGE SAVINGS! $$$$$
1. UNDER HOOD COLD VISUAL CHECK.
A. Look at the radiator before you drive the car (coolant is cold).
B. Put your hand on the top of the radiator or hose making sure it is cold
before you remove the cap from the radiator.
C. With the cap offlook at the coolant. It should be pure and green in
color or a clear yellow depending on the brand of coolant used. If it has
a rusty or brown appearanceit needs a coolant flush and or serviceor
it may need repairs.
2. DRIVE BELT CHECK.
A. Look over all drive belts ie; alternatorpower steeringA/Cwater
pumpand fan belts.
B. Belts should be black and smoothnot frayed or cracked from drying
3. OIL CHECK CHECK.
A. Pull the dip stick and check the oil. If it is extremely dirtythe
owner did not properly service the engine. Dealers sometimes change the
oil before the sale. ; Don't let clean oil mislead you.
B. Look for off color oil such as a chocolaty color with a foamy texture.
Condensation or beads of water on the dip stick could mean a blown head
gasketcracked block or head and an expensive repair.
4. BRAKE FLUID CHECK
A. Remove top from master cylinder. Fluid should be clear in appearance.
If the fluid level is extremely low it could indicate worn padsshoes or
a leak in the system.
5. POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
A. Remove capif the fluid is extremely black and gritty it could mean
expensive repairs or replacement of (if equipped) the rack and pinion
steering unit or at least a flush and fluid change. If upon cold starts
the steering wheel is hard to turn from one side to the otheror hangs up
and brakes free to operate normallyit's evident the rack and pinion is
in need of repair or replacement.
6. TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
Transmission fluid should be checked for volume when the fluid is hot.
Howeverat this point we are not so concerned with the amount of fluid
the transmission contains but rather the condition of the fluid.
Pull the dipstick and look at the fluid. Pull the dipstick through your
fingertips visually checking for color and smell. The color and smell should
be just as pure as a new bottle of transmission fluid. If it appears to
be brown or has a burnt smellrepairs are just around the corner. In
almost all cases when the fluid is brown and burntthe transmission must be
pulled out of the car to have a complete overhaul. Transmission overhauls
can run $600.00 to $1000.00 or moredepending on the shop and the repairs
made.
7. OIL LEAK CHECK
Check for any oil leaks while you are under the hood. Look around the
valve covers. It has a tendency to run down the sides of the motor from
the valve cover. Look over it well to insure the engine is dry of oil.
8. CHECK BATTERY CABLES
Cables should not be corroded. The rubber coating around the cable itself
must be intact. It should not be torn or worn to expose the copper cable
inside. If this is the case the cable should be replaced.
9. HEATER AND RADIATOR HOSES CHECK
A visual check of the coolant hoses could save a brake down on the highway
and a roadside repair. Look for cracks and the general appearance of wear.
Coolant may be leaking around the hoses clamps and fittings. Many of these
small repairsif discovered before the purchase can be included in the
deal at the expense of the car dealer.
10. TIRE WEAR CHECK
Walk around the car and look at the front tires. If the tires are worn on
the inside or the outside edge of the tire and very little or no wear in
the middle it is in need of a front end alignment. Howeverif the tires
have bumps around the edges as though it were a roller coaster track up
and down as you run your hand over the treadthe shocks are in need of
replacement. Again negotiate this in the deal with the salesperson.
11. TAIL PIPE CHECK
Inside the tailpipe of a normal burning automobile should be gray to a
gray brown in color. If the tailpipe is black insideit could be
caused by a wide range of problems such as a rich fuel mixtureworn
ringsworn valve guides or defective exhaust valves and the list goes
on. A good rule of thumb would be to use caution. Have it checked by
a professional.
12. ENGINE NOISE CHECK
Start the engine. As the engine crankslisten for any unusual noises
such as grindingclickingor a ringing sound. When the engine fires
listen for cold knocks in the motor or any unusual sounds you might hear.
Any noises from the motor could mean expensive repairs. So once again
use caution if any noises are discovered. Also listen for a loud muffler.
13. LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS CHECK
Check all lights and turn signal operationmaking sure they function
properly. The expense of repair or bulb replacement could be consumed by
the dealer.
14. BRAKE PEDAL CHECK
Place your foot on the brake pedal. Does it feel right? Is it too low,
or does it feel mushy? It should feel firm and without excessive travel.
You will have the opportunity to test them in more detail during the test
drive.
15. EMERGENCY BRAKE OPERATION
Engage the emergency brake all the way down. With the emergency brake
onand for safety during this testput your foot on the brake pedal and
apply pressure.
With the transmission in a forward gearslowly release the pressure from
the foot throttle to check the effectiveness of the emergency brake. If
the brake holdsit is okay. If in fact in failsit would be in need of
repairs.
16. CLUTCH PEDAL CHECK
Once againplace your foot on the clutch pedal. Does it feel right to
you? Put the car in gear with the clutch engaged. Slowly disengage the
clutch (with the emergency brake on). It should engage at the bottom of
its travel. Should it not engage until the top of the clutch pedal
travelit may well be in need of adjustment or replacement. List this
this problem for negotiation with the dealer.
17. INSIDE THE CAR CHECK
Check all your options as follows radiotape playerheaterair
conditioningrear window defogger and all other options the car may
have. These are all repairs the dealer may spring for.
18. RESTRAINT SYSTEM CHECK
You will want to check the seat belts and shoulder harness system. Most
state laws prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle without them.
It is important that they work properly for your own safety.
19. TEST DRIVE THE CAR
As you drive the carcheck the feel of the car. Don't be too anxious
to turn on the radio. You know it works and you must listen for road
noises. You are looking for anything that may be unusual in the normal
operation of the vehicle. Listen for brakes rubbingmotor noises,
tailpipe rattlevibrations and noises that should not be there.
If you still entertain the idea of purchasing this particular auto-
mobileit may be a good idea to take it to a local gas station. Have
them put it on their rack and take a look at the underneath of the
vehicle. The charge for this in comparison to the cost of the vehicle
minimal.
20. UNDER SIDE VISUAL CHECK
A. If this vehicle is equipped with front wheel drivebe sure to
check the rubber boots on the front axles. They may be cracked or torn.
B. Look for any fluid leaks.
C. Check for rusting frame or undercarriage.
D. Check for damaged or worn out exhaust systemor anything that may
need attention or repair. List all items.
21. THE RIDE BACK
On the way back to the lotcontinue to be alertlistening for anything
that might be unusual in the car's operation. Nowand only noware you
able to make an intelligent decision concerning the purchase of the car.
I will be adding more to this report in the weeks to come. So check back often.
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