Purchasing a vehicle can be very stressful. There are many features to consider, price, color, and miles per gallon are just a few things. After all of your time and effort the last thing you want is an unreliable vehicle that needs immediate repairs. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to make a more informed decision. Here are eight useful tips to help you get the most out of your purchase.
1. Check the body, paint, and tires
A vehicle with minimal paint and body damage is a sign that it was well maintained. Inspect the paint for sun damage, chips, scratches, and rust. Ask if the paint is original. If the paint is not original it may have received body work. Look for rust. Rust is commonly found in door jambs and around the wheel wells. Don’t for get to check the tires. If they appear to be warn or uneven they may need to be rotated or replaced soon.
Left: Sun damage - Right: Door dings and hail damage
Rust is common in regions that use salt to melt the roads.
2. Ask to check the oil
Remove the oil cap. Inspect the cap as well as the rim around the engine. Oil that looks bubbly or dirty may be a sign that the car needs a new head gasket. Check the oil level on the vehicle’s dipstick as well. Avoid purchasing a vehicle with bubbly or dirty oil as it may be a sign that the vehicle needs a new motor.
Clean oil on the left vs. dirty oil on the right
3. Check belts and hoses
While checking the oil, inspect the belts and hoses. A belt with cracked or rough edges may need to be replaced. Look for any leaks while inspecting the hoses. Leaking hoses may be a sign of a larger underlying issue.
A cracked belt that needs to be replaced.
4. Look under the vehicle
Don’t forget to check under the vehicle itself. Look for leaks, rust, or anything unusual.
5. Ask for a test drive
If you are not allowed a test drive it may a good idea to walk away from the deal. A test drive is an important step and will allow you to feel how the vehicle drives and handles.
6. Why are they selling it?
Ask why they are selling it. They are not likely to say whether the vehicle is a lemon, however, it is a great question that can help you gage if there is deception in there answer.
7. Service records
Ask for the vehicle’s service records. Service records won’t necessarily give you a complete history of the vehicle but it can help you understand what repairs have been completed.
8. Check online
Do some online research about the vehicle. Look at all the features that come with the car. You may also be able to find online forums that discuss vehicle pros and cons.
When purchasing a vehicle, remember to be thorough and take your time. If you don’t take the time to check the vehicle over well before the purchase, it may be just as stressful having to send your new vehicle to the mechanics for repairs. If you need your vehicle’s dents removed, or just need an estimate, our staff will have you back on the road as soon as possible.
At Precision Collision Auto Body we can handle your claims process so you can focus on what really matters. We will also work with you to find the best solution to fit your budget if you are paying out of pocket. We work with all insurances, and self-paying customers. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call at (320) 685-5310. You can also stop in for a free estimate or schedule to receive your estimate online.
