10 things you should know before buying a used car

Buying a good used car, we all know, is a herculean task. It's not only a big financial risk but confusing too, particularly when you are going to buy a used car for the first time. There are so many things you need to consider before shelling you hard earned money. So, we are here listing 10 things that you should know and consider before buying a vehicle that someone has already driven.

Used car information

1. Make sure that the car is on level ground before checking it out. This helps you to find out if the tires are proper and not sagging. Check the paint, rust spots and scratches. Look if any paint work has been done. By running your fingers between the panels of the edges you will be able to find out if any masking is done. Also, check the car's trunk and see if it is in good condition. There should be no sign of rust or crack. You can know the usage of the car by checking the wear inside the trunk. Similarly, check below for any under-body rust.

2. Check under the hood of the car for any indication of dents, damage or rust. This indicates if the car was taken care of properly. Each fender should have the VIN of the vehicle. If one is missing then it is a replaced one. If you find foam inside the oil filler it means that there is a leaking head gasket. Check the condition of the coolant. If it is dirty brown in color it means a leaky head gasket.

3. The hoses and belts should not have cracks. The radiator hoses should not be soft. Check the upholstery of the vehicle. Also examine the engine for leaks or corrosion. If there are oil stains on the engine block it means that there is a leak gasket and may need expensive repair some time later. The reservoir and the brake fluid should have no leaks. The belts should be like new. Old belts are not safe. You may have to spend about $100-500 for new ones.

4. Check the odometer of the car for the mileage. The mileage helps you know the car's age. In a year a normal driver can drive up to 10,000-15,000 miles. Never buy a car with low miles and if it is 10 years old. Before deciding, take a test drive. This is the best way to know the actual condition of the car.

5. Check out the car's service history. This should give you some information regarding the performance, repairs and problems of the car. Any owner has the documents pertaining to the services ready and will show it to you. By checking this you can get to know various details.

6. Inspect the engine for any sort of leaks or corrosion. Look for oil stains on the engine block. This indicates that there is a leak in the gasket. The brake fluid and the reservoir should not have any leaks. The belts have to be new. The timing belt is very important and is expensive if it has to be replaced. If the vehicle has steel timing chain then there is nothing to worry because its life span is about 60-100+ thousand miles.

7. Be sure to check the brakes of the car by pressing down hard enough on the brakes to decelerate rapidly, but not enough to slide. Go around with a speed of 30 mph. There is some problem if you hear squeaking sound or feel vibrations. Pulsating brakes indicate the need for rotors resurfacing. Swerving is caused by worn-out steering components.

8. Do not pay the quoted price. The seller might have bought the car for a much lower price and might be selling it to you for a higher price. So, never pay the price they demand. Check the quality of the vehicle and bargain the price accordingly. If you pre-qualify at a Credit Union or your bank they will let you know how much you can spend for the car. Be very clear while negotiating so that the dealer can help you to get it for the price you want.

9. If purchasing from a private sale it can be beneficial to bring a pen, paper and cell phone to the price negotiation with you. These are useful for recording the details and making a list of items to be changed. You can check with the auto parts store if all these are available. The list will also help you to know the total cost of the repair and negotiate the price accordingly.

10. Before making a final decision, get the car checked by a qualified mechanic. It is always better to get an expert opinion. This is very useful, especially if you are buying a car for the first time. The owner will mostly be willing let you do the inspection. If he is not willing then there could be some problem. You can look for another vehicle.

Via: Buzzle/Hintsandthings/dealer-scams