What To Check When You Purchase A Used Vehicle

Buying a car is a huge investment. If you are in the market, then you want to make sure you purchase the perfect vehicle for your needs. You likely won’t want to spend a lot on a car, only to turn around and sink a lot more money into repairs. Used vehicles that fit this scenario are often referred to as “lemons.”

You can reduce your chances of purchasing a lemon by inspecting key aspects of the vehicle. Check for lemons by including the following in your research:

Check The Car’s Exterior For Damage

One of the first things you should look at is the exterior of a used car. Dents, scratches, and scuff marks along the body could indicate that the car you want has been in a wreck in the past.

Purchasing a wrecked car is the last thing you want to do. In many instances, fixing a wrecked car doesn’t eliminate hidden problems.

Make Sure The Gears Change Properly

Your transmission controls your gears. It’s one of the main components of your vehicle, and replacing it can be costly. Many people spend hundreds of dollars replacing a transmission that doesn’t work.

Make sure your gears work when you test drive the vehicle. You should put your vehicle in each gear to ensure it responds as it should.

Taking your vehicle to a licensed mechanic will ensure that your transmission, motor, and other major components work as they should. Many local mechanics can check used vehicles on the spot, and they won’t charge an arm and a leg to do so.

Examine The Oil In The Vehicle

You can learn a lot about it by looking at the oil in the car.

For instance, if you notice water on your dipstick when you check the oil, then the car may have a blown head gasket. Additionally, if the oil smells burned, then the vehicle may have a tendency to overheat. Both of these symptoms point to costly problems you’ll want to avoid.

Look Underneath The Car For Leaks And Corrosion

Finally, you’ll want to check underneath the car to make sure there are no signs of corrosion or leaks. If you notice corrosion, the car may be a flood vehicle. Flood vehicles will often end up with electrical problems.

On the other hand, a leaky car could leave you stranded on the highway. Even worse, if the car leaks brake fluid, you could have issues slowing down while on the road. This situation increases the likelihood that you’ll collide with another vehicle, which may increase the cost of your auto insurance premium and force you to spend thousands on car repairs.

When In Doubt, Inspect

Before you purchase your next used car, make sure you check the vehicle thoroughly. If you aren’t careful, you could buy a lemon that requires significant repairs or puts your safety at risk.

Essentially, examining a used car before you buy it protects you, your wallet, and your car insurance rate. And don’t forget, there are many services that offer vehicle history reports for a small cost. Vehicle history reports can tell you the car’s background, including its accident and insurance histories.

We can help you get the correct level of coverage for both new and used cars. Call Cloverleaf Insurance at (800) 530-5822 for an instant car insurance quote.