Used Car Buying Tips Courtesy of Burlington Automotive
- February 19, 2016
- fawn
Before you purchase a used vehicle you should always have it inspected by a competent automotive technician before negotiating price. The following is a partial list of items to check before paying for a complete inspection. Be sure to write down everything you notice before taking it to your auto repair shop such as Burlington Automotive for inspection. Giving these notes to your us or any shop before starting the inspection will greatly improve the evaluation process. Most of these items will not automatically rule out purchasing the vehicle, but they can definitely affect the purchase price of the vehicle. We would be happy to perform your pre-purchase vehicle inspection for you. You can schedule your pre-purchase appointment by calling (360) 757-8282, or online here.
1. Telephone Interview (is this car worth looking at?)
a. How many miles are on the vehicle? Color? Automatic or 5 speed?
b. Is the title clean (not reconstructed or totaled)? Original owner?
c. Has the vehicle been wrecked?
d. Has the vehicle been smoked in?
e. Do you have a dog or cat?
f. Do you have all of the service records?
g. How much oil does it use between oil changes? (1 quart is acceptable)
h. Does it need any mechanical or body repairs?
2. Interior condition
a. Does it smell like cigarettes or animals?
b. Are there cigarette burns on the carpet or door panels?
c. Has it recently been cleaned to hide smells?
d. Does it smell musty from mildew?
e. Look under seats and in trunk for signs of mud, rust, or silt.
3. Exterior condition
a. Look for sign of body damage. Is there paint overspray on tires or window seals?
b. Is there excessive rust showing on bolts under the hood or under the vehicle?
c. What kind of condition are the tires in? Are all four the same brand?
4. Engine compartment
a. Pull oil dipstick. Is the dipstick black (not the oil on it)?
b. If possible, remove oil cap and inspect inside engine. Is it clean?
5. Test drive
a. Does the engine rattle when cold, warmed up, or all the time?
b. Is there smoke coming from the tail pipe when it’s cold (condensation is normal when cold)? Any smoke when revving engine after it’s warmed up?
c. Does it steer straight?
d. Are there any unusual noises while driving?
e. Are any of the dash warning lights on?
f. Does everything work? Lights, turn signals, wipers, air conditioner, heater, windows, etc.