Before You Buy That Used Car...
By Teresa Ambord
The first thing to remember is, don't get in a hurry. Decide ahead of time how much you can spend, including sales tax, transfer fees, and licensing. If you're not sure what fees are required in your state, call the DMV.
Some people think if they buy a car from a private owner, there is no sales tax, but unless you live in a no-sales tax state, you will have to pay it before you can register your new vehicle. Figure out what options are absolutely a deal breaker. For example, if you live in a climate that is unbearably hot in the summer, you probably don't want to sacrifice air conditioning. If you have a child young enough or light enough to need a car seat, a two-door car will quickly feel like a burden.
- Buy a recent copy of Consumer Reports (CR) and do your homework. CR will alert you to reported problems in most cars, though late models have probably not been on the road long enough to have much available data.
- Check out the value of the car in the Kelley Blue Book. Knowing the value will help you to bargain.
- And Carfax will clue you in to any repairs and recalls a car has had, that is, if the car is not too old.
Warning signs
Rust, dents, body filler: Take a close look at the bumpers and wheel wells for dents and body filler. Check everywhere for rust...don't forget the underside. If any rust is visible, that might be an indication of a much bigger problem.
Inspect the car everywhere for signs of major body repairs. Does the frame look like it's properly aligned? What about inconsistencies? For example, do the edges of the hood and doors line up with the fenders and side panels? Inconsistencies may indicate that the car has been in at least one wreck.
If the paint is new, ask why. An unscrupulous owner might slap a cheap paint job on a car in order to mask much bigger problems.
Of course, you'll check the inside for sun damage, rips, smell, and missing items such as knobs. Knobs and buttons may seem like a small thing, but if they are missing, a buyer might see that as neglect.
Open the hood...does the engine appear clean? Are there oil leaks around the head gasket and valve cover? What about rust on the exhaust manifold?
Pull out the dipstick. Assuming the engine is cool, rub the oil between your thumb and forefinger to see if it contains particles that might indicate engine problems.
Test Drive:
Does the car start easily? Do the brakes squeal? Does the car stop within normal braking distance?
For a manual transmission, check to see if the gears grind. Here's how: put on the emergency brake, depress the clutch, and run through the gears.
Check to see if the lights, signals, radio, horn, and windshield wipers work.
If your state requires it, the buyer should have a recent smog certificate to show you.
Ask to see the maintenance records and repair receipts. Has the engine had regular oil changes? While you're looking, notice the odometer readings to make sure they coincide with the current reading. If the mileage doesn't coincide reasonably, there may have been odometer tampering. If you suspect tampering, ask a mechanic to look it over.
Regardless, you should have a mechanic check the car. For a fee, most mechanics should be willing to do that.
