Buying A Used Car

Buying a used car is not an easy thing to do; it is often hard to differentiate between junker that should be hauled away for scrap from a car that looks awful but runs perfectly. Here are some hints that can greatly simplify the process.

Always look a gift horse in the mouth

Never, ever, EVER just buy a car based on what the seller says about its condition. The most important attitude towards buying a used car is paranoia, even if the seller is someone you trust. When starting the car, notice if the key is hard to turn. If the engine takes too long to start; this is often a sign of an ignition problem. If the car uses a manual transmission, ensure that the gears are easy to shift. Test drive the car for half an hour. Note information that could indicate a fault in the engine, such as consistently high temperatures or knocking sounds. Drive the car uphill and downhill to see if it stalls. Some kludges run fine on level ground, but fail on slopes.

Outside the engine

Pump the brakes while cruising at a constant speed (make sure no one is close behind you!) to check for either mushiness or squealing. Mushiness is not necessarily a bad sign (maybe the car needs some brake fluid or air bled from the hoses), but squealing means the brake pads are worn and need replacing. While driving on a straight stretch of road (without any oncoming cars), let go of the wheel for several seconds; if the car drifts to one side or the other, that indicates the steering is out of alignment. Afterward, stop the car on a level surface and lay down next to it, then watch the bottom of the car for several minutes; if fluid leaks anywhere, that is another problem. Lastly, open up the hood and sniff the oil dipstick to see if it smells burned. If it does, that means the engine runs too hot. Oh, and offer to pay for gas even if you do not buy the car; it is only polite.

Note that none of these problems mean you should immediately reject buying the car, but if you must have the car, they are bargaining points for lowering the price and indicate what a mechanic needs to do to make the car safe and functional. The most important thing is to know what you are getting into, and these tests help you find that out.

The most important attitude towards buying a used car is paranoia