USED CAR VALUATION : SOME USEFUL TIPS

It is often a smarter choice to go for used cars instead of new ones when purchasing cars. And also financial advisors advise on it. But it is very important to evaluate the car you are buying before making the deal legal.

But before going for the purchase one should always check the car of purchase. It is important to research on the car, evaluate its condition, get well informed about the warranties and insurances of the car and then seal the deal.

It is very important to thoroughly inspect a car before you buy it. Used cars have been to places and since it is not possible for one to look through all the places where the car has been to, it is thus imperative for the new buyer to examine the car minutely, both its interiors and exteriors before going through the process of purchasing it.

The car inspection service is almost inevitably required since in more than 90% of the cases purchase of used cars take place between two unknown people and so reliability factor comes to 0 for the purchase.

In that inspection one should very well check the car’s form. For that one should –

1.       Make sure that the sell your car is on level ground before checking it out.

2.       Carefully check the paint job of the car, taking note of any rust spots, dents or scratches.

3.       Check the trunk of the car to make sure it is still in good condition.

4.       Check the tires.

5.       Never buy a frame damaged car.

6.       Try to get under the car when it is safely raised and inspect the exhaust system or any under-body rust.

Next one should search and inspect different parts of the car such as :

1.       Check under the hood of the car for any indication of dents, damage or rust.

2.       Check the hoses and belts. They should not have cracks.

3.       Inspect the engine for any sort of leaks, or corrosion. This is usually indicated by brown oil stains on the engine.

4.       Remove the oil filler cap.

5.       Pull the transmission dipstick; the fluid should be pink or red.

6.       Check the timing belt.

Now the insides of the car must be checked properly :

1.       Go inside the car. Check the seats and upholstery of the car for any tears, rips, stains, or other type of damage. This is because used cars often come with extra surprised like used sandwiches, dead animals or even illegal possessions. So that is not a very pleasant experience in entirety.

2.       Check to make sure the air-conditioning of the car is working well by turning it on.

3.       Check the odometer of the car for the mileage.

4.       Find out if the car has a computer on board. Bring with you an inexpensive computer to check for errors.

5.       Verify the lights and all the regular functions of the car when not moving. This includes: any sensors for parking, back parking camera, radio, CD, music installation, etc.

Finally have a good test drive and only after you are fully satisfied with the car make the purchase.