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There are a lot of excellent used cars out there, but it is important to take a good look at them before buying to make sure it is in good shape. When you shop for a used car, the goal is to find one that performs well and is within your budget. Just remember that your budget should include maintenance, operating costs, and even warranties if you can. Take a look at these important used car red flags to look for.
Oil Stains Under the Car
Take a peek under the car to see if there are any oil or other fluid stains. If the car has recently been moved, ask where it was previously parked and take a walk over to check the ground. If you see oil stains, it could mean there is a significant mechanical issue. You should have the car inspected by a mechanic to make sure everything is in good working order before making a purchase.
Check The VIN
Always check the VIN number on the vehicle against the VIN on the title to make sure they match. You’ll find the VIN right at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side, or in the doorjamb. If the VINs don’t match there is a problem and you should walk away from the sale.
Check The Interior
Take a good look inside the car’s cabin to make sure all the colors match and check for any strange smells. If it has an unusual odor, it could indicate a problem. A lingering smoky smell probably means that the previous owner was a smoker which you can fix, but if there is a sour smell or a moldy smell, it could indicate that the vehicle was either in a flood, or it has some kind of water damage.
No Service Records
A big red flag to watch out for is a car that doesn’t have any record of regular service and maintenance. Routine oil changes and major mileage services are important to the life of a vehicle. Always ask the seller or dealership for the service records so you can check its maintenance history.
Title Issues
When you check the history of the vehicle, make sure to look for any problems on the car’s record. A title history will show any kind of previous damage from hail to water and fire. Most of these issues are an obvious red flag, but issues that you should always avoid include flood damage and a salvage title. A salvage title means an insurance company declared the car a total loss because of damage. Junk titles are also a red flag because they mean the car is not safe to drive.
Make sure to look at a used car carefully before buying. A reputable dealer will have good, safe cars available, but you’ll still want to do your homework to make sure you get something that will last you a long time.
Photo by RL GNZLZ | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0
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