Worried about brake repair or another costly job on that used car you are considering buying? Careful inspection of a used car before making a purchase can cut down on some of this risk.
When you are buying a used car,
one of the last things you want is to drive away in your newly purchased car, only to find that it needs serious brake repair or some other expensive fix. Learning what to look for when test driving and inspecting a used car will help you avoid this potentially costly mistake.
One of the things you want to pay attention to when purchasing a used car is the brakes. Brake repair can be quite expensive and is not something you want to put money into soon after buying the vehicle. When driving the vehicle, pay attention to the way the braking pedal feels. It should be firm but not too stiff, and it should also stop the vehicle quickly rather than requiring a long time of pressing before the brakes kick in. It should not feel "spongy" either.
Next, pay attention to the way the car responds when you press the brakes. It should not shake or shudder, but rather come to a smooth stop. Listen for any unusual sounds, like squeaks or grinding noises, when you stop the vehicle. Make sure the car does not swerve when you brake from a high speed.
Finally, inspect the brake hoses. These are located under the wheel arches. Look for swelling, leaks, cracks, or other signs of significant wear and tear.
Always look at the tires before you buy. The tread should be at least 2 mm thick all around the tire. It should also be wearing evenly.
As you test-drive the vehicle, pay attention to how well it steers. It should respond well when you turn the steering wheel, and the steering wheel should not wobble when you reach cruising speed. When the car is driving straight, you should not need to make much effort to keep it going straight.
Repairs for the transmission, like brake repair, are something that you are best off avoiding because of the cost. The problem with transmission is that you cannot see them and predicting problems is difficult. When driving, pay attention to how smoothly the car shifts. If it is not smooth, there could be a problem. Once the car is stopped, but the engine is still hot, check the fluids. If transmission fluid levels are low, then it is possible the vehicle's owner did not do a good job of taking care of it, and you could face problems down the road.
Finally, take a good, hard look at the engine. If it is filthy dirty, the car likely was not well maintained. There should not be any rattling or knocking noises when you start the engine. Always check the oil as well. The color should be somewhat clear and it should have proper levels.
Remember, you cannot predict all possible problems with a used vehicle, but doing your part before you buy will lessen the likelihood that you will need a transmission job, brake repair, or complete engine overhaul before you have owned the car a while.
