Car Repair And Checkups On Pre-Owned Vehicles: A Necessary Preliminary To Purchase

At some point, almost everyone buys a used car. Some go to dealerships, some look in the wanted ads and some shop over the Internet. Most people know what they are looking for and are aware of their budget, allowing them to narrow down their choices down to a few vehicles deserving consideration. However, having a trained mechanic estimate any concerns regarding safety and car repair is a vital preliminary to your actual purchase.

If you are buying a used vehicle, it is especially important to have a good relationship with a mechanic well before you sign your name and pay your money. Your mechanic can give your prospective car a look, and tell you of any present or future problems that you should be aware of. While many states have “Lemon Laws” to protect consumers, they do not always apply if you buy from a classified ad or over the internet.

Most sellers will agree to allow your mechanic to check the car you are looking to buy. Typically, they will check the fluid levels, battery, filters, and exhaust for any major problems. They will also check the transmission to make sure there are no leaks or slippage. A quick test drive by the mechanic will allow them to check that the belts, intakes, fuel injection and braking systems are working correctly. After a once-over, the mechanic can also check to make sure the vehicle will pass emissions inspections, if applicable to your area.

After your mechanic takes a look at the car you are thinking about purchasing, he will usually give you a printout of any problems or future concerns that you should be aware of. If he think the brakes would need replacing within a few months, he will let you know how much you should expect to pay. This estimate can be a valuable tool for a consumer to use when negotiating a price, or even deciding that the vehicle is right for them.

Your mechanic is a valuable member of your team before you purchase a vehicle, and can let you know what to expect in the future. He can help you estimate the upkeep costs, and in some cases tell you how expensive potential major repairs could be in the future. Most mechanics can also tell you if the price the seller is asking is reasonable for the condition of the vehicle. Knowledge is power, and your mechanic can provide you with a lot of information to help you through the process of selecting and purchasing a used vehicle.

Ask your mechanic about common problems that he sees in that particular model. Mechanics see hundreds of cars per year and can probably tell you what common issues there are with the type of vehicle you are looking to purchase. Once your mechanic clears the vehicle, you can purchase the car with confidence and the knowledge of what to expect in the future-- at least as far as any issues with your new used car.