Checklist for Buying a Used Car

Buying a pre-owned vehicle is definitely a smart financial decision. It’s a smart decision because you will be able to purchase a vehicle for much less than what a new car would cost.

 However, it is pertinent to note that there are several key differences between a used vehicle and its new counterpart. One of the key differences includes the protection and peace of mind that can only come with a brand new vehicle that is under warranty.

A brand new car is  highly reliable, and has not been unduly customized or meddled with, at all. Such a vehicle has not been repaired by 'fly by night' mechanics, nor does it have used tires or brakes.  In short, nothing bad has ever happened to a new Hyundai vehicle, that is fresh from the factory.

However, used cars, on the other hand, tend to have their own personal histories.  Most of them will almost certainly work fine, but this generalization does not apply to each and every vehicle. In fact, there are many issues and problems that might be present under the shiny hood of a pre-owned car.

If you make the wrong decision and purchase a badly used car, the odds are that it will quickly turn into a money pit. By the time you’re through with all of the countless trips to the mechanic,  the cost of the repairs just might exceed the price you purchased the vehicle for! 

But it does not have to be this way, if you know how to check a used car before purchase. You should also only trust highly reputable used car dealerships, in Huntsville AL. The following checklist will help you to make a good purchase decision.

1.      Check for Really Worn out and Well-Used Interior Features

Many used car salespeople tend to try and focus on the overall exterior looks of the car far more than anything else. However, all the polish and paint touch-ups in the world cannot take care of a really worn-out interior. This is a surefire giveaway that the vehicle has been used a lot.

External signs of wear and tear will also indicate the condition of the components that can’t be visually inspected with a quick glance.  This can include the electronics, the radiator, the fuel lines, the clutch, and pressure plates as well as other mechanical features.  If any such components are past their working life, your vehicle will spend more time in the shop than on the road. 

Finally, you should also check for any warning lights on the dashboard. For example, if the check engine light is on, it is a telltale sign that the engine needs a bit of work.

2.      Check for Rust Related Issues

It is possible to fix a few rusty spots such as fenders, door handles, and the like. But here you will have to ask yourself if it is really worthwhile to fix all the excessive rust?  If the rust has taken hold of the body’s pillars and panels, you are in for a pretty hefty bill. This is because methodical rust removal is both messy as well as a very expensive procedure.

However, it cannot be ignored or hidden from visual sight with a few deft touch-ups. Any rust on the actual frame of the vehicle is a dead giveaway that the very foundation of the car is slowly rotting away.

Just imagine the heavy engine sitting on a completely rust-eaten foundation. If it becomes dislodged the resulting repairs will be both costly as well as time-consuming.  Yes, a few tiny patches here and there can be ignored since they will likely occur in most used vehicles, but should it be evenly spread throughout the car, it would be wise to just simply walk away.

Deep rust usually returns even after you have it removed and treated multiple times.  Many used car dealers sand away the rust fleck and slap on a fresh coat of paint.  You should run your fingers carefully over the paint as you look the vehicle over very thoroughly. Keep an eye out for bloated paint spots because they can mean the vehicle is rusting away on the inside.

3.      Check the Trunk to See If It Smells Musty

Hardly anyone would be interested in purchasing a really stinky and moldy car. Apart from the olfactory perspective, there are many other issues that you should consider. If the car smells like it has been flooded, it is likely that it has suffered extensive water damage.

This is such a big issue that many insurance service providers tend to write off all such vehicles. Most used car dealerships in Huntsville AL won't even allow such vehicles on their lots.  This is because the water damages just about every system in the car, ranging from mechanical to electrical as well as the carpet and other upholstery. If you try to get it overhauled the resulting repairs will be prohibitively expensive.

4.      Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Mismatched Paint Spots

If the car has different shades of paint on the doors, fenders and bumpers, it is likely that it has been involved in a lot of major and minor accidents.

You should compare the touched up areas on the body with the roof of the car. This part of the vehicle is rarely  subjected to small paint jobs, unless the vehicle has been flipped over end to end.

A good coat of paint might gloss over most external damages, but what if there is an internal issue due to the accident? In this case, your vehicle will become a headache.  Apart from that, if the owner of the vehicle is not being upfront about the history of the vehicle, it is a good idea to stay away altogether.

Conclusion

The above checklist can certainly go a long way in helping you purchase a used car. However, for complete peace of mind, it is always a  good idea to spend the money on a new Hyundai car instead of any second-hand vehicle.