How Do You Inspect A Used Car Before Buying?
Some used-car buyers answer classified ads and approach these vehicles with great trepidation. Such anxiety is rarely justified, but careful inspection is wholly warranted. Look at the car’s exterior. If the paint is new, ask when the car was painted. Beware of cheap new details like $100 paint jobs. They often distract from larger problems such as underlying rust. Check bumpers and wheel wells for signs of rust, dents or body filler. Then search the rest of the vehicle for rust, remembering to scan the underside. Exterior rust may indicate more in unseen areas. Inspect both sides of the car ‘as well as the front, rear and beneath’ for any signs of more major body repair. Look for inconsistencies: Do the edges of the hood and door panels line up with the fenders and other side panels? Does the frame look aligned correctly? Such inconsistencies may be clues to previous wrecks. Open the door. Check the interior for tears in upholstery, sun damage and general appearance. Lift the hood. Lo
