Don't carry stuck with a lemon automobile
Some used-car buyers reinstate classified ads and entrance these vehicles with extensive trepidation. Such anxiety is infrequently justified, on the contrary careful inspection is fully warranted.
Instructions
1. Stare at the vehivle's exterior. Provided the emulsion is latest, quiz when the van was painted. Beware of cheap brand-new details according to $100 dye jobs. They oftentimes distract from larger problems such as underlying rust.
2. Trial bumpers and spin wells for signs of rust, dents or reason filler. Set the emergency brake, depress the clutch pedal and shift through the gears (if the car has a manual transmission). There shouldn't be any grinding sounds.10.
Study both sides of the automobile 'also as the front, rear and unbefitting' for any signs of deeper extensive reason 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.
4. Open the door. Check the interior for tears in upholstery, sun damage and general appearance.
5. Lift the hood. Stare at the engine's overall cleanliness. Look for rust on the exhaust manifold and oil leaks around the valve cover and head gasket.
6. Check the oil on the dipstick by rubbing it against your thumb (make sure the engine is cool). If you feel small particles in the oil, the engine may be worn or have other problems.
7. Start up the engine. It should start immediately.
8. Take the car for a test drive. Check the brakes. They shouldn't squeal and should bring the car to a stop in a sufficiently short distance.
9. Test the transmission for slippage. Then search remainder of the vehicle for rust, remembering to interpret the underside. Exterior rust may display added in unseen areas.3.
Check to make sure all of the lights (front and back) work, extremely as the windshield wipers, turn signals and radio.
11. Ask to see a current smog certificate, if it's necessary in your state.
12. Ask to see a record of the car's maintenance. Look to see that the car had regular oil changes and checkups (maintenance schedules will vary by model). Also, inquire about additional work that has been done on the car and ask to see receipts.
