Buyer Beware:
Buying a used vehicle can be expensive if you are not careful.
People sell their personal vehicle for a reason. This may turn out to be a good thing or a bad thing for the potential buyer.
Being in the automotive business for 31 plus years, I have seen people sell their vehicles for a variety of reasons. It could be the owner has a low-mileage vehicle that is in great shape, and is selling because he/she no longer needs an extra vehicle.
On the other hand, it could be the owner does not want to spend any more money on repairs. This type of vehicle has become a financial burden to their pocketbook, and he/she can no longer afford the expense. It has become a major money pit. (Constant money spent into repairs without really enjoying what they own.) This is an example of the type of vehicle you need to be aware of.
To help you avoid finding yourself in a situation where you have unknowingly purchased someone else’s problems, I have created an eighteen-point inspection list that should assist you when making a decision to buy or not.
When looking for a vehicle, find a vehicle that fits your life style.
- Understand your financial obligation before you start looking. (How much money are you willing to spend including fixing it up.)
- Look at places that sell used vehicles. (New/Used Car dealership, Private Ownership, On-line Ads, Auction Blocks.)
- When you do find what you are looking for, ask questions about the vehicle, such as, has the vehicle been in an accident recently? Are you the original owner?
- Ask to have the repair records on the used vehicle. Get an online car fax, or call HPD and inquire on any accident report and see if the owner is the registered owner.
- Ask if they outright own the vehicle or if it is financed.
- Ask for the registration papers to make sure they are the party selling the vehicle.
- Check that the VIN or identification number on the registration matches the number printed on the body of the vehicle.
- Ask for the current and past safety check forms and compare mileage to the odometer reading on the dash.
- Ask to test drive the vehicle and suggest to take the vehicle to your personal repair facility. I recommend not using the seller repair facility. If you do not have a repair facility call AAA for assistance. You really need to get an unbiased opinion.
- When test-driving the vehicle, turn off the radio and A/C. Listen to any noise or rattle the vehicle may have while at a stop or driving.
- While test-driving, does the vehicle drift to the left when braking or coasting?
- Ask to open the hood and look for any sign of coolant or oil leakage on top or under the vehicle.
- Inspect the tire for any wear, and turn on all exterior and interior lights.
- Open all doors including the trunk and inspect for any sign of water leakage. Lift the floor mats, including spare tire in the trunk.
- Look for un-matched paint from the outer paint skin to door jam area.
- Take note of all door, hood and trunk gaps. It should more or less have the same gap from start to finish.
- While the engine is running, look for any warning lights on the dash, such as Check Engine light, TPMS, Antilock Brake light or SRS light.
- Highly suggest seeking help from your repair facility that has access to diagnostic equipment. You may have to pay the repair facility for these services but it will be worth your time and money. They would be able to tell you if the vehicle has an existing computer problem or if there is a pending problem waiting to happen.
If you feel unsure of the vehicle, it would be highly probable that your gut feeling is right. Move on and find another vehicle. Do not have the sales person or seller pressure you into buying the vehicle. Most of all, do not get attached to the style or color of the vehicle when making a decision.
Take your time and do your homework.
Your time will be rewarded with a fair price and no regrets.
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