You've finally decided to drop the idea of buying a brand new car and buy a used car instead.
Well, it is a better idea price-wise.
You can get a good used car at a reasonable price from any GM dealer.
Your concern now is how to know the car you are buying is still in optimal condition.
The thought of taking it to a mechanic to check it out should not be the only option for you but arm yourself with a mechanic's knowledge too.
Knowing the basics on how cars work plus a combination of the actual physical examination of the car, you can be confident in making the right decision.
We are fortunate that we are living in the age where information are just at our fingertips so that all we need is time to devote in doing a little research.
Better yet, use your creativity and initiative to talk to amechanic you know.
The following are the things that you have to check when buying from used car dealerships: Paint Check the paint job.
Look for rusts, scratches, dents or any waviness on the surface that indicates that the car had a major repaint.
Check for roughness at the corners usually left by a making tape through running your fingers on the surface.
To know if the car underwent a major repair due to accidents or crash, check for uneven gaps between the doors, hood, and any openings.
To check for car compound presence in the surface, bring a magnet and run it through the car's entire body.
Presence of car compound indicates that there is a significant dent from a major crash.
Some cars however are made of fibreglass and magnets will not work on them.
Fluids If you see dark and thick mud like substance in the oil filler then you can be sure that the car did not have any frequent and regular oil changes.
Check the coolant in the overflow tank, a brownish coolant indicates presence of rust in the cooling system and perhaps a leaking head gasket.
Check the transmission fluid.
It should be red or pink, with an old car it can be dark but it should not smell burnt.
Inspect for any fluid leaks underneath the vehicle.
Pedals and Steering Inspect the pedals for wear.
Sellers seldom replace their pedals.
Wiggle and shake the steering wheel with the engine off.
It should be firm in place and no disturbing noises.
In case it is otherwise, it needs a steering gear box, or repair in its front suspension particularly the ends of the tie rod.
Damaged Frame Forget buying a car with a damaged frame.
Inspect the radiator that connects the fenders holding the top of the radiator that includes the hood latch.
Everything should be fastened not welded.
Inside the hood check the bolt heads at the top of the fenders, check for marks or scratches that tells you it has been realigned or replaced after an accident.
Examine for uneven tire wear that could indicate a damaged frame.
Sometimes, when car encounters a crash, the frame is damaged and becomes slightly off balanced so that it is obvious in the tires.
Car's History Report It's probably the most important thing to check out with the car dealer before you purchase.
The vehicle's history report obtains data from various sources.
It tells you the about the car's registration information, accident or auction date, the car's emission history, whether the car is stolen or repossessed, whether it was used as a taxi or government car, or rental car.