How to Check for Common Defects in A Used Car

While buying a used car can mean big savings, this isn’t always the case. Used cars may come with their share of problems and defects. Why do you think the car was sold in the first place? If you are not careful, buying a defective used car can even end up costing more in repairs! How to prevent yourself from bringing home a lemon, and make sure your used car is actually a good deal? Use these simple tips to check for common defects that may be hidden in the used car you are thinking of buying!

1.    BODY: It is a good idea to check if the paint on the outside of the car matches the paint found inside the door frame. This used car might have gone through a lot of scratches and dents and was just painted over. You can also check for gritty surfaces and paint overspray on the chrome.

Next, check if the car panels are evenly lined. See if there are scuffs, dents, scratches and weird protrusions found on the wings or bumper of the car. Any of these could mean the car may have been involved in a past accident.

2.    TRUNK LID and DOORS: The doors of your used car should open and close easily without any creaks or catching. The doors should open and close smoothly. Also see if all door locks work properly. Lastly, look for scrapes and rips at the bottom edges of the doors, as well as on the inside panels.

3.    WINDOWS: Your used car windows should be free of hairline cracks and holes. Windows should be able to move up and down without difficulty. Windows should also fit snugly against their rubber stoppers.

4.    TAILPIPE: If your car’s former owner has had trouble reversing the car, it should show on the tailpipe. Check for dents and scratches. It is also a good idea to check if the car’s rear bumper has a lot of black soot from the exhaust. Black, gummy soot usually indicates a problem with valves, or old car rings.

5.    TIRES and SHOCK ABSORBERS: Check if all the tires on the car are unevenly worn. Unevenly worn tires can mean the car has bad suspension, or bad alignment.

You must also check if the car rocks back and forth by putting your weight on one side and then releasing. If the car does rock, you may have a problem with its shock absorbers.

6.    INTERIORS: See if the car’s steering wheel points to the same direction where the wheels are facing.

In the upholstery, look for any stains, cigarette burns, rips and scuffs. It is also good to check the condition of the driver’s seat, how worn it is. Other things to look out for are funny smells, moisture inside the trunk, dirt and watermarks.

7.    LIGHTS and MECHANICAL DEVICES: Turn on the lights, heater, air conditioners, wipers, radio and other mechanical devices in the car to check if they are working properly.

Sam Briones writes for SafeAuto, covering an array of topics from finding cheap auto insurance to safety tips.