Used Cars 101: What to look for when you're buying a used car

If you’re shopping for a used car, you need to know exactly what you’re getting into and understanding the shape of the pre-owned vehicle you’re looking at is a great start.

Here is your guide to inspecting the vehicle:

Exterior

Walk around the car, keep an eye out for the following:

• Misaligned Panels and Gaps – This would indicate that the vehicle either needs repair or was not repaired correctly.
• Cracked or Chipped Glass – Even the smallest cracks or nicks can becomes a much larger problem if filled with moisture and could even shatter if that moisture freezes and expands.
• Turn Signals and Headlights – Test to make sure they’re functioning properly.
• Trunk, Hood & Doors – Make sure to check that the hinges are sturdy and operating smoothly. Also take a peak inside the trunk and look for signs of water damage.

*Tip: Using a small magnet wrapped in tape (As not to scratch the paint), test each panel of the vehicle to see if the magnet sticks.  If it does not, it could be indicative of body filler that would have been used to repair damage to the car.

Suspension

Make sure the vehicle is on level ground (this exercise is obsolete otherwise) and bounce each corner of the vehicle.  Each corner should bounce only once, if it continues to bounce multiple times that would indicate a need for new shock absorbers.  Lastly, pull up on both front tires. It should feel stable, any clunking or ticking sounds are an indicator of something loose, not in it’s place or broken.

Taking a Look Under the Hood

There’s a lot to see under the hood, but all you need to do is simply touch all the hoses attached to the engine.  The rubber should feel firm, but pliable, if it’s rock hard or mushy, it will need to be replaced.

Under the Car

Most people won’t check beneath the car because it’s too much work and can get a little dirty and greasy.  But these tests should not be overlooked.

• Tailpipe – Inspect the tailpipe for residue near the exhaust. While you are likely to find dirt and grime that is harmless, it should be dry and dark grey. Black and greasy residue is a sign of burnt oil which is a much larger issue.
• Look out for Leaks – Look at the ground under the car and make sure there is no leaking oil, nor any green or red fluid.
• the Chassis – The Chassis is the frame of the underpart of the car. Inspect the Chassis to make sure there are no cracks or anywhere that it’s bent.
• Check for Crumpling – Inspect the underside of the car for any areas that look crumpled like an accordian or straitened, specifically under the trunk.  That would be another indicator that the vehicle was in an accident.

Interior

This will be easier because you’re more accustomed to how everything should look in the cars interior.

• Roof Liner – Check for water stains or sagging in the roof liner. That would tell you that either the roof did leak at one time or that it leaks now.
• Check the Seals on Doors, Windows and Sun/Moon Roof – Check the seals on the doors, windows and sun/moon roof to make sure they are in good shape and functioning properly.
• Test the Heat and AC – Test both the heater and the AC by turning them all the way up. Obviously you will note if it isn’t working, but also take note of how long it takes to function at full power.

Follow these instructions and you should be able to gain a solid understanding of the shape and condition of the used car you’re interested in.

When you visit Koons Ford of Silver Spring, remember that Total Confidence Pricing applies to used cars as well.  TCP is where we use TrueCar, AutoTrader and KBB to accurate gauge the market price of the car and set a great, low market price. That applies to every used car at Koons Ford of Silver Spring.  So you can leave our dealership with confidence that you got a great deal on a used car you love.

Koons Ford of Silver Spring, serving Silver Spring, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Columbia, Rockville, Chevy Chase, and beyond.