How To Spot A Lemon

Buying a used vehicle can be overwhelming. You want to be certain that you are getting value for your money, but you also want to be certain that you are not purchasing a car that will give you trouble in the near future. With a little time and patience this can definitely be done. There isn't a need to believe that you just luck up with a great used vehicle. There are steps you can take to ensure yourself a reliable used car that won't give you headache and worry. Here are a few things you can do to make your search for a reliable used car easier and successful.

Check the record.

Before you even choose the type of car you want, you should review potential used cars reliability record. This record can be found in the Consumer Reports magazine. You will get reliability information on any model vehicle you are looking for. These records will help you to narrow your options. You will also be able to get a quick look at cars by checking Consumer Reports best and worst used car list.

Read the sticker.

There will always be a sticker in the window of the car. The car dealership is required by the Federal Trade Commission to post these stickers in the windows of every car. This sticker will contain information about the vehicle such as if it is being sold "As is" or with a warranty. It will also tell you the amount of repair the dealer will cover, if any. This sticker overrides anything that is included in the sales contract. Therefore, it is very important that you review this information.

Check the outside.

Do a walk around the vehicle. Make a note of any visual defects to the car and discuss them with your car salesman. One thing to pay close attention to is the overall body of the car. Look for any gaps in the body panels and any inconsistencies. You can also look closer at the paint to see if there is any paint overspray. Paint overspray is usually a tell tale sign that the car has been damaged, repaired and repainted. You can also use a magnet to check for the presence of body filler. If the magnet sticks you are in good shape. However, if it doesn't this could mean that there is filler under the paint. Also check the doors and the trunk to see if they open and close properly.

Check the inside.

Looking inside the car will give you the chance to see if there is any wear and tear beyond repair. A sagging headliner, missing pieces, buttons or handles, flaws in the dashboard, frayed or damaged seat belts; all of these could be signs of previous frontal impact on the car.

Look under the hood.

The engine and radiator should be free of grease and corrosion. The belts and the hoses should be unworn. Any melted wires or tubes should be noticed as this could mean the engine overheats are has even caught a fire. You should also check for any leaks under the car.

Have it inspected.

Before you purchase a used vehicle and after you have checked it thoroughly for any visual damage, you should have a licensed mechanic do a thorough inspection of the vehicle. This way you can have a professional's opinion of the car and not a biased opinion from the car salesman. The mechanic will be able to tell you of any problems the car has had as well as any future problems you may experience with the car.