What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Exterior Checklist:

– Paint is free of deep scratches and dents, and it isn’t blistering or peeling.
– No large rust patches; fresh paint might be an attempt to cover rust.
– Paint colors match on all panels; mismatched paint can be a sign of repairs.
– No gaps between body panels and bumpers; large gaps might be from accident damage.
– Magnet adheres to all steel body panels; if not, damage could have been repaired with filler.
– The windshield is free of cracks and chips.
– Windshield wipers are fully functional.
– Headlights and directional lights are intact and operational.
– Doors, trunk or liftgate work smoothly, close tightly and lock.
– The car rebounds, but doesn’t bounce up and down, when pushed down on each corner (tests the shock absorbers).
– Tires are the same size and brand.
– Tires don’t have uneven tread; uneven wear can be a sign of alignment issues.
– Tires aren’t overly worn; a BW Reader placed in the tread groove with Lincoln’s head down shouldn’t show the top of his head.
– No evidence of fluid leaks under the car.
– No rust on underbody surfaces.
– No obvious signs of damage, repairs or pieces hanging down beneath the car.
– The catalytic converter isn’t missing; in states with emissions standards, the lack of a catalytic converter can cause a car to fail emissions testing.

Interior Checklist:

– Seats aren’t overly worn and are free of cracks, tears and holes.
– Upholstery is free of large stains.
– All seats adjust properly.
– Seatbelts extend, retract and buckle.
– No signs of water damage under carpets.
– No signs of leaks around the windows or sunroof.
– Free of odors, musty or smoky smells; heavy air freshener scent could mean something is being concealed.
– All controls, gauges and indicators are functional.
– Windows and sunroof (if applicable) open and close.
– Warning lights illuminate and go off.
– Everything functions properly, including air conditioner, heater, hazard lights, turn signals, door locks and the sound system.
– Smart device pairing works (if applicable).
– Mileage on the odometer is reasonable for the car’s age and condition; if not, the mileage could have been illegally rolled back.

Under the Hood Checklist:

– Rubber hoses for the radiator, air conditioner and other parts are free of cracks and holes.
– Hoses don’t feel too stiff, brittle or mushy; make sure the car is turned off and hoses are cool before touching.
– Belts aren’t worn or frayed.
– Wires and hoses aren’t hanging loose.
– Oil on the dipstick doesn’t have water droplets or appear grey or foamy, which could indicate a serious problem.
– Oil is amber colored, not dark brown, black or gooey.
– No shiny metallic particles in the oil.
– No sign of fluid leaks on the bottom of the engine.
– Fluid levels (power steering, brake, coolant, oil and transmission) aren’t low; fluids below the minimum level could indicate leaks.
– Battery terminals are free of corrosion; corrosion could indicate damage to other parts of the car.
– The radiator doesn’t show signs of leaking; radiator fluid is green or orange and not milky or a rusty color.
– No evidence of mice or other nesting animals, which could have caused damage.

When Driving Checklist:

– No clunking noise when putting the car into drive (for cars with automatic transmission).
– Drives smoothly and shifts gears as it should.
– Doesn’t vibrate at highway speeds.
– Brakes are effective and don’t make unusual sounds.
– Steering is smooth, responsive and returns to center after turns.
– No odd noises, squeaks or rattles; turn any music down to listen.
– For hybrid vehicles, the in-car display shows battery charging and discharging.
– For EVs, the estimated range displayed is close to the actual miles driven.
– Parking brake engages and disengages.
– No hissing noises under the hood or signs of fresh leaks after driving.

When buying a used car, it’s important to take certain steps to ensure you’re making a wise investment. Here are some key tips to help you make an informed decision:

1. Get a used car inspection done by a trained mechanic. This may cost several hundred dollars, but it’s essential to uncover any hidden issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.

2. Invest in a vehicle history report. These reports provide valuable information about a car’s past, including the number of owners, accident history, and service records. Expect to pay around $30 to $45 for a comprehensive report.

3. Check the safety ratings of the car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provide ratings that can give you insight into the car’s safety performance.

4. Look for any recalls on the car. The NHTSA website allows you to search for any unresolved recalls that may affect the car’s safety and performance.

5. Check for a branded title. Be wary of cars with salvage titles, as they may have been declared a total loss by an insurance company. This information is typically included in a vehicle history report.

6. Ask for service records. Having access to the car’s service and maintenance records can give you valuable insight into how well the car has been cared for.

7. Review the car’s Buyers Guide. This FTC-mandated sticker provides important information about the car’s warranty status, major systems, and potential issues to watch out for.

following sentence:

The cat sat lazily in the sun, grooming itself with leisurely strokes.

The cat lounged in the sun, leisurely grooming itself with slow strokes. Given instructions:

Please rewrite the following sentence: “The dog ran quickly to catch the ball.”

Rewritten sentence: “To catch the ball, the dog ran swiftly.”