Tips for Doing a Pre-Purchase Inspection on a Used Car | Mercedes, TX
Bert Ogden Auto Outlet in Mercedes, Texas, offers a wide inventory of high quality used cars on our lot. We stand by the solid condition of our pre-owned vehicles, but we always encourage potential buyers to take a test drive, get a trusted mechanic’s opinion, review the vehicle history report, and conduct their own pre-purchase inspection.
Not sure how to do a pre-purchase inspection on a used car? Here is everything you need to keep an eye out for when evaluating a pre-owned model:
Engine and Transmission
While you might be most drawn to a vehicle’s appearance, the performance of the engine and transmission should be your top considerations. When inspecting the engine and transmission:
- Pop open the hood and ensure that it opens and closes correctly.
- Give it a visual inspection. You’re looking to make sure it appears clean and well cared for.
- Check the fluid levels. Are the fluids full? Is the engine oil clear? Empty fluid reservoirs or unexpected colors for the fluids are both warning signs to ponder.
- Also look at the condition of the engine belts. If you see cracks, you should anticipate needing to replace that belt sooner rather than later.
Examine the condition of the car battery. Car batteries are cheap enough to replace, but you should factor in such a purchase if the battery looks damaged, is old, or has a weak charge.
Looking under the hood is important, but starting the car and testing the engine are essential to get a better understanding of the vehicle. Listen to the engine as it idles; if there are any clanking or misfiring noises, there are likely engine issues that would need to be addressed.
Exterior Look and Quality
Start with the tires. Tire treads are a good indicator of how much life they have left. If the tires are balding or are just in bad condition, keep in mind that you may soon need to replace them. If that $500 purchase is not one you are comfortable making, this might not be the right car for you.
Rust on the paint and the underbody are bad signs, too. If the vehicle has particularly bad rust problems, it is probably not worth the investment.
Dents and dings, as well as paint imperfections, on the outside are easy signs of previous damage. If that damage is unreported in the vehicle history report, that’s a red flag. Do not consider this vehicle; the owner is hiding something.
Other exterior elements to check out include the exterior lights (do they all work?), the mirrors, and the doors.
Interior Review
It’s time to follow your nose! Does the interior of the vehicle smell like mold? That’s an obvious sign of previous water damage that an owner might be hiding. If there is a strong cigarette smell that turns your stomach, you should pass on the vehicle as well.
You can tell how well previous owners took care of a vehicle by looking at the condition of the seats, steering wheel, and dashboard. Are there scratches, rips, and scuffs? Is everything muddy or dusty?
Test everything on the interior to ensure it works. With the engine idling, try:
- All power windows and doors; don’t forget the sunroof or moonroof.
- The speakers and infotainment system.
- The seat adjusters.
Safety Technologies Check
While you cannot test out reactive safety technology (like airbags), you can create real-world simulations of active safety technologies like blind spot monitors and rearview cameras to make sure these all work properly.
If you are in the market for a high-quality pre-owned model, visit Bert Ogden Auto Outlet in Mercedes, Texas.
