Aah, the dreaded lemon! Cartoons and movies warn against the horrors of purchasing what looks to be a souped-up vintage beauty, only to find that the car has no transmission. While this may not be the normal scenario, there are so many run down vehicles out there that consumers need to be wary. Car experts and auto mechanics alike share their secrets for a no-fail approach when looking for your next vehicle.
The first decision is based on budget. How much are you willing to spend on a vehicle, and where will you find the financing? Be sure to factor in the trade-in or sale values of your current vehicle. Once your budget is set, stick to it and be realistic; a $6000 isn’t going to get you a sparkly SUV. One of the biggest challenges shoppers make is having eyes bigger than their wallets, so to speak.
After setting a budget, start doing some online research. Both classified sites (like kijiji.ca) and car dealerships have a wide variety of cars, trucks, vans, etc. for every need and every dollar amount. Dealerships and car lots are usually more expensive, but also more likely to move on the sticker price. Private owners are more personally attached to their vehicles and less likely to budge on the price unless they are desperate! Also, be aware that if you decide to look at privately owned vehicles, you will not be able to use your vehicle for trade-in and you will need the total amount in cash.
Once you know which type of vehicle you have your eye on, look for the average price of the vehicle online. You can go through the Kelly Blue Book, and then start looking at the prices of vehicles to see if they are around the average price listed.
When you have found a car you are considering, don’t be afraid to inspect every inch of it! First, compare the price to the overall package. Is the vehicle you’re looking at look like it’s worth the asking price? Start by inspecting body damage. Rust is a huge factor in the general “health” of the vehicle. Rust, corrosion and major body damage are usually not worth the trouble or the dollars it takes to fix the problem. Also, if there is any rust under the hood, walk away quickly! Inspect the trunk for damage as well – a normally used vehicle shouldn’t have damage in the trunk.
Next, check the odometer; what is the mileage, and how does it compare to the age and condition of the auto? The average mileage driven in a year is about 10,000-15,000 km. If this seems to be out of whack, it may be due to hard, highway driving or odometer tampering – both of which are deal breakers. (You can check for odometer tampering by searching for damage to the outer plastic of the instrument; scratches are a warning sign, as are improperly lined up numbers.)
- Take a look under the hood and check for rust and corrosion.
- What colour is the oil – it should be thick and brown.
- What colour is the coolant? It should not be rust coloured.
- Are the hoses and pipes cracked?
Next, get into the car and check out the aesthetics. Check for damage to the upholstery on the seacts and the floor mats. Family vehicles will be more “well-used” obviously. Also, make sure you make note of any strange smells – sometimes smells are impossible to get rid of! Also, check the windows, sunroof and locks for any stickiness or impaired function.
- Does the stereo work?
- Are the speakers blown?
- Turn the heater and air conditioning on and off to test them.
You should always test drive the vehicle – when you start it, listen for odd sounds. Rattling, cracking, clunking and backfiring are not good sounds to hear. When driving, make sure you test the brakes thoroughly and listen for squealing, grinding etc.
If the owner is agreeable, you should take the prospective car to your auto mechanic and have a checkup done. This will ensure that all of the most important functions of the engine, transmission are in great working order. If you are purchasing a car from a lot or dealership, they may have their own certified mechanic to check things out for you.
Ask the seller what work has been done in the past on this car. Also, ask for any receipts they have collected from the auto repair and service shop.
- Has there been any major service – if so, what?
- When was the last tune-up?
- The last oil change?
- Has the car been in any major accidents?
If everything checks out with the car’s history, the owner or dealer’s price, the auto mechanic’s check up and your own gut feeling, it’s time to buy that used vehicle!
Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a Mom of two and is currently researching used vehicles and auto repair in Edmonton.
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