| As used cars age, finding them for sale in | | | | |
| good condition becomes increasingly | | | | Unusual sounds such as whining, whistling, |
| difficult. At the same time, they | | | | howling, grinding, rubbing, rattling, |
| continuously lose marketable value. How can | | | | knocking, tapping, or anything else which |
| we find good values when purchasing, and get | | | | stands out. Listen in all places while car is |
| a fair price when it comes time to sell? | | | | idling and driving including, underhood, |
| Continue reading to find out...BuyingWhen | | | | suspension, transmission, exhaust, rear of |
| buying any used car, overall condition must | | | | vehicle, ect |
| be evaluated and weighed against the asking | | | | |
| price. This includes the condition of | | | | Unusual odors such as strong sweet smell, |
| interior, exterior, and mechanical | | | | burning, gasoline |
| components. Common issues to watch for on | | | | |
| used cars follow:Check the Interior for: | | | | Uneven engine idle, backfire, or misfire |
| | | | |
| | | | Transmission grinding, slipping, or |
| | | | hesitation while driving or changing gears |
| Fading or Cracking Dashboard, steering | | | | |
| wheel, pillars | | | | Clutch engagement near end of pedal travel, |
| | | | excessive pedal play, slipping or revving |
| Carpet damage, spills under seats, shoe wear | | | | when shifting/accelerating |
| | | | |
| Strong musty odor, especially during HVAC | | | | Excessive engine or shifter movement, |
| operation | | | | indicating possible torn mounts |
| | | | |
| Worn seats including adjustment, buttons, | | | | Spongy pedal, whistling, grinding, or |
| upholstery, cushions, air support | | | | shaking when braking, fading or low stopping |
| | | | power |
| Unevenly worn pedals indicating possible | | | | |
| mistreatment | | | | Low, dirty, or contaminated fluids |
| | | | especially coolant, oil, and automatic |
| Smoke damage including falling headliner, | | | | transmission |
| used ashtrays or lighter, burns, thick film | | | | |
| on glass or other smooth surfaces | | | | Suspension leaning, excessive bouncing, |
| | | | harsh ride, pulling, poor handling, or dog |
| Malfunctioning gauges, moonroof, windows, | | | | tracking. |
| vanity lights, controls, electric accessories | | | | |
| | | | Smoke from exhaust or underhood, excluding |
| Leakage under dash including clutch and | | | | thin light-colored condensation buildupSome |
| brake fluid near pedals, coolant near floor | | | | minor issues are to be expected with a used |
| vents, waterCheck the Exterior for: | | | | purchase, and the price you pay should be |
| | | | adjusted accordingly. A common method of |
| | | | pricing used vehicles is to determine the |
| | | | fair market value then deduct the average |
| Rust around rocker panels (especially under | | | | cost of repairs. Tools to determine fair |
| ground effects of SC), wheel wells, under | | | | market value include the Kelley blue book and |
| floor pan, doors, suspension components, | | | | points of sale such as newspaper classifieds, |
| spoilers, trunk | | | | ebay, and autotrader magazines. Price of a |
| | | | used vehicle may be influenced by rare models |
| Signs of accident damage such as repainting, | | | | or packages. Car clubs specializing in the |
| bondo, ill fitting body panels, frame/unibody | | | | rare model can offer help in these |
| denting | | | | cases.SellingWhen selling your car, several |
| | | | factors should be considered to receive the |
| Damaged paint and clearcoat especially | | | | best price. |
| bumpers, ground effects, and roof | | | | |
| | | | |
| Damaged or missing trim, molding, lamp | | | | |
| assemblies (esp LED taillights and yellowing | | | | Level of cosmetic and mechanical maintenance |
| lenses) badging, ground effects, air dam, | | | | |
| antenna, windows | | | | Logs of maintenance, repair, and |
| | | | modification history |
| Wheels damaged or bent from curb rubbing and | | | | |
| other abuse | | | | The type of person buying your car, and |
| | | | where to find themA car which is clean, well |
| Sagging doors due to hinges worn from | | | | maintained, and in good overall condition |
| excessive load bearingModern vehicles have | | | | leaves a positive impression on potential |
| many complex mechanical components, and | | | | buyers. This concept is clearly demonstrated |
| condition should be verified by qualified | | | | by car dealers when you visit their used car |
| personal. If you encounter the following | | | | lots. Also, presenting logs or receipts to |
| symptoms or others you are unfamiliar with, | | | | help buyers verify your cars history will |
| it is wise to seek an expert: | | | | increase their level of confidence when it |
| | | | comes time to make a purchase from you. |
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