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