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What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Roberta Willson • April 3, 2023

The new car market is still on the rise with hopes of a return to normal in 2023. This market has forced everyone to pivot from new cars to more used vehicles but that presents its own new challenges. With used vehicle purchases on the rise, here are 5 factors to look for when shopping around for a quality used vehicle. 

1. Rust


Rust is something that you will want to look out for; it is fairly easy to spot and can be costly to repair or replace. If you are looking at a used vehicle, be sure to get underneath the car to see if you can spot any rust. Some common spots to look for rust are the frame rails, which run underneath a car's doors on each side, the wheel wells, the exhaust, the suspension and any other underside components made of steel or metal. If you are not confident in spotting the rust, take your potential used vehicle to your local and trusted mechanic to review.


2. Water Damage and Mold


You will certainly want to look for any trace of water damage in a used car - water damage will affect electronic parts, your engine and of course it will not smell great. When keeping an eye out for mold and water damage, look for mud in the seat belt tracks and under the dashboard and at the vehicle's undercarriage for mud, corrosion, or rust. If you smell a musty odor, there is probably mold in the seats and carpeting. Also, watch for signs of rust or corrosion around screws, wires, and other metal parts. There are many other signs to look out for, if you have any questions please call R. H. Willson or have your trusted mechanic take a look before you buy. 

3. Mileage


High mileage is certainly an important factor when shopping around for a used vehicle. Staying within a certain budget is important and the number of miles on a vehicle's odometer will help determine the price of a used car. It is a clear indication of the amount of wear and tears the car has sustained over time. Although 100,000 miles on a vehicle is typically the cut-off point for a used vehicle, if you are looking for a high mileage vehicle for a low cost, it might not be off the table, just ensure all the other factors are up to your standard before your purchase. 


4. Under the Car and Under the Hood


In addition to rust, you will want to have a look under the vehicle for any other issues. We recommend using your flashlight to inspect the floor pans and frame rails for any structural damage. 


.You will also want to look under the hood of the vehicle for any dents or damage. These can be signs that the vehicle has been damaged in an accident or poorly taken care of. In addition, you should be able to find a sticker with the VIN number under the hood of the car



5. CARFAX


If you do not know what a CARFAX report is, it is a comprehensive vehicle history that helps to ensure the vehicle you are looking to purchase does not have any pre-existing problems or issues. You can learn everything you need to know about the vehicle's maintenance schedule, accident history, and title status. The CARFAX can likely tell you more about a vehicle than the previous owner would even be able to. We recommend getting a CARFAX on any used vehicle you are looking to purchase, regardless if it is from a dealer or a private seller. 

Summary


At R. H. Willson we see an abundance of used vehicles come through and know exactly what you should be looking for when considering a used vehicle. Please call us or stop by and see one of our experienced mechanics on site if you need someone to look over your potential used vehicle purchase. 

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