Knowing what to look for is one of the most important aspects of purchasing a used car.
Knowing how to distinguish a good car from a bad one will save you from buying an inferior product and allow you to negotiate a fair price when you search for used cars calgary under 10000. These easy car-buying tips will help you find the perfect vehicle.
Bodywork
First, arrange your viewing during daylight hours. This will allow you to assess the used vehicle’s worth immediately upon arrival. You should inspect the bodywork for large scratches and dents. You can usually fix smaller ones fairly easily, but it is worth noticing them to get a better deal.
Examine the gaps between the panels and the rest of the bodywork. You should not have large gaps between panels. If there are, this could indicate post-crash repairs. Any differences between panels could be a sign of post-crash repairs.
Check the windscreen for cracks. Even the smallest chips can spread quickly and require replacement of the entire screen. Check the rear and front lights for any similar imperfections, moisture, or fog-like vapour.
Wheels
Don’t let the tire kicker cliche fool you, get up close and personal for a thorough inspection. The legal minimum tread depth in the Canada is 1.6mm. Anything below that or close to it will result in you having to pay for replacements. A coin can be used to measure tread depth. If you have to, measure the coin beforehand and compare it with the tread when inspecting your used car. A twenty pence piece has an outer rim that is approximately the same size as the legal tread limit.
Before comparing the four tires, make sure to check for curbing and hubcaps. While mismatched tires are not necessarily a dealbreaker, it could be an issue if you’re purchasing a high-end vehicle. These tires should come with specific tires.
Electrics and engine
Check the oil level of the engine by making sure the used car is level and that the engine is cool. Next, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean before pushing in and out again. The indicator should be on the stick to indicate how much oil is left. Take a note of the levels of brake fluid and power steering fluid after checking the oil. Low levels can indicate that the vehicle has not been maintained regularly.
Sit in the car to test everything. Although it may seem silly, this will help you gain an overall picture of the vehicle’s condition which will eventually give you more bargaining power. You should thoroughly test all electrical components, including the radio, windows, and interior lights. Push every button, twist every knob.
Interior and accessories
Once you are inside the vehicle, you can take a closer look at its interior. First, notice the smell. It might be more difficult to get rid of a bad odour than you think. It is possible that the car’s rest has been cleaned thoroughly before inspection. However, if the smell persists it could be difficult to eliminate. This should be considered when making your decision. After you have completed the smell test, inspect the upholstery for stains and rips.
Check the boot for accessories such as a jack and a spare tire. Check with the seller to confirm that the accessories are included in the sale price. To ensure it is working properly, inspect the spare wheel and tyrejack for any rust or damage.
Although no secondhand vehicle will be perfect, it is possible to assess whether the vehicle’s condition is comparable to its price, age, mileage, and price. You should reconsider buying if there is a discrepancy in condition or expectation. There are many amazing deals in the automotive industry. All you need is some forethought and patience.
Accept Reject
