When buying a used car, it’s essential to take the time to inspect all angles thoroughly. Unfortunately, it’s easy to miss the small things, like a cracked dashboard or a missing trunk release handle.
However, these hazards can be avoided by doing some extra sleuthing on the vehicle you wish to purchase.
This article provides seven ways for you to find hidden damage when buying used cars in Tempe.
1. Check for Accident Repair Work.
Hidden damage can be the result of a previous accident or another mishap. You can easily spot where the damage occurred on older vehicles by looking for mismatched paint and body panels. Incompatible parts can also be a sign of a more severe accident.
Car accidents can wreak havoc on older vehicles and leave them with the damage you wouldn’t expect. For example, a bad accident can result in poor repairs, at best. Look for damaged parts and mismatched paint and trim to spot the extent of the damage.
2. Inspect the title.
A car’s title is the official record of ownership, so it’s essential to find any discrepancies. If a car’s title doesn’t match the VIN, this could indicate a previous accident. On a newer car, you can check for differences in the VIN. The VIN must match the title to ensure that there aren’t any issues with tax or registration.
A car’s title will also show previous owners and any damage that was reported on the vehicle. A vehicle with a clean title helps to ensure that the car has been well maintained.
3. Ask about prior repairs.
Ask about any repairs the seller has made, especially if you notice body damage and Rattling Inside a Car. The seller should be honest about any repairs they have done. If you are wary about being lied to, have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before buying.
4. Check out the suspension.
Bent suspension is one of the best indicators of a vehicle’s history. Suspension components can be bent, dented, and damaged due to accidents and such as leaks and corrosion. Therefore, the state of the suspension will reveal the condition of the vehicle.
5. Look at the tires for signs of dry rot.
Tires are one of the most expensive parts of a car, and they’re also the most forgotten. Tires can get damaged from poor alignment, hitting objects, or from a previous flat. These situations can leave a crack in a tire’s sidewall. Look at the sidewall for cracks and bulges to determine if the tire is damaged. If you see something, take it to a tire shop to be checked out.
6. Check the exhaust system.
Oil leaks and rust are signs of an old car. Exhaust leaks and rust mean that the vehicle has seen some wear and tear. Check the exhaust pipes for cracks, holes, and missing pieces of metal. Exhaust pipes are also vulnerable to rusting, so look for rust on the car’s body.
7. Listen for unusual noises.
Unusual noises during the test drive indicate hidden damage. Check for knocks, grinding, and harshness when touching or pressing on different parts of the car. Take a car that makes a lot of noise to a mechanic to have it checked.
Hidden damage can be the result of bad repairs, accidents, and other mishaps. An experienced eye can easily spot flaws in a vehicle, but you need to know what to look for.
Follow these tips to make sure your next car purchase is the right one. Just one of these tips could help you avoid hidden damage and save thousands of dollars.
