How to Avoid Buying a Lemon: Tips for Buying a Good Used Car

Buying a used car can be intimidating. Stories about naive consumers buying a used car and then having it break down a mile down the road are common urban tales.

Is there anything that the non-mechanically inclined can do to ensure that they are buying a dependable used car?

Yes, there are a few steps you can take to decrease the likelihood that you'll be squeezed by a lemon.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Napkins or paper towels

1. Check the radiator
   
   The radiator will be clearly labeled; unscrew the cap, and take a peek at the fluid inside. Green, red (in some of the newer cars) or clear water is a good indicator. Muddy brown suggests that an additive has been added to the coolant to seal a leak in either the radiator or water pump, or the vehicle has a blown head gasket.

2. Check the oil level
   
   With the vehicle off, take the oil stick out and wipe it off with tissue, then dip it all the way back in the holder again. Take it out once more so that you can get a clear reading of the oil level according to the markings on the dipstick.
   
   Low oil levels [one quart or less below normal] could indicate a valve cover leak which is usually a minor repair. However, more than that could indicate other leaks, or that the vehicle has been poorly maintained.
   Look for water in the oil. Water gives the oil a frothy cappuccino-like appearance and could suggest a blown head gasket which is a costly repair.

3. Smell the Oil
   
   Take the oil cap off and smell it. A strong burnt smell is consistent with engine failure or an engine that has been run with no oil for long periods of time.

4. Check the Transmission Fluid (on automatic transmissions only)
   
   Bright pinkish red colored fluid indicates a healthy or decently maintained transmission. Brownish red colored fluid suggests that it is possibly time for a fluid change. And straight brown fluid indicates poor maintenance on the transmission which will require immediate attention. If metal filings are found in the fluid, the transmission is going out.

5. Inspect Belts on the Engine
   
   If the belts (black rubber circled strips that are tightly wound around the gears) on the engine appear to be frazzled, cracked, or worn – they will require replacement.

6. 
   Engine

   Visually Inspect the Engine
   
   Carefully look at the engine for excessive oil which could imply an oil leak.

7. Warm Up The Car
   
   Allow the vehicle to warm up before you test drive it. Check the temperature gauge sitting inside the dash display behind the steering wheel. Make sure the temperature remains within normal temperature parameters (indicated by the temperature gage inside the dash). Extreme heat can indicate a bad thermostat, blocked or cracked radiator, fluid loss from a hose or some other component in the water system, or a blown head gasket which cost around $1100 to repair.

8. 
   Tailpipe

   Check Tail Pipe
   
   While the vehicle is warming up, check the tail pipe. Put your hand down by the exhaust, a static puffing discharge indicates potential engine problems. The exhaust should be clear when the car is warm. Excessive white smoke can suggests water and oil mixing together which indicates a blown head gasket.

9. While Driving Remember to Stop
   
   It is important to stop often in order to get a good feel for the brakes. Pedal should be firm and stopping should feel normal. If there is a scraping or shuttering pedal there is probably damage to the brake shoes which will require immediate replacement. Also, listen to the brakes, a scraping noise suggests that your rotors will need to be turned or replaced. Problems with the brakes is not a huge issue but it something to be aware of.

10. When Turning the Wheel
    
    When turning the wheel listen for clicking sounds. These sounds will expose faulty axles or cv joints. Hard-turning steering wheels can indicate problems with the power steering unit. A steering wheel that throbs indicates contaminated fluid in the power steering reservoir.

11. Also While Driving Release the Wheel
    
    Releasing the wheel while driving will unmask any alignment problems. If the vehicle begins to veer to the right or left, then an alignment will be needed. If the veer is extreme, it is possible that there are suspension problems that could prove to be costly.

12. Check All Features
    
    Make sure to check all lights and signals. Make sure the heat and air-conditioner are working. Try to roll down all windows, either by hand if their manual or by using the electric buttons. Lock and unlock all the doors. A problem with any of the features is not indicative of how the vehicle will drive but it is something to be aware of.

13. Check the Body
    
    Make sure to look over the body for rust. Look carefully at the paint for surface bumps. Bumps underneath the paint could imply rust or bondo. Bondo is used to smooth the surface of a previously damaged body.
    
    Following these simple steps will allow you to buy with confidence. Buying a car can be a rewarding experience when you are armed with knowledge. A vehicle is just a machine; it can only outsmart you if you let it.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the radiator
• Check the oil level
• Smell the Oil
• Check the Transmission Fluid (on automatic transmissions only)
• Inspect Belts on the Engine
• Visually Inspect the Engine
• Warm Up The Car
• Check Tail Pipe
• While Driving Remember to Stop
• When Turning the Wheel
• Also While Driving Release the Wheel
• Check All Features
• Check the Body
• Be weary of those sellers who want you to meet them at a location other than their home so that you can view the car. Those sellers could be potentially trying to scam you by selling you a stolen vehicle, or a vehicle they don't have the right to sell.

Resources

• Automedia
• Car Buy Tips
• Consumer Action

[pintuhs]

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