10 Tips For Buying A Mechanically Sound Car

By Author: Tucker Williams
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Buying a used car can be a daunting task.You obviously want a mechanically sound car, but how can you always tell? And especially in a private sale?And George Winkler, owner of Winkler Automotive Service Center in Gaithersburg has seen it all too often - someone bringing (or even towing) their new used car in because it won't run, only to find something major wrong with it, like a cracked engine blocked or bad transmission."Buying a used car takes common sense and a little homework," added Winkler, whose service center has been providing AAA approved and ASE Certified full service automotive repair since 1982. "And this approach can go a long way in enjoying your investment for a considerable amount of time."Thus, Winkler offers these 10 simple steps to buying that perfect used car:1 - Test DriveOK, this is obvious. But when taking your test drive, check beyond weather the seat is comfortable and if the radio works or not. Winkler notes simply paying attention to the things you see and hear and you will be able to tell if the car you are considering purchasing is basically sound. Again, more common sense than anything.2 ...
... - EngineDoes the car start easily? Does the engine idle smoothly? Does the engine accelerate smoothly and without hesitation? Do you hear any strange noises like pinging or knocking?Remove the oil dipstick and visually inspect the oil. Is it clean? Or is it dark and dirty? Now feel the oil between your fingers. Does it feel smooth or is it gritty?3 - SteeringDo you feel any vibration through the steering wheel? Does the front end shimmy while you are moving down the road? When you take both hands off the wheel, does the car continue to move straight? Or does it pull to the left or the right?4 - TransmissionDoes the transmission shift smoothly when you put the car into gear? Does it make a clunking sound when you shift it into gear?5 - BrakesDo the brakes stop the car gradually as you press the brake pedal down? Do the brakes grab or stop the car suddenly? Do they squeal or grind when they are applied?6 - TiresIs the tread on the front tires worn evenly? Or do you notice excessive wear on the outside of the front tires?7 - AccessoriesCheck all of the lights; windshield wipers, radio, cassette/CD player, turn signals, etc. to make sure they all work properly. The radio, for example, isn't essential for the proper running of the car (as noted earlier), but since you are paying for the entire car, it should work, shouldn't it?8 - AccessoriesCheck the trunk for a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. Again, these items are not essential for the car to run, but these are standard emergency items included in every car.9 - Mechanical InspectionIf, after you have conducted your own inspection, your are satisfied with the car thus far, your next step is to have the car thoroughly checked-out by a certified mechanic of your own choosing. You may be intimidated by the potential cost of this, but not to worry, says Winkler."Most reputable service centers offer very low-cost inspection services for those considering buying a new car," he notes. "And this cost will far offset the potential costs down the road if you don't."Tell the mechanic that you are considering buying the car and to check everything out and write up a statement listing any problems, big or small, that they may find. Be sure to tell the mechanic of any items you have found to be questionable. If the mechanic finds any repair needs, ask for estimates on fixing them. If the problem(s) are major, run the other way from this car deal. If the problem(s) are relatively minor, you should insist that the dealer or private seller have the problem/problems repaired before you purchase the car - although this admittedly is not always feasible. If you are buying from a private individual, you should bring this/these repair/repairs to his or her attention and negotiate a reduced price.And if you can't come to an agreement? Simply start looking for another used car. There's plenty of 'em out there.10 - Run The VINLast, but certainly not least, do not buy a car from either a dealership or a private individual without first running a check on the Vehicle Identification Number. The 17-digit VIN appears on all vehicles, and will tell you the ownership history of the car. The VIN can be found on a metal strip on the dashboard. It can also be found on the doors, the trunk, the hood,and on the engine. The auto makers place VIN stickers on the major parts which are broken down from a car when it's stolen. If they show up on another car, you know something is wrong. Either the car was stolen, or junked and rebuilt. Be sure to check all of the VIN's on the car and make sure they all match-up exactly.So follow these steps and you'll have peace of mind in knowing your investment is as sound as possible, and the only trips you'll then need to make to a service center is for an occasional oil change or tire rotation.For car repair in gaithersburg, MD visit Winkler Automotive Gaithersburg Car Service center