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3 Important Checks When Buying an Automatic Used Car

Publish Date: 09 Jan 2022

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3 Important Checks When Buying an Automatic Used Car

Turn on the ignition and listen to the motor

What should we pay attention to when buying a used automatic car and how to avoid being conned? Here are three things to pay attention to

 

If you’re buying a used manual car check this article

 

External and internal inspection

 

  • Check the car in the morning in good light
  • Look at the car from all angles step away step closer. Check for any scratches or dents that may not appear from certain angles.
  • Check the paint job. Is it a unified color or are there darker or lighter patches? This may be an indication of a paint job to cover up a scratch or an accident.
  • Check the hood, trunk, and roof of the car for dents and scratches
  • Look at the doors, the chassis, and the bumper. Check the underneath of the car for damages as well
  • Check the integrity of the seats and if there are tears or stains in the fabric or material
  • Check all the amenities in the car including the radio, the AC, electric windows, mirrors, etc. Make sure to turn on and off all of these amenities to check if they are working properly.
  • Check the tires.
  • Check the mileage.

 

Check the mechanical parts

 

  • Turn on the car but don’t press the gas pedal and try to hear if the motor sounds OK or not.
  • Turn on the AC while the car is running. Pay attention if there are any changes in the sound of the motor.
  • Check the exhaust system/tailpipe for damage. Block the tailpipe with a rag and see if there are any leaks
  • Is the exhaust a normal color or not?
  • Check the motor is not leaking oil. Look underneath the car while the motor is running and see if there are any oil patches underneath.
  • Check the radiator for leaks or damage. Inspect the water for rust or oil residue and if you find any don’t buy the car
  • Check the oil level and its condition. If there is water present don’t buy the car

 

Insure your car even if it is used with Faydety now.

 

The automatic transmission

 

  • Start the car, move the steering wheel all the way to the right and take off as fast as you can (do the same thing in the other direction as well) and listen to the sounds the car makes. If there are any odd noises coming from the car this is not a good indication.
  • Park the car and do the exact same thing. Turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right. Any noises or clicking sounds?
  • Drive over a few potholes and check for any odd noises.
  • Check the tires carefully.
  • Press the gas pedal suddenly and see how fast the corresponds and if the motors noise level increases
  • Drive for a bit and try all the different speeds. If you feel a slight resistance don’t buy the car

 

More on how to buy a used car here

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