auto

How to tell if a used car is in good condition

Used car shopping can be a tricky business. You’ve got to figure out the current value of the vehicle, the number of miles it’s been driven in its lifetime, and whether or not any repairs have been done. It sounds complicated, but don’t worry — we’re here to help! Follow our guidelines below to find a great deal on the next used cars in sacramento purchase.

– Check that all doors open and shut properly. This is one of the most basic things you can do while inspecting your potential purchase, but it’ll make a world of difference in how likely you are to find issues with internal components (like drivetrain failure).

– Lubricate the shifter. This is a great way to determine how much mileage your potential purchase has on it — if it’s rusted or squeaky, you know the shifter hasn’t been lubricated at all.

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– Check the tires for wear and tear. You want to make sure that you’re buying a vehicle that has been treated gently and well-maintained, so have a look at the tread to see if it’s even close to being bald (if so, get rid of your search immediately!). Tires should be smooth and round and filled with adequate pressure.

– Look under the vehicle. Use a flashlight to check whether or not there are any cracks in the frame and under the body for rust stains. Make sure that there aren’t any signs of scratching or peeling since these could indicate a vehicle has been damaged in a car accident.

– Check the interior. Give all of your potential purchase’s interior lights a turn to see if they’re working properly. The air-conditioning should not be blowing unless it’s low, and all of the mirrors, radio and heater/defroster should work as they’re supposed to.

– Drive around the vehicle. You could use a “hill-start” or similar technique if you’re in a tight spot where you don’t have much room to maneuver. By doing so, you’ll get a feel for the vehicle’s handling and its fuel economy; needless to say, if the vehicle starts bucking when you put your foot on the gas, chances are that it needs some major repairs.

– Check out the odometer. The odometer is one of the most important parts of purchasing a used car.