3 Types Of Used Vehicles To Avoid Buying
27th January 2010
3 Types Of Used Vehicles To Avoid Buying
When buying a new car isn’t a feasible option, purchasing a pre-owned model may be the next best thing. There are plenty of bargains out there. Unfortunately, a lot of buyers are tempted to cut corners in order to save money, even if that means taking home somebody else’s problem.
The good news is that purchasing a used vehicle doesn’t have to represent a minefield. You can uncover enormous value by using a little shopping savvy. Part of the battle is being able to identify the telltale signs of an automotive money pit. To that end, here are three types of used cars you should avoid buying:
#1 – The Enigma
Before computers, automotive maintenance records were difficult to find. You were forced to trust the seller about his or her vehicle’s service history – and roll the dice and hope for the best. Today, every trip to a repair garage is recorded electronically. The “paper trail” is archived on computers. That means if a used car lacks maintenance records, assume it hasn’t been maintained. Avoid buying it. With the number of bargains on the market, there’s little reason to throw caution to the wind.
#2 – The Leaker
Fluids are critical to the smooth operation of your automobile. Oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid… each of these play a key role in how your car performs. When you’re considering a used model, peek under the body and look for leaks. A couple of drops may not pose a serious problem, but any leak can potentially represent expensive repairs down the road. At the very least, have an experienced mechanic identify the leak’s source to determine its root cause and the cost of fixing it.
#3 – The Retired Rental
You may be tempted to buy a used vehicle that has been recently retired from the rental lot. Be wary. Rental cars may look like new on the surface, but can be hiding mechanical and structural problems. A lot of would-be buyers figure that the rentals must be in good shape. After all, the automobiles are generally retired after a few years; how much damage could there possible be?
Consider how people treat rentals. They don’t own them, so they’re less likely to drive them with care. Instead, hard stops, quick acceleration, and sharp turns are common. These things can be rough on the engine and brakes. What’s more, shenanigans such as burnouts and curb-jumping can cause wear and tear on the alignment. And that’s not always noticeable when you’re doing a casual inspection. Avoid retired rentals and save yourself the expense of future repairs.
When you purchase a used vehicle, plan to eventually replace miscellaneous parts and have minor repairs performed. These things are par for the course. However, by avoiding vehicles that lack a service history, those with leaks, and past rentals, you’ll sidestep potential automotive headaches.
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