They say new car prices are falling in 2024, but with the average price still hovering near $49,000, that can impact your new car purchasing plans.
Used cars aren’t faring much better. Fewer leases occurred during the pandemic, which means fewer certified pre-owned vehicles are making their way to the used car marketplace. With fewer cars available, this means premium pricing for the used cars that remain.
If you’re in the used car market, how do you know if you are about to purchase a good vehicle? What can you do to put the odds in your favor? Used car inspection service may be just what you need.
Used Car Inspection – Self Service
When you’re looking at a used car, there are some things you can evaluate on your own.
Take a walk around the vehicle to look at the exterior and body. Check for dents, scratches, rust spots, and panel alignment to ensure there hasn’t been any unreported damage. This may be easy to spot, and you might be okay with the damage that’s there. But it is important to know what you’re walking into before you sign on the dotted line.
Examine all glass and mirrors for cracks and large chips. This can obstruct your vision and be a safety hazard. Ensure lights and lenses are all intact and functioning properly so you can drive safely at night.
With the outside inspected, it’s time to open the door and climb inside. Check the upholstery for tears, stains, and general wear in the seating and carpet.
Evaluate the controls and the dashboard panel. Confirm that all gauges, lights, and indicators work, including the HVAC system, stereo, and navigation.
Test all power windows, locks, and sunroof to ensure they operate smoothly and without issue.
Take the time necessary for a full inspection before you go for a test drive. Being on the road can alert you to any noises, smells, feelings you get as you navigate through the community. Take note of any issues for further inspection.
Used Car Inspection – Find a Trusted Repair Service
If a vehicle passes your self-inspection test, it’s time to bring your vehicle in to have a professional check it out.
It’s one of the reasons we like to partner with drivers when it comes to taking care of their cars. If you get to know us as you care for your vehicle, you’ll have someone to trust when it comes time for purchasing something new. We’ll have an established relationship to help you through this major purchase. You’ll feel better as you drive away with a new-to-you car.
We’ll also give it the once-over to examine the body and exterior, as well as the interior and comfort. You might have already noticed a few of these items, but we’re happy to give you our opinion on how they will fare in the future.
From there, we head under the hood. Diagnostics is a friend; it will alert you to any potential problems. It can find things we aren’t capable of seeing with our eyes. Instead, it looks through a mechanical and electronic lens, and pulls anything that may differ from what the guidelines expect.
Of course, that doesn’t mean a trained and experienced mechanic can’t fully inspect a car and give you an opinion. We can do a lot of things to determine its condition. Like checking fluid levels and the condition of the oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. We can inspect belts and hoses for wear and leaks. We can assess the battery’s age and health, and check the wiring or for any obvious issues.
From there, we head under the car. We check the condition of the shocks, struts, and brake pads and look for signs of uneven wear. Because a car with a faulty suspension or brake system is clearly one you may want to reconsider.
Here in Colorado, we have stringent exhaust regulations in place. We’ll check out the exhaust system, looking for rust, holes, or illegal modifications. If it can’t pass an emissions test when you buy it, it’s only looking for trouble down the road as you continue to face issues.
Then we’ll evaluate the drivetrain, examine the transmission, differential and axles for leaks and wear. We understand here in Denver you might drive as much in the city as you take in road trips deep into the mountains. We’ll make sure your car is ready wherever the road takes you.
It’s time to check the tires. We’ll evaluate tread depth and wear patterns, which can indicate issues with alignment or suspension. We’ll check the wheel alignment and confirm that the car drives straight without pulling to the left or right. Then we’ll take the car out for a road test to see how it performs. There’s a lot a mechanic can tell simply by driving it around – we’ll ensure everything runs smoothly without hesitations, noises, or anything else that seems ineffective.
One Final Test – Many Drivers Forget This
You’re looking at buying a new-to-you car. You’re excited about the make and model. You like the looks and are happy with its condition. But there’s still one more check you should make, and that includes a history and documentation check.
Depending on who owned the vehicle, you may be able to get a service history to review. This can alert you to past servicing and give you a better idea of the maintenance routine.
A trusted mechanic will alert you to any recall information, to ensure there are problems that need to be fixed, or recalls that have already been addressed.
If you’re purchasing from a private party, do a title and ownership check too. This will ensure the vehicle’s documentation is legitimate and there are no liens against the car.
Congratulations!
With all of these checks and inspections in place, you can purchase the used car with more confidence and good faith.
Then as you drive away and back into your daily routine, remember, regular maintenance is what ensures a long life. Check your owner’s manual, set up a schedule, and bring your car back in for regular routine maintenance.
We’ll help ensure your used car has a long life.