Evaluating
a Used Car
BODY
Look for rust, particularly at the bottoms of fenders, around lights and bumpers, on
splash panels, under doors, in the wheel wells, and under trunk carpeting. Small
"blisters" may indicate future rust sites. Check for paint that does not quite
match, gritty surfaces, and paint overspray on chrome-all possible signs of a new paint
job, masking body problems. Look for cracks, dents, and loose bumpers-warning signs of a
past accident.
TYRES
 Uneven wear on the front tires usually indicates
either bad alignment, or front suspension damage. Do not forget to check the condition of
the spare tire.
DOORS,
WINDOWS, TRUNK LID
Look for a close fit and ease of opening and closing. A door that fits unevenly may
indicate that the car was involved in a collision.
WINDOW GLASS AND LIGHTS - Look for hairline cracks and tiny holes.
TAILPIPE
Black, gummy soot in the tailpipe may mean worn rings, or bad valves, and expensive
repairs.
SHOCK ABSORBERS
Lean hard on a corner of the car and release; if the car keeps rocking up and down, the
shocks may need replacing.
FLUIDS
Oil that is a whitish color, or has white bubbles, can be a sign of major mechanical
problems. Check the radiator fluid; it should not look rusty. With the engine idling,
check the transmission fluid; it should not smell rancid, or look dark brown. Check for
leaks and stains under the car, on the underside of the engine, and around hoses and valve
covers.
LIGHTS AND MECHANICAL
PARTS
Make sure all headlights, taillights, brake lights, backup lights, and direction signals
work properly. Test the radio, heater, air conditioner, and windshield wipers.
INTERIOR
Check the upholstery for major wear and tear; do not forget to look under floor mats and
seat covers. Check the steering wheel; unlocked, with the engine off, it should have no
more than two inches of "play."
ODOMETER
 A car with low mileage,
but with a lot of wear on the driver's seat or the brake and accelerator, may indicate
tampering with the odometer. A musty smell inside the vehicle could mean that the car was
damaged in a flood, or that rain leaks inside the car.
EMISSION
Emission norms are getting tighter and that's
good for you....
Emissions tests may also warn you of impending
costs.If a car catalytic convertor is emitting
borderline levels of hydrocarbons, the catalytic
converter may soon need to be replaced. But
by then, installing a new catalytic converter
is probably only one small part of the solution:
high emissions could be due to cracked or worn
valve seals, malfunctioning fuel injectors,
a bad oxygen sensor, clogged fuel filter, improper
timing, or an indication that the previous owner
simply did not take good care of the car by
performing regular oil changes. In the worst
case, the engine might need to be completely
overhauled. In any case, you don’t want
to buy a used car that will spend all of its
time in the shop costing more money. If it can’t
pass the emissions test, the car cannot be licensed,
and you cannot use it for transportation. If
the dealership sold the car "as is,"
the repair work is your own responsibility.
Make the emissions test a must.
TEST
DRIVE
There
is no better way to know the performance of
a car than to drive it personally. Feel the
pick up, shifting of gears; acceleration and
finally halting the car will give you a fair
idea about the capability of the car.
The distance covered by the car is also another
indicator of the usage of the car. Therefore,
even though most car sellers lower the mileage
meter with the help of mechanics, one must take
a look at it so as to gauge the usage. Also,
you can always calculate a figure on the Km's
driven by asking simple questions regarding
the kind of usage, city of usage and the number
of years that the car has been used for.
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