These days people selling used cars are willing to try just about anything, moral or not, to sell. There are many many factories to take into consideration when buying a used car. Mileage, condition, and price obviously are the big ones, but the little ones can be just as important. Below are some signs that might indicate a car that you should pass up on.
If a car doesn't have a service record you might think thats a good thing, no service record means nothing has went wrong with the car. Truth is all cars need service; oil changes, flushing the radiator, inspections, tune-ups, and if there is no service record chances are these things weren't done and the car is not in the best shape. Also watch out for cars with puddles underneath them. Oil, coolant, transmission fluid, are all signs that the car might have some problems. Despite whether it looks like it is leaking when you look at it or not, if there is a puddle of oil under the car, chances are there will be a bigger one tomorrow.
Make sure to avoid any cars with a salvage title. Although these cars may appear to be in perfect condition when looking at them it takes a lot for a car to get a salvage title. Things such as bent frames, internal engine or transmission problems, covered up rust are nearly impossible to see when checking out a used car, but will bite you down the road and its just not worth the risk. Don't ever buy company or rental fleet cars either. These cars are possibly the worst looked after cars there are. Most people don't take of things that are not theres as well as they would if it was. People beat up on rental cars and company cars as well. They don't have to pay to get them fixed or drive them every day so they can live out some Mario Andretti fantasies they wouldn't dare try with their own car.
While buying a used car can be risky follow these simple rules, use some common sense, and put a little effort into it and you can still find a great car for a great price.
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