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Kyle Busch
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Inspecting the exterior of the used vehicle
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excellent buying opportunities in the used car market.
Buying a vehicle for cash will enable you to drive right
past the current credit freeze.
Consider the following when inspecting the exterior
of a used vehicle:
· Observe the environment that surrounds the
vehicle. The seller’s surroundings should look
maintained and be consistent with the condition
of the vehicle. A good looking vehicle in poorly
maintained surroundings is not a good sign!
Does the car have a good stance?
· Slowly walk
around the
vehicle. It
should have
a good stance
(even height
from left to
right and a
bit taller at
the rear than
the front).
· If your state has emissions and inspections, check the
dates on the windshield. The vehicle should have at
least 4 months or more until the inspections are due.
· Look on the pavement underneath the vehicle for any
fluid spots. Also use a flashlight to look for fluid drips
on the bottom of the engine, transmission, radiator, etc.
Avoid vehicles with any kind of fluid leaks!
· Use a flashlight to inspect the exhaust system, frame, and
floor pan. Take your time and be sure to inspect both sides
of the vehicle.
· Use a flashlight to inspect each wheel well for any fluid
leaking from the shock absorbers. Also, push down in a
rocking motion at each corner of the vehicle. A good
shock absorber will rise and stop rather than bouncing
up and down.
· Inspect the tires for even tread wear (an indication that
the steering and suspension components are in good shape).
The tires should be the same brand at all four wheels.
Tires that do not match could be a quick visual “fix”
to hide a steering or suspension problem.
· If you are concerned that the vehicle has had bodywork,
use a thin cloth or paper towel (to protect the paint) and
use a small magnet to probe the body at various points.
The magnet will not be attracted to autobody filler.
· If you are concerned about the car being repainted,
use a magnifying glass to carefully inspect the door
lock areas and the chrome or rubber moldings for
paint overspray.
Last, but not least, be sure to take a used vehicle to a mechanic
who can put the car on a lift and give it a good test drive, etc.
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com.
Topics: Buying a used car , exterior inspection
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