You can never be too careful when it comes to buying an automobile, especially one that was driven before. Getting a set of wheels is a significant investment, one that needs careful consideration. Fortunately, there are plenty of tools and resources to help you with this decision. Online reviews, Internet spec sheets, and vehicle history reports are some tools that have revolutionized auto shopping. But there are two surprisingly effective tools that can help you choose between various used cars: the eyes on your face. While you may not be able to determine everything about a car just from a glance, there is a lot you can tell about one from what you see. Here are five items that will help you learn what to look for, quite literally, when you're shopping for used cars. 1. Look at the outside. The first thing you'll likely notice on any car is its body, which is the first thing you should give a once over. One thing to look for is discrepancies in the paint job. Does one part of the car have a different color or tone than the rest? That may be an indicator that some repair work was done on that spot. Check for any dings, dents, rust spots, or other indicators of wear and tear to get an idea of how much the vehicle has been through. 2. Go over the glass. The windshield and windows are also important areas to check. Beware of any serious cracks or chips in the windshield, and ensure that the windows go all the way up and down, as this will matter to you if the weather should take an unpleasant turn while you're inside. 3. Check the tires. You can expect worn tires on a previously owned vehicle, but this is another area that can tell you about its state. Are the front tires more worn on one side of the wheel? If so, it could be a sign of an issue with the automobile's front end. Check to be sure that the wheels are even, as it's not uncommon to find autos with axle problems. 4. Look at the interior. Regardless of the outside of a vehicle, it is sometimes the inside that can tell you the most. Examine the quality of the upholstery, the seats, and the carpet. Do you see a lot of stains or burns? How does it smell? What kind of damage is there? If there are signs that the interior was not cared for, or even abused, exercise caution. Any ride can suffer greatly from owner abuse, and these may be signs of bigger problems. 5. Turn on the power. The dashboard should be next on the inspection list. Switch on the power and make sure it works. Do any warning or check engine lights come on? Are the windshield wipers and turn signals functional? Check any and all electronic functions, including the air conditioning and heating. Also, be sure to listen for any unusual or troubling sounds from the engine. While this is not a full comprehensive inspection list for used cars, looking for these signs can tell you a lot about a prospective ride. When it comes to finding used cars in Michigan, learn more by visiting http://www.verhageautosales.com/specials.aspx.
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