Buying a car from a pre-owned car dealer in Anchorage makes a lot of sense. Often, there are huge savings on a variety of cars that are not very old. But, potential buyers have to be diligent when selecting the car they want. There are a few areas to inspect when they find a possible match. Engine The best place to start inspecting a car is under a hood. A simple visual inspection can indicate areas of concern. Normal dust on the engine is normal, but excessive dirt and debris can indicate a previous owner that did not take care of the car. Oil or coolant splattered on the underside of the hood and the engine can indicate a leak that could lead to serious problems. Corrosion on the battery can affect the electrical power of the car while cracked hoses and belts are well on their way to breaking. Drive Train Along with the engine, the tires, suspension and drivetrain are the most important working parts. The tires should have good tread and not show signs of metal or flat spots. Under the car, the drive train transfers the power from the engine to the tires and should be rust-free as well as oil-free. Signs of oil under the car can indicate a leak that is hidden somewhere. Most of the problems with the drivetrain will surface when the car is moving. During the test drive, the car should ride smoothly and feel under control. Any shaking or instability could indicate problems with the suspension or drivetrain. Exterior The exterior of the car should be inspected for scratches and dents. Trim work should be securely attached and windows should be chip- and crack-free. Paint color on different areas that does not match indicates an area that has had damage and been repaired. All lights in the front and in the back should in working order and not cracked or broken. Even small patches of rust may not seem like a big deal, but once a car begins to rust it does not seem to stop. Interior The first thing everyone notices when they get into a car is the smell. Many can identify a car that was previously driven by a smoker, but do not make the correlation between a moldy smell and possible water damage. The instrument panel should be clean and in working order. Many people will check the radio as soon as they get in, but forget the heater and A/C. Most importantly, the driver should feel comfortable in the seat and be able to look all around with small blind spots. Ideally, potential buyers should test drive a car to their mechanic for a quick inspection. Many times, though, it is not feasible and they need to have a plan in place to inspect a car themselves before they visit a pre-owned car dealer in Anchorage.
Related Articles -
Pre-owned, Car, Dealer, Anchorage,
|