When inspecting vehicles at Buy Here Pay Here dealerships, your eyes are the most valuable asset. It is best to inspect the vehicles while they are still on the ground and the engines are still cold. While all cars will show wear and tear, it is normal for them to feel rough. However, costly repairs may be necessary for others. You can avoid expensive repairs by inspecting the vehicles. If you are still happy with the vehicle, use any faults as bargaining chips to reduce the price.
Tip 1: Smell the vehicle to see if it smells like it was in water and is now rotting.
Tip 2: Check that the hood opens smoothly without creaking. This could indicate an accident that may have caused damage to the engine or its components.
Tip 3: Check for pride of ownership by looking at the hood prop.
Tip #4: If leaves are stuck between the hinges or around the hood cover, it could indicate that the vehicle has been sitting for a while which can be dangerous.
Tip #5 – Look out for fluid leaks near the exterior of mechanical parts.
Tip #6 – Check to see if your drive belts have worn.
Tip #7 – Check for corrosion on batteries. If the age of the battery is indicated, it will usually last 4-5 years before needing replacement.
Tip #8 – Look out for tubing that has been chewed up.
Tip #9 – Give it a spin on the cooling fan to check if it spins freely.
Tip #10 – Check for cracks in the radiator caps when it is cold to determine if there has been excessive heating. This is a sign that the radiator oil is low.
Tip #11 – Check for any leaks in the windshield wiper reservoir
Tip No. 12: Make sure to check the fuel filter for cleanliness and aging.
Tip #13: Check fluids:
Coolant – Look for color and cleanliness. Also, look at the amount.
Oil – Remove the dip-stick and wipe it to remove any corrosion. Then, dip it again in and out to check the oil level and color. A darker oil could indicate that the oil has not been changed in a while, which is dangerous to the vehicle.
Brake fluid reservoir – Fluid should be replaced regularly. If it is low, it could indicate worn front brake pads or actual brakes.
Power steering fluid – Check the amount by using the hot/cold lines.
Transmission fluid – Some dip-sticks may have hot or cold marking lines. However, it is the only one that should be checked while hot (after a hot test drive – except for Honda where the engine should not be hot, but the car should be turned off). It should be pink with the required mark. It will be considered bad if the mark is low and it has bubbles or yellow.
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