Buying used cars can be tricky. Want to know how to avoid a lemon? Take a look at some red flags to look for when shopping for pre-owned vehicles.
While there are many reliable pre-owned vehicles out there, there are some that may seem like a good deal, but when you get down to the nitty-gritty of the vehicle’s history, it is too good to be true.
Not So Pretty on the Outside? It’s Probably not Great on the Inside Too
If a used car has glaring problems when you first look at it, dents, cracks, and rust, it probably hasn’t had a good once over by a service team. So, what could this mean? It could mean that there are even worse problems going on under the hood that no one knows about yet. If you see a used car that doesn’t look great on the outside, make sure to have a mechanic take a look a the engine and other mechanical components before you sign on that dotted line.
Speaking of Rust…
A little bit of rust isn’t bad, and depending on where the car came from, it can be expected. If you like your vehicle to look brand new, you might want to steer clear of used vehicles with some rust or factor in the cost to replace body panels. If you’re ok with a little rust, make sure you know the extent of it. If it is so bad that you’ll have to replace some sections of the frame, just walk away.
Does This Color Look Okay?
Do you see any mismatched paint on the vehicle? If you see any body panels that just don’t seem like they are the right color or they don’t have the same sheen as the rest of the car, it’s probably a sign it’s been in an accident. This is not necessarily a deal breaker; an accident is not a death sentence for a vehicle. What is a red flag is a seller trying to cover up the fact that there was an accident.
A Dashboard Lit Up Like a Christmas Tree
When you sit down in the driver’s seat and turn on the car, does the dashboard light up with all kinds of yellow and red lights? The check engine light could be something as simple as a gas cap, but it could also be a major issue with used cars. Make sure to get it checked out before you decide to buy the car and take on any of the repair costs.
How Low is Just Too Low?
If you’re shopping for used cars because you’re on a strict budget, the price of the car may be the first and last thing you look at. Finding something dirt cheap can seem like a was meant to be, but if the price is way too low, it might mean that the seller wants to get rid of it fast. This could mean it’s just too good to be true and you’ll end up paying more for repairs and service in the long run.
