This means that you still have quite a distance to travel on your used truck. A good range for secondhand trucks would be below , miles for gas engines, and below , miles for diesel engines.
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If the mileage tallies higher numbers, check it against the condition of the truck. The important thing about checking the odometer is to see if the numbers add up to the overall status of the truck. Obvious instances like accidents or repairs will immediately pop up, but other potentially deal-breaking issues may require more digging. A vehicle, for instance, that has changed so many hands in such little time is not something you want on your hands. Something could be wrong with the unit, and history can repeat itself under your ownership.
Inspect the vehicle for cracks. Small enough cracks can be negligible, but big damages should definitely alarm you. Windshields get the most damage, and a few crack types to watch out for are the stress crack or damage that occurs not as a result of an external force hitting the glass, but because of more alarming, internal factors like overheating from the sun and the vehicle suddenly being exposed to very cool temperatures. Cracks as a result of impact are also more susceptible to worsen over time, so any damage to the glass should be properly noted in your inspection.
At the very least, chips to the glass can help you score a discount for when you do decide to go with the truck. Shock absorbers that work fine should prevent the truck from bouncing too much and should, ideally, make it rebound just once. Check if all your lights and lenses are fully functional by having another person inspect it when you turn it on.
Confirm as well if the lenses and reflectors are not cracked, fogged, missing, or otherwise broken. The tires can give you invaluable information about where a vehicle has been, and where it can still take you. The first thing to look for is the wear and tear on a tire, especially in regards to its mileage. Cars with low mileage should not have beaten tires; and those tallying 20, miles should still have its original tires, almost in mint condition.
Red flags would be if the odometer rings a low number, but the tires look much older; this could mean the meter was tampered with and rolled back. The tires also show the kind of drivers that had handled the car and can alert you to other potential problems. For instance, aggressive drivers would have worn down the front wheels, which could compromise its quality.
Tires generally overinflated will have a more battered middle part, while underinflated tires will have more sustained more damage on the sides. The point is that if the tires are showing damage, ergo, a reflection of bad driving, there might be other issues with the vehicle as well. It always helps to have another set of eyes inspecting the vehicle with you, and it would be more beneficial for you if that second pair of eyes happens to be a professional mechanic, who would know what to look for and better gauge the number of repairs that might still be needed.
Check if the seller has maintenance records available; good, conscientious owners will have all their paperwork organized, and you can rest more easily knowing the vehicle was in good hands. With three decades of business under our belt, you can definitely count on the quality of our services. We offer a healthy selection of good quality used trucks, all for fair prices. This way you can make smart trade-off decisions. An easy way to know what to check when buying a used car is to bring along a friend who knows cars. He or she will possibly spot red flags. If the seller objects, odds are there is something wrong with the vehicle.
Check to see if the vehicle rests properly on level ground. If the car leans to one side, it might indicate a binding shock absorber or strut, a bad spring or torsion bar, bent suspension parts, or even a twisted chassis.
All of these can lead to major ongoing repairs. Rust on the vehicle indicates a breakdown of metal. Over time, rust can eat through the door, floorboards, body, frame, and chassis. Black spots or greasy grime on the exhaust are big red flags. If white vapor is coming from the exhaust, you could have a blown head gasket or be burning oil.
Checking the frame will reveal if the car has been in an accident and is one of the most important items on the checklist for buying a used car.
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Look for chips or cracks in the glass. A tiny windshield chip might not seem like a big deal, but it could spread, causing poor visibility or shattering in an accident. Some states have laws making it illegal to drive with a cracked windshield. Understand the smog or emissions restrictions where you live to make sure the vehicle fits the requirements. Repairing emissions is challenging even for veteran technicians and can be costly.
The penalty fee for not being compliant will hurt your wallet even more. View this video to learn how to check car fluids, belts, and perform full under-hood inspection. Dark brown oil stains on the engine block indicate a leaky oil pan gasket. Check to see if the previous owner has documentation of oil changes, radiator flushes, any repairs, or any other regularly required maintenance. The radiator hoses should not be soft or cracked.
A bad radiator hose could burst, causing extensive damage to your vehicle. Make sure belts are in good condition as well. Make sure this one is at the top of checklist when looking at a used car.
This is a must-check when buying a used car. The transmission fluid should be pink or red. It may appear darker in older cars, but the fluid should never look black or smell burnt. Transmission fluid level should also be full. If the transmission stops working, it may be more cost-effective to buy another car than repair the damaged car. Any musty, moldy, or mildew smell could indicate water leaks or damage requiring repairs. Mold is a health hazard and may be hard to get out of the car. Any acidic smoke could indicate the car was owned by a smoker. This smell can be difficult to eliminate.
Make sure the seats move and have no unsightly stains or odors. Will you be comfortable driving with the amount of head and leg room? If not, keep looking. Do any lights stay lit on the dashboard? It could be due to a temporary condition such as a change in humidity or an unsecured gas cap. Generally, the latter is much more serious. A mechanic can tell you the cause by running a simple diagnostic test. Check the Brakes Thoroughly Does the brake pedal vibrate? Does stepping on the brakes cause squealing or scraping sounds?
If so, the car will require a brake repair or entire replacement. According to CostHelper. Any trepidation might mean worn or dirty parts such as ball joints or control arms of the suspension system. Listen for clunks or other strange noises when you idle or accelerate. There should be no pings, pops, knocks, or backfires. This is a surprising, yet important tip when buying a used car. Make sure the amenities such as heat, air, radio, CD player work to your liking. While everything on this list might seem like a luxury, remember: not only do you want to get from point A to point B, but you also want to enjoy the ride.
Search consumer reports, recall alerts , and news articles regarding the used vehicle you are considering. Certain vehicles had mass recalls that, if ignored, could be detrimental to your budget and safety.
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History reports are inexpensive and provide valuable information for purchasing decisions. Reports include details on accidents, flood damage, number of previous owners, VIN verification, actual mileage, and recall checks. If you are considering buying a used car from a dealer, ask to see a vehicle history report from CARFAX or similar service. The common perception has been that a car over , miles is not worth buying. The truth is, if the car was taken care of, it is very likely it can last well over , and possibly over , Cars are designed to be operated on a somewhat regular basis. Ask for preventative maintenance documentation.