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Buying a used car, truck, or SUV is a great way to realize optimal value on the purchase of a quality car, but it is important to know what to look for to ensure the car you choose is indeed of a high quality. You will want peace of mind when you leave the Midlands Toyota in a used car, and there are certain steps you can take to get the assurance of quality you need.
Checklist for Used Car Inspections
You should employ all of your senses in judging the used car that has your interest. Firstly, the car should pass the eye test on the exterior. The following list covers basic checks you can perform on the exterior of your car:
- There are no dents or scratches on its body
- The paint is uniform
- Panels are even
- Doors open and close properly.
- There is no rust on the body or in the trunk.
- Glass doesn’t have any cracks, scratches, or chips
- Tires should have the right amount of tread and be undamaged.
What to Look for Inside the Car
There are many things you’ll want to inspect on the inside of your prospective car. After all, it is where you will be spending the majority of your time. Go through the following list to be certain that the interior of the used vehicle you want is of an acceptable quality:
- Check the smell of the cabin. Does a rank odor greet you when you open the door?
- Inspect the fabric for cleanliness and potential odors.
- Look to see that the headliner is attached to the ceiling and that the windows are working properly.
- Check the power door and window locks.
- Start the car and examine whether or not dashboard lights stay illuminated, and whether or not the A/C and heat or working effectively.
- Cars come with a variety of technologies and features that should all be tested, including the audio system, lights, turn signals, and so on.
- Windshield wipers and wiper fluid should be tested.
- Adjust each seat to see if they fold correctly.
- Open and close the sunroof if it is included in the car.
- Test the parking brake.
- See if there is an inflated tire with a kit in the trunk.
- Ensure that the key fob works and a spare key is given to you
- No mildew or mold should be present anywhere, including the trunk.
How to Test a Car’s Performance
Perhaps the most important aspect of buying a used car is determining that it delivers solid performance. You’ll want to start by popping the hood and getting a look at the inner organs of your potential car. From here, there are a few things you’ll want to look closely at:
- Is there rust in the engine bay?
- Are the battery terminals rusted or corroded?
- Are there any leaks underneath the car?
- When you turn the car on, is there smoke coming out of the exhaust or odd smells and/or noises?
Once you’ve begun to drive the car, you should be alert to any shaking or vibrations, and pay attention to how the brakes work as well. Are they responsive? Do they screech or otherwise make noise when you use them? Does the car pull to one side or the other when you press them? Finally, confirm that the car shifts gears and reverses smoothly and without noise. If your car passes these tests, you will feel much better about the investment you’re making into your transportation.
Shop for Used Cars with Midlands Toyota
There are a few final things you’ll want to check up on before you go through with your purchase including the car’s mileage matching the CarFax report, the year, and the title from the owner if it is a private sale. If the car was on when you arrived, turn it off and start it again for an extra measure of caution. Once you have performed these checks, you will be certain you made a good decision in purchasing a used car from the large inventory at Midlands Toyota.
