What Used Cars NOT To Buy

Used cars buying tips - Knowing what to look for in used cars can ultimately save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in money and time.

When shopping for used cars there are several factors to consider. What you can afford is a major one. Once you establish your price -- the absolute most you can afford -- then you are ready to go shopping. Obviously, the more you have to spend, the nicer of a used cars you will get. However, if you cannot spend a lot, that does not mean you have to buy a lemon.

So let's determine what to look for in a lemon of a used car:

• Condition of the used car
  Examine the condition of the exterior and the interior of the used car. If either appears to be in bad shape, chances are the owner did not take proper care of the whole vehicle. If the owner did not take care of the inside or outside, they probably did not take care of the engine, transmission, and tires as well.
  
  
• Worn or uneven wear on the tires
  Uneven wear on the tires are a sign of neglect. Many factors can contribute to uneven wear in tires such as improper inflation pressures, misalignment, improper balance or suspension neglect. It can also be a sign that the tires are nearing failure. If you purchase a used car with worn tires you can expect to spend an additional minimum of $200 for new tires.
  
  
• Check for gaps in the body panel
  Gaps are a sign that the vehicle has been in an accident. An accident could weaken the integrity of the vehicle and cause many hidden mechanical problems. Check closely between doors, fenders, the hood, and trunk. If you see any gaps or misalignment, the vehicle could have had serious body damage.
  
  
• Rust or attempted rust repairs in the body
  If you live in an area where salt is used on the roads during the winter, rust may be the norm for older autos. However, be sure to check the underside of the used car for signs of rust. Rust can eventually eat away at a frame if allowed to go unchecked.
  
  
• Color mismatch or signs of bubbling paint
  If you see mismatches in the paint or any other signs that the used car has been repainted, it could mean that the auto has been wrecked in that area. There also could be hidden damages that the owner is mentioning. Find out exactly why the car was repainted before making any purchases.
  
  
• Always, always, always check under the hood
  Check all fluid levels, signs of leakage, cracks and wearing in the belts, and hose damage. If fluid levels are low or dirty or you find signs of any of the above, it is a strong indication that the auto was not properly maintained. You could end up spending a fortune on a poorly maintained used car
  

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