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Used Car Warning Signs
You should never buy a used car without a proper inspection. If you are buying locally, you can ask your trusted mechanic to conduct an inspection for you. The extra money you pay in inspection costs could never compare to the hassle of dealing with a used car that turns out to be a lemon. You should assess both a used car's interior and exterior to look for clues that it isn't as good as the seller is making it out to be. If you buy a used car online, you should have an independent professional, preferably someone who is ASE-certified, conduct an inspection. You can find such an inspector on sites like carchex.com. Here are some clues that a used car may not be a good deal:
- Uneven tire wear: This usually indicates a mis-alignment. Even if you get a proper alignment after you buy a used car, it could be a sign that the seller wasn't a responsible owner.
- A new paint job: This is not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe the seller got the paint job because he or she wanted to improve the car's value before selling. But, it can also be a sign that the seller is hiding an accident record so you should get the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and have its history thoroughly checked.
- Unwillingness to share car repair and maintenance records: A seller should be willing to share the repair and maintenance receipts and records with you. They will give you an idea of how responsible the owner was and if any serious defects exist. You should still double-check this record by obtaining an online vehicle history report through carchex.com
- Frame Damage: A good vehicle history report should make you aware of any frame damage that might have occured on a used car. Frame damage can be properly fixed, but you should use extreme caution if you learn a used car has it. More information can be obtained at framefacts.com
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