All posts tagged used cars

5 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Family Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2020/05/28 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on 5 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Family Car
used autos

New cars have some glamour, but can be extremely expensive. If you can find a used car that’s been well-cared for, you can save a lot and enjoy worry-free travel. However, there are things you need to carefully check out before buying a used car.

Do A Walk Around

Walk around the car and look to make sure it is level. Problems with leveling can be an indicator of bad shocks or struts. These crucial tools can lead to a lot of bouncing, a pull on the steering wheel as you try to drive straight, and can wear out your tires quickly. You need all four tires on the road and for shock absorbers to move freely to avoid the risk of a wreck.

Review the Service Records

The glove box should contain the manual. Review this book for any service records logged in the back. If you’re buying your car from the selection of used cars in Gillette Wyoming or your particular locale, check in with the facility mechanic to determine what they found when they checked out the car.

If the dealership doesn’t have a mechanic, or if you’re buying from a private seller, take it to a mechanic for a thorough assessment. Be ready to pay for this checkup, as it could be the best money you spend on a car you choose not to buy. Finally, if the private seller won’t let you take the car to be checked out, walk away.

Get Under the Hood

When checking the car for level, you might as well get on the ground and look for fluid. Green fluid is a radiator leak, while red fluid is usually engine oil. Open the hood and check the radiator fluid level. Pull the engine dipstick and check to make sure the oil is clean. Take a look at the brake fluid level. Finally, sniff. Cars that have been run too hot due to thermostat problems or just because the oil was allowed to run too dirty for too long can have a burned or smoky odor. It’s not a sign to walk away, but you’ll want to get it checked out.

Check the Tire Tread

Take apenny out of your pocket and put Mr. Lincoln upside down in the tire tread. If you can see the top of his head, the tires are too worn to be safe. Tire tread is critically important. Bald tires can’t clear rainwater, so your risk of a skid can get very dangerous, very quickly. You need tires with some grab to be safe.

Test Drive

When you take the car for a test drive, go easy and let the car warm up. Once it’s running smoothly, hit the brakes hard. If you hear a squeak, whistle or clunk, the brakes will need work. Punch the gas pedal to check acceleration. If there’s delay, the injectors may need attention, or the timing of the engine may be off.

If it’s a standard transmission, work carefully through the gears. Make sure you can easily get into reverse from a stopped position. Slip your shoes off and check the friction point on the clutch. You want the clutch to engage at the top of the pedal, not by the carpet. If the clutch engagement point is low, a novice may have worn it excessively or damaged the transmission. Downshift through the gears to check for slop or misalignment.

Conclusion

A good used car can be a great investment, but you need to do your homework. Visit a lot to get a good sampling of what’s available in your price range and seek the help of a qualified mechanic for a final check.

image credit: envato.com

Old Buys: How to Find the Perfect Used Car Just for You

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/12/01 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on Old Buys: How to Find the Perfect Used Car Just for You

Even a used car can be a major investment, and your next vehicle is sure to be a vital component of your daily life. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to end up with a lemon that requires new parts and expensive repairs. Here are a few steps you can take to find the perfect used vehicle at a great price.

Look Beyond the Initial Costs

One of the most common mistakes that buyers make is neglecting the maintenance costs. This is especially common among those who are buying slightly older vehicles that often have a lower sticker price. Before making an offer, you should take some time to research each model and consider how much you are willing to spend on oil changes, new parts, gas, and all other upcoming expenses.

Speak With an Experienced Mechanic

If you do not have a family member or close friend who knows quite a bit about cars, then you should consider speaking with a local mechanic. A friendly and reputable mechanic will be able to give you basic information on what you should look for and what to avoid. Once you have narrowed your choices, you can then ask them to look over the vehicle before you make an offer.

Consider Your Must-Have Features

When buying a used vehicle, there is a very good chance that you will have to make at least a few sacrifices. While it might be ideal to have every upgrade, you should take some time to consider what features you absolutely need. That might include options such as a Bluetooth connection, great gas mileage, GPS, seat warmers, or an extended warranty.

Research Recalls

Unfortunately, many car dealers and private sellers try to get rid of vehicles immediately following a major recall. No matter how good the deal might seem, you should never choose a model that might not be safe or mechanically sound. If there does happen to be a recall on a car you like, then you should make sure it is still under warranty and the part in question can be replaced.

Narrow Your Choices with a Listing Company

If you are still having a tough time finding the right car or truck, then you might want to consider using a vehicle listing website or service like Alaska Dispatch News. These listings generally allow you to narrow your search by year, make, model, and location before being presented with results. You can then bid on the car immediately or contact the seller to learn more about the vehicle.

Millions of used cars are on the market, and it can be very difficult for the average driver to wade through the money traps. Hopefully, these few tips will help you narrow your choices while avoiding unscrupulous dealers and sellers.

5 Vehicles That Seamlessly Blend Quailty And Value

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/02/25 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on 5 Vehicles That Seamlessly Blend Quailty And Value

A car that blends quality and value seamless must have eco-friendly features and options that are suitable for families. Although many new vehicles are worth buying, there are five used automobiles that have key components that consumers greatly appreciate.

Honda Civic 

The 2012 Honda Civic has a great fuel economy rating. According to the Environment Protection Agency, consumers who own any previous-generation Honda Civic typically spend $200 more each year on fuel. So, upgrading to any 2012 Honda Civic trim is a smart financial decision. 

The Honda Civic is offered in three eco-friendly trims. Consumers can choose the Honda HF, the Honda Civic Hybrid, or the Honda Civic Natural Gas. Although each trim has useful features, the most fuel-efficient option is the Honda Civic Hybrid. 

Ford Focus

The 2012 Ford Focus is an affordable vehicle that is big enough for a small family. In the rear cabin, there is plenty of headroom and legroom for kids and adult passengers. Consumers who need more space should purchase one of the upper trims. Besides additional space, the higher trims offer other features, such as a Sony sound system and sports seats.

Toyota Corolla

The 2012 Toyota Corolla has a very spacious driver’s seat. While driving, visibility is never an issue in the cabin. Thanks to the simple controls, operating the audio system and climate control system is a snap. Overall, since the trunk by roomy, the 2012 Toyota Corolla is an ideal automobile for family vacations.

Volkswagen Golf TDI

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf is available as a four-door hatchback and a two-door hatchback at many Volkswagen dealerships. Both options are great for long trips since the seats are supportive and comfortable. In the cabin, there is also an efficient navigation system, Bluetooth, and satellite radio.

Toyota Prius V

In the United States, the Toyota Prius has been a bestselling hybrid since it debuted in 2001. The 2014 Prius is a quality vehicle because it meets the strict emissions standard in California.

A variety of hybrid displays and gauges are found in the cabin. Because the readouts are easy to understand, passengers never have problems using them. For families, this Prius is a good option because it has sliding and reclining rear seats.

Besides these vehicles, there are many other automobiles that have valuable features. For example, if accessing and starting a vehicle is a key requirement, consider buying an automobile that has a keyless access and start function.

To obtain more information about many other vehicles, contact Tischer Auto.