Shopping for a Used Car? Put Some Knowledge On Your Side Before You Hit the Lot
By Robert G. Yetman, Jr. Editor At Large
In order to properly inspect a used car, you have to have at least a bit of knowledge on a wide variety of areas. There are a lot of components to a car, a lot of things to watch for. While it���s not reasonable for a layperson to become an expert in a brief period of time, it is possible to pick up valuable tips from a mechanic and put those to good use when you���re checking out the vehicle.
Take the matter of what���s coming out of the tailpipe when you start it up. Do you see blue-colored smoke? If so, the car is burning oil. If the smoke vanishes right away, the engine might have valve seals that are leaking after the engine is shut down. If the blue smoke persists, it could mean something worse, like worn piston rings. Black smoke? The engine is getting too much gas, and this means a problem with the fuel injection system. White smoke? The engine is leaking coolant into cylinders. This could be caused by leaking head gasket or intake manifold gasket, and the repairs could be very pricey.
What you see at the tailpipe when the engine is turned on is just one area of the vehicle inspection process that requires a close look���and there are lots of others, of course. The tips above are just a small portion of the information contained in Inspect Before You Buy, a great ebook on how to inspect a used car written by ASE Certified mechanic Jerry Ellingson.
Beginning with the exterior of the vehicle, Ellingson tells you what to look for, specifically, when evaluating the body and paint, glass and trim, wheels and tires, body panel alignment, and the trunk area. From there, he takes the reader under the hood, through the underbody, and throughout the interior. Finally, Ellingson informs you of what to watch for when taking your prospect for a test drive, from what to listen for when you first start the vehicle, to how to evaluate the handling and drivability, and much, much more. Ellingson also includes a comprehensive checklist as a part of the book (something you will want to print out and take with you, even if you leave the rest of the book home), as well as a list of automotive websites that you may find helpful when looking for a used car, including links to the wonderful Edmunds and NADA guides.
Related Article - How To Inspect A Used Car
Note that Inspect Before You Buy is not a book on auto repair, nor an in-depth manual on cars; it is not intended to be either of those. It is a solid, car-shopping guidepost that can be very useful in helping you to determine if you���re about to make a smart investment���or if you���re about to buy a four-wheeled ���money pit.��� The price is great, too���$6.95���and even at that, it comes with a money-back guarantee. If you���re already an expert when it comes to this stuff, this may not be for you, but if not, this could well be the most important money you spend on behalf of your next car purchase���and that includes the dough you drop on the car itself. Click Here To Get Your Copy Of Inspect Before You Buy.
