| This is where your friends and family come in. Aside | | | | chipped or cracked glass, the electrical work and |
| from referrals, they could more or less ensure that the | | | | what's beneath the hood should be given proper |
| price is reasonable and the car's ownership history is | | | | attention, too. |
| satisfactory. | | | | Going Out for a Test Drive |
| Asking the Right Questions | | | | If it's a manual car, the clutch shouldn't slip. If the clutch |
| Why are the owners letting the car go? Make sure | | | | slips, instead of being steady as it accelerates, the |
| that they are not selling due to any major problems. | | | | motor will be revved up as when using neutral. If this |
| How long have they owned the car? Given proper | | | | happens get yourself a new clutch! Is the exhaust not |
| maintenance, a five to seven year-old car would | | | | chugging out excess smoke and noise? The car may |
| generally be in good condition. What repairs have been | | | | need some good motor repair, or some of the |
| done, or are currently needed? How's the mileage? | | | | exhaust system parts replaced. Do the pothole test. |
| The lower the mileage, the better. However, a used | | | | Overly shaky rides could indicate a suspension |
| car with more miles could be satisfactory, too. In this | | | | problem, an alignment problem and or a tire problem. |
| case, ask about the vehicle's use. Was it a family car | | | | Always have a trusted mechanic to thoroughly go |
| limited to city driving? Does the car come with a | | | | over the used car with you. |
| warranty? | | | | The Turn Over, at Last |
| Take Note of the following: | | | | The number of previous owners, registration details, |
| Body rust or holes are difficult to repair. A body panel | | | | applicable taxes, and insurance papers - should all be |
| rusting through is to be replaced. Different paint shades | | | | properly documented. With the paperwork done and |
| from one panel to another, peeling and cracked paint, | | | | the payment terms agreed upon, you're ready to hit |
| or smudges on other car part indicates a poor re-paint | | | | the road, and enjoy the ride! |
| job, which needs to be re-done. Threadbare tires, | | | | |