Sunday, August 30, 2009

Why You Need a Mechanic to Check Over a Used Car Before You Buy

If you got the relevant information about the market value of your desired car that does not mean your work is over. You need used car inspection by a professional. The mechanic will be able to inform you the exact condition of the car and the required estimate for its repairing. After going through a test drive, you have finally decided the model and make of the car you are going to buy. After considering the model and make of the car, go through the complete list of cars that you are having. Select one or two cars as your final selection. If your mechanic approves your selection then get ready to buy your car. Your selected vehicle required some deposit from you. You must take certain precautions before giving them check. On the check write down,’ Deposit is refundable, as it is dependent on the approval of the mechanic.’

Take the vehicle and call the seller for a drive. Suppose the seller wants to have a private transportation. In such situation, pay half amount of the bill. It is possible to get private transportation and that too at a lower cost, if your mechanic arranges the transportation. You must inform your mechanic, if your vehicle is currently registered. You should call the seller at your garage in the presence of mechanic. If the seller is not ready on this arrangement then you must stop dealing with him. If the seller is acting in this manner that means there is something suspicious. The seller very well knew that your mechanic would catch the problem in the vehicle. Therefore, you must be a little alert while dealing in such situations.

The Professional Check

A used car inspection by a professional mechanic is the significant step you are taking while purchasing the car. You can avoid many troubles that may occur without an active participation from the mechanic. You must check thoroughly the title certificates or damages due to any accident, the vehicle had met in past. Before buying a used car, it must be examined thoroughly by a mechanic. You can save a lot of money by this initial examination from your mechanic. The complete review of the mechanical aspects of the car will cost you around $100 to $200. The used car always require a little bit of repairing. These small faults may cause big damages to you later. Mechanic is the only person who can give you the exact condition of the car. He could also give you an estimate of the amount that is needed for repairing. While negotiating the price, this report will help you a lot. Try to avoid a bargain-priced car. The Bargain-priced car demands a lot of work. It can be a bad experience for you. The experienced wholesalers of cars often lose a lot of money.

Mechanic Search

The mechanic plays an important role while buying the used car. You must start the professional check with a mechanic. However, if you are not getting then get him as early as possible. Take care not to waste time in looking for mechanic. Search a dealer or an independent garage that specializes in that particular model you are buying. It would be better, if you ask in your neighborhood or with your friends. It would be best, if someone had already dealt with that particular mechanic or dealer. It also need visit by you on different shops and dealers. Try to analyze their behavior and their specialization of the model. After getting the mechanic, you must treat him/her politely. This one person can save a lot of your hard-earned money. Moreover, he will give you the accurate condition of your vehicle.

Inspection of Your Selection

After doing the final selection, take it to your mechanic. He will give you the accurate condition and estimate of the vehicle. You can help the mechanic a lot by giving him all the documents regarding the vehicle. For Instance, the complete maintenance receipts and documents. These documents will help the mechanic in judging the accurate estimate and condition of the vehicle. A car with good billing records means it had gone through a proper maintenance. Thus, it is quite possible that it is a good car to buy. The documents must be checked thoroughly. The documents should belong to the selected car, from the same owner and the same area. Mechanic must be informed, if you find the documents for the repairing of same items more than once. You must ask your seller regarding this. Inquire the seller, if there are inconsistencies in maintenance records. This shows the attitude of the seller. All claims by the seller must be written down in document form. Such as, repairs, fitness of the vehicle and prospective repairs.

You must ask for all the repairs needed by the car and the estimate cost of repairing. All these things must be done, while the vehicle is in garage. Many tests needed to be done by your mechanic. For Instance, battery and charging tests, frame inspection, alignment and suspension check, fluid leakage inspection and brake inspection. The performance of engine and transmission could be tested by a test drive. There are certain areas where the emission inspection is important. If you reside in such an area then go for that test also. Do not forget to ask the way to tackle problems regarding the vehicle in future. Collect information about the selected vehicle, along with general information about the model. You can easily get the sales contract of automobiles at most of the office supply stores. If the official there demands for a cash or certified check then take him to the bank along with you. Do the final transaction at bank. On the sales agreement and any other sales tax form, both of you must sign correctly.

The owner can make several other excuses. Such as, a need of co-owner, holder had been removed, or the owner is not an original owner. In such situations, you must act intelligently. Ask the owner for copy of the old title, bill of sale, completed and dated request form for title.

How Safe Is Your Second-Hand Car Purchase?

Whenever you consider buying a second-hand car, one of the first things you’ll want to know is that your purchase is mechanically sound. It is no good having everything you want in a car; such as a luxurious interior, a great MP3 player and the right colour exterior if it is a lemon, when it comes to its mechanical status.

Unless you are a mechanic, or have one in the family or as a close friend you will probably have to turn to MTA Vehicle Inspections, who offer used car inspection as well as all kind of vehicle inspections for a reasonable fee. Or, you could take the chance that the car is as sound as it looks and buy ‘as seen’. But, don’t forget the old Latin phrase ‘caveat emptor’, literally translated as ‘buyer beware’, that normally applies when it comes to buying second hand cars. Unless you are buying from a garage that offers a warranty, purchasing a second-hand car involves a great deal of risk, so do your utmost to minimise that risk and protect your investment.

And remember, even if the second-hand car you are intending to buy is less than three years old and isn’t required to have an certificate, it is still worth getting an independent vehicle inspection carried out. It might seem like yet another cost; an expense that you might consider unnecessary, but in the long run could save you thousands. Especially, as cars around two to three years old are likely to have all the original components that will need replacing over the next year or two such as brake pads, suspension bars, tyres, clutches, and the list goes on.

There are no guarantees when buying any second-hand vehicle. However, ensuring that you get your used car inspection by an accredited mechanic or road organisation, such as MTA Vehicle Inspections will help allay your fears, or even expose the vehicle as totally unsuitable for purchase. Can you afford to take the risk?

Do You Know How to Inspect a Used Car?

It seems you have looked at every used car in your area and have finally decided on that one special gem to purchase. Before you plunk down all your change, you need to make sure this little jewel is worth what you are willing to pay and the used car salesman is willing to accept.

Here are a few tips for used car inspection:-

1) Body damage – this is a little tricky to determine but you can do some checking. Open the hood and trunk and inspect the paint edges feeling to see if it is rough. Look for overspray on the inside of these areas and also make sure the paint inside the hood matches the outside of the vehicle. Stand in front of the car at each corner and look down the body line of the vehicle checking for waves. Open the doors and look for overspray or a paint line on the door jams.

2) Engine and transmission – pop the hood and look carefully at the engine and do not be fooled by a clean compartment. Look at the belts and hoses, the air filter; check the oil and transmission fluid by sniffing it. If you smell smoke, that could indicate problems. Start up the car and listen to the engine for knocks and metal noises; put the transmission in gear – does it clunk or go smoothly. Look under the vehicle for leaks – if you find water don’t worry that’s just the a/c.

3) Electrical – start the car and turn on all the electrical features making sure everything works properly. Windows should roll up smoothly and quick, door locks should function, the a/c should blow cold, the heat should heat and always check the windshield defroster – if it smokes or has a funny smell, the heater core could be bad. Make sure the wipers work properly as well as the horn, turn signals, hazards and headlights.

4) Test Drive – make sure to check all functions of the moving vehicle including the brakes, steering, suspension, engine response and transmission. Before you take off look at the tires and inspect the wear and tread depth. If the tires have scalloping or damage you should get the dealer to replace them prior to purchase.

5) After the Test Drive – turn off the car, pop the hood checking for temperature issues and smell. Also get back down again and look under the vehicle checking for any residue on any surfaces.

6) Before you buy – take the car to a trusted mechanic and have them go over it as well. Ask for receipts and service or repair invoices as well.

If your potential car purchase lives through all that scrutiny then buy it. If it fails a few tests, you will need to determine the potential costs you might incur and if you really want to buy a vehicle with possible problems.

The bottom line is, it is next to impossible to determine if a vehicle is good or bad, but you can decide whether or not it is worth the risk of buying.

Source:- articlesbase