Nothing is as exciting as buying your first car. Whether it’s a brand new model or a used one, you must know what to look for to ensure that you drive home the best at the dealership. Their in-house mechanics thoroughly and carefully inspect the used cars in el cajon. Still, you should know how to do the inspection yourself and what are the things that you have to look into.
Do Your Research
Before you buy a used car from your trusted dealership in El Cajon, you must take the time to do your research about the vehicle and the dealership. There are plenty out there, even in your town, that’s why choosing one that can provide you with a top-quality and thoroughly inspected car is crucial.
Here’s What To Inspect
Considering that you have done all the necessary research about the dealership and the vehicle and have also been preapproved for a car loan, the next thing is to do the inspection. Most car buyers bring their trusted mechanics to do this on their behalf. Regardless of whether the dealership provides their report or not, you should also have your inspection report.
- Exterior. There are so many things that need to be inspected when it comes to the car’s exterior. But here are the most important things that you can examine yourself.
- Body Condition. Check for dents, scratches, or visible rust. All the doors, including the hood and trunk, are working.
- Glass. There should be no cracks or pocked areas.
- Suspension. Push down on each corner to check the suspension.
- Lights and Lenses. All lights should be working, and lenses must be intact.
- Tires. Treadwear must be even. Check sidewalls for cracks or bulges.
- Interior. Taking the time to inspect the interior of the car is crucial. What you see and smell can tell you a lot of things. Here’s what you need to look into.
- Odor. Any unpleasant odor will tell you what the car went through.
- Seats. Try all seats and inspect the upholstery. The seat adjustments should be inspected as well.
- Pedals. The rubber on pedals must not be worn out.
- Controls. All warning lights should be checked when starting the vehicle.
- Sound system. Radio and speakers are working.
- Roof. No stains or sags. If the car has a sunroof or moonroof, it should open and close seamlessly.
- Trunk. Visible water entry signs are a red flag.
These are the easiest things you can check on your own, even if you are not savvy with cars. The components under the hood and the vehicle that must be inspected should be left to your trusted mechanic.
You always have to remember that experience in buying a used car from a new one will be different. You have to be proactive at doing the inspection and taking it for a test drive for pre-owned vehicles. Remember that the last thing you want is to overlook hidden issues that could have been avoided in the first place through a thorough inspection.
