A used car is an excellent choice to give yourself varied options for buying a vehicle. Depending on your budget and the available models, you can buy two units for the same amount you might spend on a brand new car. But, of course, you’ll also get more mileage, worn-out parts, and possibly performance issues. This checklist from car dealerships near Rio Rancho, NM can help weed out the clunkers when you check them out, leaving you only with the best options.
Cabin and Electronics
Start checking in areas not readily visible because that’s where real clues about the vehicle’s state usually are. Open the door to the cabin and take note of the smell. If you catch a musty odor, it most likely indicates mold. The smell of rust isn’t a good sign either. Make sure all the seats are stable even when you’re adjusting them. The leather or fabric covering must be firm.
Check the rubber on the pedals–make sure they’re not worn out. Step on the brakes and feel the resistance. If it takes some strength to push down, it can mean that there’s a problem in the hydraulics. Then, move on to the dashboard. All buttons and warning lights must be working.
Bodywork and Tires
Once you’re done checking the interior, move on to the exterior. The panels must not have dents and scuffs. Also, check their underside for rust. Corrosion is often a red flag that the car has been flooded or hasn’t been maintained properly. All glass windows must be free of scratches and cracks on both sides, although they are easy to replace. Check the lights, too. Make sure they are all intact and not foggy. Then, move on to the tires. Push a coin into the tread of each tire. If it sticks, the tread is thick enough to last a few thousand miles.
Engine and Gearbox
Now, you’re ready to do a more detailed inspection of the used Subaru near Rio Rancho, NM. First, open the hood and look at the engine. Look for signs of damage, such as wear and cuts on the belts and tubes. Excessive dirt and grease on the components’ surfaces are a telltale sign of the owner’s neglect. Next, check the state of the fluids. The motor oil must be runny but clear. Also, check if there’s enough coolant. Of course, you can top off the radiator with new coolant, but a good seller will replenish all fluids, including the brake fluid, before selling their vehicle.
History and Documents
Finally, after the thorough inspection, all that’s left is paperwork. Ask the owner to show the registration, title, and other DMV documents. You won’t need this if you’re buying from a Subaru dealer near Santa Fe, NM because they will have all the necessary documents ready. Buying from a dealership is also better than buying from a private seller or an auction because they’ll have their units inspected and tuned up.
The best way to ensure you’re buying a good quality used car is to bring along a professional mechanic or someone knowledgeable in cars. Also, don’t forget to test-drive the vehicle to see if it’s road-worthy. Drive it on different terrains but be careful not to damage it as that might go into the final cost. It’s better to see the problem early than when you’re already using it. Check out the Fiesta Subaru car dealer in the Albuquerque, NM area for more information.
