Buying Used Cars: The Importance of Evaluating a Vehicle's History

One of your primary concerns when purchasing a used car should be the vehicle's history. In this excerpt, you will learn how to evaluate a vehicle's history. 

The number of owners.

While the number of previous owners should not be an immediate cause for concern, it is a good source of information about the vehicle's use. For example, a car whose previous owner lived on the beach may have rusted parts due to humid conditions. On the other hand, if the owner lived in the countryside, it may have suspension problems due to off-road driving.

Service report. 

The vehicle's service history will help you determine its mechanical condition. Cars whose previous owners missed service intervals may have worn-out engine components. On top of that, they may develop chronic engine problems such as overheating and engine knocks. 

Theft records. 

Thieves may steal or damage some of the vehicle's internal components. Besides, they may tamper with the vehicle's chassis or engine number if they intend to sell the car overseas. As such, if the vehicle was once reported stolen, have your mechanic conduct a thorough inspection to verify its condition. 

Accident records. 

It is not advisable to purchase a vehicle that was once involved in a major accident. During a crash, a car's crumple zone deforms to absorb energy from the impact and protect passengers inside the cabin. It may be difficult to restore the crumple zone's components to their original state during car repairs. Therefore, you are not adequately protected in case of an accident. The crumple zone and airbags may fail to deploy, thus causing severe injury. A vehicle that has had accident repairs will have uneven body lines or filler on its body. Open the bonnet and check for signs of welding. 

Mileage.

The vehicle's mileage is a vital source of information regarding which parts need replacement. For instance, the timing belt may need replacement every 100,000 kilometres, depending on the vehicle's make and model. On the other hand, you may want to conduct an engine overhaul if the car has been running for too long. 

A vehicle history report will give you accurate information regarding the vehicle's previous use. For instance, while it is possible to doctor the vehicle's mileage, it may be impossible for the seller to manipulate figures on the history report. The report can help you determine if the car is worth the seller's asking price.

When purchasing a used car, evaluate the number of previous owners, theft records, service report, accident records and mileage. Reach out to a user car dealer such as Blue Ribbon Motors to learn more.

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