When you're in the market for a used car, it can be tempting to rush out right away and purchase the first vehicle you come across. Of course, this would be a mistake. If you want to get a car that'll actually last you a bit, it's vital that you heed some key warning signs that may indicate your potential new ride is a dud.
Inspection Tags
The first thing you need to watch out for is the license plate. Actually, it's not the plate itself that's of concern. It's that little inspection sticker on it. When does it expire? Is the expiration date coming up soon? Like, in a couple of months? If so, the seller might be trying to pull a fast one on you. You see, if a car needs a big repair, the owner might try to sell it before the next inspection so they won't be responsible for it. While this certainly isn't always the case, it's something you need to consider, lest you wish to be out money for a car and need to make repairs to it later.
If you notice an about-to-expire inspection sticker, be upfront with the seller about it. Does he or she dodge your questions? Have they noted the repairs (if any) the car requires? Use your best judgment when evaluating the seller's character. That may be all you have to go one.
What's That Smell?
When it comes to buying a used car, the nose knows. Really. Give the car the sniff test. When you open the door to the car, do you smell something unpleasant? Even just a small hint of something foul could turn into a full-blown nightmare scenario. Think of it this way: to sell the car, the owner has likely let it air out for days, has sprayed the upholstery and has used air fresheners. But as soon as you drive the car for any length of the time with the windows rolled up, whatever funk was being masked will come back to the forefront. If you smell anything bad, run, don't walk, away from the deal.
Dashboard Signs
Is the check engine light on? This can be immediate red flag. While it's not always the sign of a huge problem—it could just be an electrical glitch—a check engine light could indicate a whole host of problems with the vehicle. In short, don't trust what the seller says. Have a technician check out the car for you. Should you decide to buy the car, make sure any cost of repairs is factored into your offer.
By paying attention to these warning signs, you should have a much more pleasant car-buying experience.