Since its inception, the market of used cars has suddenly escalated at an unprecedented rate for the past few years. In fact, surveys show that the number of people who buy used cars is almost tripled when compared to the number of people who buy new cars.

That is why many people are enticed to buy used cars because it is gradually becoming a trend in the car buying industry.

However, it does not necessarily mean that buyers will just take the process of selecting used cars for granted. Hence, it is important to take note of the ways to check the car prior to the closure of the deal.

Therefore, for people who wish to know the different ways on checking the condition of the used car, here are some pointers:

1. Test drive

There is no better way to check the condition of the car than to do a test drive. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the actual condition of the car and its parts like the brakes, accelerator, etc.

Also, the buyer will be able to detect at once if there are some “clunks” and rattles on the used car, even if the test drive is just a short trip.

2. Personal inspection

Aside from test-driving, it is also important for the buyer to personally inspect the details of the body make-up and its condition.

In this manner, the buyer will be able to identify any signs of rusts and damages, the condition of the tires, oil leaks, etc.

3. Mileage check

Usually, an average user or driver will consume 12,000 to 15,000 miles in a year. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the approximate age of the car by looking at its mileage.

4. Mechanic check

Another way of checking the condition of a used car prior to its purchase is to seek the help of a mechanic. This may cost the buyer some charges but the money would surely be spent for a good cause. The mechanic is the best person who could instantly assess technically and professionally the condition of a certain car.

5. CARFAX Report

Knowing the history of the car is also one of the best ways to know the real condition of the car. Hence, it is important for the buyer to seek the help of CARFAX report in order to know the full details of the used car’s history.

Take the proper steps and research your purchase. Doing so will guarantee a happy car buying experience.

About the author:

Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and maintianing the car that is ideal for you. http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com -

Shop Aims To Be Female Friendly
These days a shop’s customer base isn’t limited to male heads of households. It’s important for a repair shop to work with car owners of all types. Generally, an always-honest-and-upfront day to day business practice is enough, but one shop in Phoenix, Arizona decided to woo its female customers through a redesigned bathroom. According to MotorAge, the response to Community Tire and Auto Repair’s bathroom remodel has been impressive. I can’t tell you how it will affect business, but take a look and I think you’ll agree it’s the nicest bathroom you’ve ever seen in a repair shop!

Shop Aims To Be Female Friendly originally appeared on About.com Auto Repair on Thursday, October 8th, 2009 at 23:53:13.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

A Quick Thought on Safety

I’ve just returned from a 2-day road trip to Maine, we had had to pick up a customer’s car and drag it back to New York for some serious massaging. The weather wasn’t great, and the lobster wasn’t much better. It seems 99% of the seafood shacks along HWY 1 close at the end of the summer vacation season. Thankfully, Bob’s Clam Shack is open year round, so we stopped once on the way up and again on the way down for a basket of fried. It was a rainy, cool drive. We were cruising down 495 when out of nowhere appeared a stranded motorist parked on the side of the road. It was a flat tire. The car was black, the air was foggy, and I had to make a less-than-comfortable swerve to avoid drenching the poor guy with funky road water, or worse if he suddenly leaned outward. My point is this: I know the last thing you may be thinking about as you limp to the emergency lane is the convenience of other drivers, but it only takes one idiot to make your day that much worse. If you’re pulling over to change a tire, steer as far into the emergency lane as possible, and use your emergency flashers so other drivers can give you a wide berth. It’s well worth the effort.

A Quick Thought on Safety originally appeared on About.com Auto Repair on Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 at 23:12:01.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Do some initial homework. Find out about the type of car you are considering. Check out any known mechanical problems with that model.

Check out the current second hand values for the car. A good place to start is www.what car .com. Also get your local paper and some of the specialist second hand car magazines and look up the prices of similar cars.

How much will it cost you to insure the car? That’s so easy to do on the Internet get a quote or two. It’ll just take a few minutes.

Also check out the car’s other running costs. Again www.what car .com will help. Make sure you can afford to run the car!

When you go to see a car insist on seeing the registration documentation, including its MOT certificate if the car is more than 3 years old. This will also show the cars’ chassis number. Check that the documents all tallies with the car. Be sure that the person selling the car does actually own it and always see it at the seller’s own home or business premises.

Make sure that the address on the Registration Document is the address where you are viewing the car - if not ask why. Be suspicious.

Examine the Road Tax disc. Is it still valid and do the registration number on the disc matches the Registration document?

Ask to look at the cars’ Service Record. This will also show the cars’ chassis number and details of the first owner. If the Service record is not available, has the owner kept any of the service or repair bills?

Now look under the bonnet and find the VIN Number (it could also be on the chassis). Check out that the VIN number tallies with the number on the Registration Document and that the number stamped on the car has not been interfered with. This will help to ensure that the car hasn’t had its identity changed.

Take a friend with you who knows’ about cars not only to look at the car but also to be a witness for what is said and agreed.

Never pay for a car on your first visit and don’t be pushed into paying a deposit. You need to carry out some checks before you part with any money (see 17 below).

Ask the owner if the car has outstanding finance. Take notes of what he/she says. When you get home check out the information with RAC Vehicle Status Check. Go to the RAC’ web site. Click on Car Buying and then Vehicle Status Checks. The Status Check will cost you 24.99 but it will tell you if the vehicle has outstanding finance.

Carefully examine the car in good daylight. Look for signs of repairs and accident damage. If you have followed our advice and obtained a Vehicle Status Checks, the Check will also tell you if the car had previously been written off .

Make sure that the car hasn’t been clocked. Be aware that the average mileage is around 12,000 per year. Be wary if the wear on the car looks greater than the mileage would suggest. The wear on the drivers pedals may help. Then ask when the car last had new tyres. Then look at wear on the tyres. Does the wear look about right?

Always test-drive the car for at least 10/15 miles. By the way, don’t forget to ensure you are insured to drive it! Do not automatically assume that your own insurance will cover you for driving someone else’s car. Check your insurance documents before you leave home. If the seller says his insurance covers you, ask to see his policy better safe than sorry!

Still interested in the car? Then get it independently inspected.

Never hand over any money until you have seen the results of the RAC Vehicle Status Check. And even then don’t pay any money until the car is handed over to you with its Documents. Always get a written receipt for your payment which includes the sellers name and address.

Finally, make sure you have insurance in place from the minute you drive the car away. Did you know that the Police can now impound, and ultimately scrap, your car if you’re driving it without insurance or road tax? If the car has not got Road Tax, drop in at a Post Office on the way home and buy one. You’ll need to show an insurance cover note for the vehicle and its up to date MOT Certificate to do this.

About The Author

Michael Challiner writes for Brokers Online ( http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk ) who offer life insurance cover and most UK financial services including car insurance ( http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk/car-insurance/ ). Visit our finance blog for useful tips on uk finance ( http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk/family-finance/ )

michael@andromedawebs.co.uk -

Winter Maintenance Made Easy
If you haven’t started your seasonal maintenance procedures for the winter, it’s time to get crackin’! There’s lots to do to keep your car or truck in top shape, especially…

You Can Bet on this PowerBall
From time to time I like to alert you to a product we stumbled upon that is actually worth buying. Mothers (the company that makes all of the waxes and…

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The phrase is batted around in many arenas — Don’t wait until it’s too late. But when it comes to auto maintenance too late can be a pretty big deal,…

RAV4 Takes On Costa Rica Mountain Roads
Mountain trip demonstrates impressive results

GM Finds Chines Buyer for HUMMER
HUMMER lives but Saturn dies

More House Democrats Back “Right To Repair” Bill
Legislation would give independent repair shops same rights as dealers

Gas Prices Creeping Back Up
But still down five cents a gallon from one month ago

Oil Prices Continue Their Retreat
Bearish signs for oil market are bullish for consumers.

Time May Be Running Short for U.S. Carmakers
GM, Chrysler execs beg for bailout money to avoid bankruptcy

‘Clunkers’ Over? Trade-In May Be As Good
With clunkers crushed in the government rebate program, dealers find fewer used cars to sell.