Anyone who has ever bought a used vehicle will probably tell you that it is a good decision – provided you know what to look for and how to do a proper inspection. The used car market is booming in the US, and this isn’t a surprise at all considering that there are many more used cars out there with great quality which you can still enjoy for a good number of years. Buying used also allows you to not only save money but drive around in a higher-quality, luxury model that you couldn’t otherwise afford if you were to buy new. But here’s the thing: you can’t just choose the first vehicle you see without performing an inspection, especially with the vehicle’s exterior. So how can you properly and easily inspect a used car’s exterior? Here’s what you should look for.
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The body’s condition
The body’s condition can be easily seen at a glance, but there’s more to the condition of the body as well. Take time to check all the panels, along with the car’s roof. You should note any rusty spots as well as scratches and dents. You should also check the space between each panel; if there are any uneven gaps, this could mean that the car wasn’t properly assembled or it wasn’t repaired well. The finish and color of the vehicle should also be the same for every panel. Open each door and close it, and open the trunk and hood, too. Check the rubber seals on the windows and doors for any signs of tearing or rot.
The glass
Not many car buyers are particularly mindful of the glass, but it does make a difference. So what should you look for? You can start by walking around the car and looking carefully at the glass. Check the glass for any cratered spots or areas or cracks. A small chip isn’t too worrisome, but you could use them as bargaining chips when talking to the dealer or owner about the price. A big crack will only become worse, however, and you may end up with costly repairs later on.
The suspension
Another aspect you should check when it comes to a car’s exterior is the suspension, as the used car Utah dealer Young Automotive Group recommend. You can do this by standing back from the vehicle and checking if the car is sagging or slumping in any way. It has to stand level. You can also push on every corner; if the car’s shock absorbers are good, it should do only one rebound. But if it moves up and down several times, there may be something wrong. The top of the tires on the front can also show signs of bad suspension – what you can do is tug on them, and if there is any clicking sound or movement, this could be a sign that a wheel bearing or joint is broken.
Make it a point to check the frame – any damage to it is a bad sign, and you can see this when you open the vehicle’s hood and inspect the saddle, which connects the fenders in front to the radiator’s top portion. It should be well-bolted in place and not welded. There should be no scratches on the bolt heads either because this can indicate realignment due to a crash or replacement.