Are you aware that buying second-hand cars over 3 years old exposes you to an over 80% chance of the car developing an electrical or mechanical fault in the subsequent 3years?

While it's financially wise to buy second-hand cars, you must be careful before you buy one.

Below is a list of 5 common car breakdown problem that usually plagues used cars you should keep an eye out for when buying used cars from a dealership.

1.  Rust or paint damage

Would the car need a paint job and how much?

Inspect the car carefully for any paint chips or rusty spots.

While little rust patches here and there can be overlooked, watch out for places where the metal is completely rusted through.

Your main goal is a car with little to no need for fixing. If it's going to cost you a lot to fix, it's advisable to reconsider the purchase.

2.  Frame issues

During your exterior inspection of the car, examine the frame closely for any problems. Some of the questions you would want to ask while checking the frame include;

●     What's the car’s sitting level from the ground?

●    Is there anything hanging from the undercarriage?

You should also take note of the condition of the bumpers. Check the inside of the hood and truck. New warping or bolts could be clear indicators of a recent accident or repair.

3.  Under the hood: Engine-related issues

Engine-related issues account for over 70% of breakdowns associated with used cars.

Pop the hood while the car is off and inspect the state of the engine. Common car engine problems to watch out for include cracked hoses and belts, corrosion, and fluid leaks.

Examine the transmission dipstick and oil—the color of the transmission fluid should be red or pink, oil should be light brown.

Also, ensure to check the working conditions of the battery and radiator for proper function.

4.  Bad Tire condition

All four tires should match—can disfigure the car looks if it doesn't—and confirm that the tire treads are worn evenly. Extra wear or uneven tire tread may indicate poor alignment.

Underlying problems such as frame, suspension, or steering issues can cause poor alignment. You don't want your car veering to the left or right. Terrible tire scan cause fatal accidents.

5.  Interior electronics and upholstery

Finally, check if all the electronic components are working properly.

Test the sound systems as well as the various instruments and controls. You should be able to crank up your favorite song and enjoy singing along with your friends and loved ones.

Confirm that the heat and air conditioning buttons are also working. These would come in handy through different seasons.

Check random interior features like the seat belts, the seat incliner, and the space compartment. Also, inspect the interior fabric and seats for cracked leather, stains, and wear—this would save you from expensive repairs.

5 Tips for Buying Used Cars

1. Take it for a test drive: Ask the car dealership to let you test drive the car. This may reveal to you some of the hidden problems in steering and handling. Carefully listen for the engine sounds too.
2. Have your mechanic inspect it: There’s a huge chance that you can miss out several issues because of technical inexperience. Get a professional inspection done by a trusted mechanic.
3. Run the car history: The history of a car can tell you a lot about it. You should know if the car has been in any form of an accident before being put up for sale. Third-party services like CARFAX and Auto Check would give you a detailed history report of the car for a fee. It’s totally worth the investment.
4. Check for the manufacturer’s warranty: An expired manufacturer warranty means you’ll foot any repair bills. You can totally reduce your post-purchase expenses by buying a used car with functional warranty. Majority of new car warranties last three years. An excellent solution, if the warranty has expired, is to buy an aftermarket warranty.  
5. Follow your gut: If you're having second doubt about the car, chances are, it's your intuition steering you away from a bad deal.

Conclusion

There’s no luck paired with finding a trouble-free used car. More than typing the keyword “used cars near me” in a search engine, you need to apply good investigative and research skills so you don’t end up buying a lemon.  

By now, you should know what to look for in a car and discern a great deal from a potential headache.

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