Used Car Shopping: Exterior Checks

Body Condition: Walk around the vehicle and take note of any signs of scratches, dents and rust. Little areas should be no worry, but large areas of those three items should be warning signs as to how the car was treated.

Also, take note of the body panels. They should line up evenly. If they don’t it may be a clue that the vehicle was involved in an accident.

Open and close all of the doors, hood and trunk. Note how easy or hard it is to complete this task.

Tires: Tires are a great way to figure out the life of vehicle. During your walk around, take note if all of the tires are of the same brand. Seeing a different brand on one or more of the wheels might raise some red flags. If you see any, be sure to ask the seller about it.

Look at each tire individually and note if the sidewall has cracks, bulges, or scuffing. Also look at the tire tread and see if there is enough tread by using a tread-depth tool or a quarter. The trick with the quarter is to put Washington’s head down into the tire tread. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, then you know the tire needs to be replaced.

Ask if the tires have been rotated on a regular basis and look at the tires to see the tread wore evenly on the both sides.

Lights: Have the seller or friend turn on the lights and make sure that all of them work. Don’t forget to check the reverse lights, turn signals and high beams as well. Look at the light housings to make sure that they aren’t cracked or damaged, and that there isn’t any moisture coming in.

Car Shopping Tips

1. That Car Sale Is Final

   You can’t take your new car back because you changed your mind about the color, or discovered it doesn’t have a feature you wanted. Be sure of your decision before you sign the sales contract.

2. Best Time to Buy a Car

   If you’re in no rush to buy a car, the end of a model year is a great time to get a deal. So is the last week of December.

3. Getting a Better Price on a Used Car

   Take a look at the window sticker sales price on a used car. If that is the only price displayed, you likely have some wiggle room in the price. If there’s a second sticker, you’ll have less luck.

4. Learn Your New Car’s Features

   Sometimes people have their cars for years without realizing all the cool features they have. Get a good walk-through of your new car to know what it can do.

5. Go for Certified Pre-Owned

   If you have the choice of a certified pre-owned car (CPO) or a non-CPO used car, go with the CPO. The selling price will likely be higher, but there are some significant advantages in having a CPO vehicle.

Pros of Buying From a Used Car Dealer

Financing: Unlike private sellers, most used car dealers offer flexible finance options. The interest rates are usually lower than what you would find at the bank, and you can pre-apply online for optimal ease.

Warranties: Some used car dealers offer warranties or time-bound guarantees which offer buyers peace of mind when buying a used vehicle.

Trade-in options: Most used car dealers offer trade-in options for buyers who wish to exchange their vehicle.

More legal protection: Used car dealerships are businesses, which means that they must abide by stricter laws that private individuals. This means that if you buy a vehicle from a used car dealer, you’re less likely to run into problems such as fraud, buying a lemon, or buying an undisclosed salvaged vehicle.

Certified pre-owned vehicles: Some people avoid buying used cars because they want a vehicle with low mileage and no cosmetic or mechanical flaws. People with these requirements should consider buying a certified pre-owned vehicle from a used car dealer. Certified pre-owned vehicles can only be bought from dealerships, not private sellers. Certified pre-owned vehicles have undergone thorough inspections and repairs before being certified by the manufacturer.

No need for inspections: Most used car dealers have an on-site service center staffed with mechanics who inspect used vehicles before they go on sale. Talk to the dealer to ensure that they conduct inspections on their merchandise before you buy. They should be able to tell you what they look for during inspections.

Convenience: Buying a vehicle from a used car dealer tends to be more convenient than buying from a private party for a number of reasons. Used car dealers manage the paperwork for you, which means that transactions are as easy as signing your name and a check. The variety of cars you can see at a used car dealership also trumps what you will find in someone’s driveway. Car salesmen are also typically have more knowledge about cars than private parties, which makes it easy to obtain the information you need about a particular make or model on the spot.

How to Check for Recalls Before Buying a Used Car

It’s smart to learn if any recalls exist on that used car before buying it.

Buying a used car by walking around it and just kicking the tires doesn’t cut it anymore.

Thanks to technology, much of the information you seek is just a few mouse clicks away. Start with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

All you need to do is jot down the 17-digit vehicle identification number from the left side of the dashboard near the windshield.

Once you have that information you can plug it into the NHTSA’s VIN look up site. They will then be able to tell you about any open recalls.

Many automotive dealers check for such recalls. You can ask them to do it while you watch.

Number of vehicle recalls soars in recent years

More than 60 million passenger vehicles were recalled in 2014, a much higher figure than in previous years.

That, however, is not necessarily bad news.

More than two-thirds of the recalls launched in 2014 were instituted by the automakers themselves, and not by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Try consulting a mechanic before you buy

Even with potential recall issues addressed, it’s smart to take the car to a highly rated mechanic.

Used car dealerships often will let you take the car to be independently examined before signing on the dotted line.

That should give you peace of mind and maybe a little bargaining power, too.

Many used car dealerships also sell certified pre-owned vehicles. Normally, these cars and trucks have been inspected by the dealership and any found issues addressed. They often check for recall notices.

Certified vehicles may cost more, but they also may come with additional warranties to back up the work.

Used Car Shopping: Interior Checks

Odor Check: When you first open the door and begin looking inside, do a quick sniff test. If it smells like mold, must or mildew that could indicate a water leak or flood damage. If you notice this, remove the floor mats and run your hand over the carpet to check for wet spots. Do the same sniff test with trunk. If you smell something strange, remove the trunk mat and do some investigating.

Seats: Try out all of the seats – even if you don’t plan on using the rear seat. See if the seats are worn or have any tears in the upholstery. Make sure to check the seat adjustments – electric or manual – to see if they work properly and to make sure that you can find a proper driving position.

Instruments: Turn the ignition switch to the accessory mode. All of the lights in the instrument cluster should come on for a few seconds before going off. Then, start the car. If any warning lights stay on, there is likely an issue that needs to be addressed.

Controls: Start the car up and play with all of the switches and buttons throughout the vehicle to make sure that they operate properly. Try out the climate control system and see if the heater and air conditioner works. Also be sure to try the audio system.

Roof: Check the headliner and trim for any signs of staining or water leaking through a sunroof or window. If the vehicle has a sunroof, check to see if it opens and closes properly.

Buying a Car: What Is a Rebadged Car?

If you’re interested in buying a car, you may have come across the terms “twin,” “rebadge” or “rebadged car” during your research. Although these are fairly common terms in the car industry, you might be wondering exactly what they mean — so we’re going to explain exactly what a rebadged car is and whether it’s something worth paying attention to as you search for your next vehicle.

What’s a Rebadged Car?

The term “rebadge” is used to describe a situation where an identical vehicle is sold under different names by two automakers. For example, the Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck that’s also sold, with only minor changes, as the GMC Sierra. This would make the Sierra a rebadged version of the Silverado, as it effectively takes the Silverado’s design, powertrains and equipment, and offers them with a different badge on the front.

In years past, rebadging was common, especially among domestic car companies, as automakers frequently offered the same vehicles from many different brands, such as Plymouth, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Saturn and Mercury. But as car companies have recently focused their efforts on competitiveness and improving sales figures, many have eliminated those extra brands and the rebadged cars that typically went along with them.

Today, few true rebadged cars exist. Even when cars are built on the same platform or share an engine, they usually offer many distinctive characteristics that separate them. For example, the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX share a platform and engine, but offer wildly divergent styling, trim and even different seating capacities. It was a much different story in the mid-1990s, when the Lexus LX 450 debuted as a thinly rebadged version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, wearing only a Lexus grille and new colors.

Nonetheless, there are still a few rebadged vehicles on the market today. A good example is the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, which share virtually every detail aside from badging. The same goes for the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon, which — while somewhat distinctive — still use many of the same panels and design traits.

Is It Important?

If you’re buying a car, should you pay attention to rebadged cars? Generally speaking, we think it’s something most shoppers don’t have to consider — with one exception: If you’re buying a car that also offers a rebadged twin from another brand, you may want to check out that version to see if it’s available with a better deal. Think Dodge Grand Caravan versus a Chrysler Town and Country or Chevrolet Equinox versus a GMC Terrain. This can be especially true when looking for a used car, all the more so if you’re willing to consider a discontinued brand. A used Mercury Grand Marquis is the same thing as a Ford Crown Victoria; a used Saturn Aura is essentially the same as Chevy Malibu. With few exceptions, the discontinued branded car, or even a less popular brand, might be available for a lower price (mainly because fewer shoppers are looking for a Pontiac, Saturn or Mercury) with few worries about parts and service availability.

[infographic] Things to Check When Buying a Used Car

[infographic] How to Get Your Car Ready for Summer

Summer Car Tricks

Sweltering temperatures can mean trouble for your ride, but these tricks can help you keep your car cool.

Hot interior?

Cool down faster by driving with the windows rolled down and the A/C cranked up, which forces out the hot air and allows the cool air to circulate. In a few minutes, when the air inside the car should be about the same temperature as the air outside, you’re ready to roll up the windows.

Scorching steering wheel?

Prevent burning your hands with this trick: Turn the wheel 180 degrees before getting out of the car. That way, the side you touch is safely in the shade while you’re out.

Stinky seats?

A hot car can also mean a smelly car. To get rid of the stench, tape a dryer sheet onto the air conditioning. When you blast the AC, your ride will get a refresher too. Stash a box of dryer sheets under the passenger seat for maximum deodorizing as you travel.

Broken AC?

If your car’s air conditioning isn’t working or just needs an extra boost, try a solar-powered car fan. These tiny devices can be mounted on an open window, expelling hot air from the car while creating constant air circulation. Note: Tinted windows interfere with this gadget’s function.

Blown-out tire?

Be prepared. Tires are more prone to blowouts in the hot summer months, because drivers are often on a sizzling road with the heavier loads for longer periods of time. Underinflated tires are most at risk, since the lack of air pressure puts the tires’ components under increased strain; but overinflated ones are more likely to hydroplane in a summer rainstorm. Periodically check your tread by sticking a penny into the groove of the tire with Lincoln’s head facing inward. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, it’s time for a new set.

Engine overheated?

Hot temperatures and low coolant levels increase the risk of your engine overheating, and your AC working overtime. If you see symptoms of an overheated engine—the temperature gauge rising; warning lights; steam billowing out from the hood—pull over to a safe place, turn off the engine, and wait at least a half hour for it to cool down fully before opening the hood. If your coolant levels are low, topping off the tank (it’s the translucent plastic one) could do the trick, but if the tank is empty you might have sprung a leak and will need pro help.

Sunny out?

Spending time in the sun is just as bad for your car as it is for you, as sun damage can cause paint and interiors to fade. To prevent problems, park in a garage when possible and invest in a sunshade.

Summer Car Maintenance: Your Car Needs You Now More Than Ever

Summer’s here! And that means it’s time to swap out the snow tires and give the heater a much-needed vacation.

But just because the extreme cold is over doesn’t mean your car’s safe from the elements. In fact, the heat can be just as harsh as the cold. And everyone knows an overheated engine or broken AC can spoil a summer road trip.

Thankfully, with a little prep work, you can keep your car running smoothly all summer long. Below is a checklist of summer car maintenance tips. Some you can do on your own, but others are probably best left to your trusted mechanic.

Summer car maintenance that you can do…

You don’t have to leave all the fun to the experts. If you’re a DIY-er, you can do this stuff on your own:

1. Check your oil

Oil helps keep your engine lubricated, which reduces friction (and heat buildup) under your hood. During the summer, when your engine is more likely to overheat, it’s going to want as much lubrication as it can get.

But checking your oil is super easy. And if you’re low, adding more oil is easy too. Just don’t confuse adding oil with changing oil. You should still get an oil change every 5,000 miles or so.

2. Heck, check all your fluids

If you remember back to high school chemistry, heat causes liquid to evaporate. And all those fluids in your car have very important jobs to do, like lubricating and cooling.

Topping off your fluids at the start of the summer can help you avoid overheating. If you’re unsure about which fluids to use or how much to add, ask your mechanic for help.

3. Inspect your tires

As outside temperatures fluctuate, so does tire pressure — cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop while hot temperatures cause it to increase.

So, first things first: make sure your tires are properly inflated. You can usually find your tire’s recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) in your owner’s manual or on your driver’s side door. To ensure an accurate measurement, always make sure you haven’t driven for at least 3 hours.

Keep in mind that improper inflation can affect your car’s handling. Underinflated tires are especially problematic because they tend to lower your gas mileage and wear down quicker. In more extreme cases, the combination of heat and low pressure can cause your tire to blow.

Also, check your tires for damage and wear. Hot roads can intensify heat buildup and cause weak tires to weaken even faster, especially if they’re not properly inflated.

4. Wash and wax your car

Keeping your car shiny and clean may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can actually save you from major costs down the road. Dirt and dust scratch away at your car’s top coat … you know, the one that protects the paint from fading and peeling in the sun.

Paint damage is more than just unsightly, though — it can actually be damaging to your car’s structure. When paint peels away, it leaves your car susceptible to rust.

If you don’t drive often, you may want to consider covering your car. A cover will protect it from sun and other corrosives like sap and bird poop, which get even more corrosive in the heat.

Summer car maintenance that the mechanic should do…

Unless you know your way around an engine, it’s best to leave some of the more technical stuff to the experts. When you make your appointment, be prepared with a specific summer checklist:

1. Get a radiator checkup

A winter of salted roads can eat away at your radiator’s core, which can lead to leakage and, ultimately, an overheated engine.

The mechanic can check for damage and clogs (a clogged radiator makes it harder for coolant to pass through) and flush your cooling system if necessary.

2. Check your battery

If you live in cold weather, you’ve probably experienced a dead battery more than once. But did you know the heat can pack a pretty mean punch too? Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which can lead to corrosion.

If it’s been a while since you bought your last battery, ask the mechanic to give it a look.

3. Put your AC to the test

It’s so much better to find out your air conditioning needs a tweak before the temperature becomes unbearable. If your AC feels weak, it could be blocked or need more Freon.

While you may be tempted to save the money and just roll down the windows, consider this: the belt that’s powering your air conditioner may also be powering other parts of your engine. In fact, ignoring a weak AC could actually cause your engine to overheat.

Be prepared

If you do experience an overheated engine or a blown tire, being prepared can help you get through these situations a lot more smoothly. Take advantage of that big old storage space in your trunk to carry these items:

• Extra coolant (aka antifreeze): a 50/50 mix of coolant and water is your car’s preferred summer cocktail
• Extra water: to mix with the coolant (and to drink if you get stranded for a while)
• A spare tire: even better if it’s full sized
• An emergency kit