How to avoid buying a lemon

Many people watch out for local car deals that they find in the newspaper classified ads section, then go out and spend a small fortune without carrying out even the most basic of checks. It is very important to have some technical knowledge about cars before buying a used (or new!) car. This article will give you some of the most important things to look for before you decide to spend your hard earned cash on a piece of junk.

Key considerations

1. Take a good look at the vehicle exterior and look for any tell-tale signs of damaged paint or deeply embedded scratches. If the paint is new, ask when the car was painted last. Pay close attention and beware of ‘fixer uppers’.  This practice often distracts used car buyers from larger problems such as underlying rust that will rear it’s ugly head in the near future.
2. Check the back of the vehicle and bumper. Look at the wheel wells for signs of rust, dents or body filler, then search the rest of the vehicle for rust. Most importantly always remember to scan the underside of the vehicle for any hidden problems. Also look for dimples, dents, or scuffs in the paint job.
3. Inspect both sides of the car including beneath the vehicle for any signs of more major body repair. Look for inconsistencies.  For example check to see that edges of the hood and door panels line up correctly with the bumpers and other side panels. Check the frames are precisely aligned. Such inconsistencies may be clues to previous wrecks that can cost you big in repairs bills down the road.
4. Inspect all the tyres of the vehicle. Look for signs of irregular wear and tear like feathering, cupping, one edge wearing, center or both edges worn down. Also make sure that the wheels are not pointed inward which may indicate an alignment problem. Check to see if the vehicle is at the manufacturers recommended tyre pressure levels to ensure safety driving.
5. Open the door, check the interior for tears in upholstery, sun damage and general appearance. Make sure that all important things that you will need while driving work properly, e.g. headlights, sidelights, signals, rear brake lights, reverse lights, hazard warning lights, etc. Also check the basic car amenities like the radio, air conditioner, heater, windscreen wipers, odometer, fuel guage, and the interior lights.
6. Possibly the most important thing you should check, but one which many people ignore completely.  Check under the bonnet. Look at the engine’s overall cleanliness. Look for signs of wear and tear on components.  Make sure that the battery cables and connectors are not worn down and the battery itself is in good running condition. Inspect the engine for any signs of leaking oil around the valve cover and head gasket. Check all attached holes for signs of busting and wear and tear. Inspect underneath the vehicle to see is there any rusted out holes in the exhaust pipe manifold and muffler.
7. Check the oil (make sure the engine is cool). The oil level should be in between the two level marks. If you find it below the bottom level mark then this could indicate an oil leak, or the engine is in a critical need for oil. Also look to see whether it’s been changed recently by looking for a smooth texture and yellow-brown colour. You will definitely know that the vehicle needs an maintenance oil change if the oil comes out looking burnt dark black. Then place your hands on the dipstick and rub it against your thumb.  If you feel small particles in the oil the engine may be worn or damaged causing you costly repair problems.
8. Next test the car transmission for slippage.  Set the handbrake, depress the clutch pedal and shift through the gears to see if they easy fall in place while shifting. Also listen for any grinding sounds that may be coming from the transmission.
9. Start up the engine. It should practically start up immediately. Listen closely for accurate start up ability and listen out for any sound of engine knocking or any other irregularities sounds that you do not normally hear when starting up a car. Be sure to ask questions about any sounds you are not familiar with to the car salesman.  Also check to see that there or not any engine indicator lights that comes on after starting up the engine.
10. Take the car for a test drive. Check the brakes in normal driving traffic conditions. They shouldn’t squeal and should bring the car to a stop in a sufficiently short distance. Make sure you do not have to press the brake pedal all the way down to come at a complete stop. This is a good sign that the vehicle may have worn down brakes pads or even a serious brake problem.

One Golden Rule: is to ask to see a record of the vehicle maintenance and car report. Look to see that the car had regular oil changes and checkups (maintenance schedules will vary by model etc.). Also, inquire about additional work that may have been done on the vehicle and ask to see receipts.

FOR ANY CAR BODY REPAIRS, CAR DENT REPAIRS, ALLOY WHEEL REPAIRS, CAR BUMPER REPAIRS CALL JOE FOR ADVICE & QUOTATION ON 07802348096 OR 0151 4932600 OR VISIT www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk

SCUFFS ‘N’ SCRATCHES LTD 60-61 LOVE LANE, LIVERPOOL, L3 7DD

ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

FOR HONEST, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE SINCE 1996

Save money with Alloy wheel refurbishment

Alloy wheels can quickly become corroded, curbed, scratched, bent and buckled through typical driving conditions and scenarios, which can often turn out to be expensive to remedy if you are not savvy enough to understand the financial benefits of using independent Alloy Wheel Refurbishment services.

When it comes to the issue of wheels on a car, the very question of damaged wheels invokes highly emotive feelings of protection from car owners which can typically be explained by their prominence and outwardly public appearance which some may argue reflects the financial and aesthetic worth of a vehicle. The general public is aware is aware that the current financial climate can often place restrictions on the type of services we are able to source and whilst replacing damaged alloy wheels can be an easy solution in terms of practicality, which most car dealerships will often gladly offer to customers, it can often, if not always be the most expensive option to undertake especially if you are replacing high quality performance aluminium wheels manufactured by companies such as AC Schnitzer, Brabus, Wolfrace, Dezent, ROTA, BBS or many of the other ambassadors of alloy wheel manufacturing.

Car owners can make time, cost and convenience savings by using independent alloy wheel refurbishment companies, where they can professionally refurbish alloy wheels at your home, office or at a workshop with a fast turnaround time.

With prices typically starting at around £45 per wheel it makes it a really good proposition balanced against the potential cost of hundreds of pounds to replace damaged wheels. all at a fraction of the price.

You can gain more information on alloy wheel refurbishment by visiting http://www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk or call Joe Woodhouse on 07802 348096 or 0151 493 2600

SCUFFS ‘N’ SCRATCHES LTD 60-61 LOVE LANE, LIVERPOOL, L3 7DD

Mobile alloy wheel repairs

Alloy wheels are should complement any vehicle, often increasing the value of the car. But when a wheel is broken or scratched, and generally looking ugly, damage can significantly reduce residual value of the car as well.

Whilst some alloy wheel scrapes may actually be more an aesthetic problem, deep scratches, scrapes and scratches that penetrate through the reality-based alloy can lead to oxidation and degradation of the alloy. When the damaged area is exposed to corrosive salt, adverse weather conditions and general wear, the problem may worsen considerably. Finally, what began as a relatively minor scratches or scrapes may lead to the need for a full alloy replacement.

Kerbed wheel repair and scratches can be made by owner of the car but it is interesting to note that the repairs of defects can be difficult. First attempts at a repair may be complicated – the process may involve identifying colours, removing scratches or cuts, sanding, priming, masking, a base coat application, lacquer and finishing. Any purchase of equipment and materials for repair could be expensive/

Benefits of mobile repair alloy wheels

Mobile alloy wheel repairs are relatively fast and convenient. Usually repairs take a couple of hours to complete and are somewhat cheaper than jobs carried out in a vehicle body shop.

Specialized mobile alloy repair vehicles can also perform colour and texture matching to ensure a flawless finish.

FOR YOUR ALLOY WHEEL REPAIRS IN AND AROUND LIVERPOOL, MERSEYSIDE CALL THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS

SCUFFS ‘N’ SCRATCHES 0151 493 2600 OR 07802348096

 

60-61 LOVE LANE, LIVERPOOL, L3 7DD

HONEST, RELIABLE & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE – EST. 1995

http://www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk/