Scrap Cars and Junk Car Removal Blog News

From a junk car sale to buying used cars - some tips

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So you’ve just received a sum of money from us for disposing your scrap car with us and are looking for some good values on the used market.  What should you look for in order not to buy someone else’s headaches?  Careful research and a thorough inspection will pay off down the road.

1. Trust your instincts on the seller.  If the car is selling for an unusually low price, find out why.  Although shopping at a dealer is generally safer than buying from a private owner, you still do not want the headache of a car that was not properly reviewed and hides some mechanical issues.  If a private seller seems evasive or is not forthcoming on a car’s details or history, walk away.  Getting a Carfax report also helps with determining the provenance of a used car and will also note major accident records or a salvage title.

2. Assess the overall look of the car.  A car’s exterior often tells a story about its previous owner. Does the car have many dents and scratches or appears clean and in good order? Do the bumper and door panels line up properly?  If the clearances are uneven it can be a sign that the car was involved in an accident.  Is there a lot of debris in the foot wells or excessive wear in the upholstery? These telltale signs show how much the owner cares about the car, and this can translate to a car that was well maintained or neglected. 

3. Get down and dirty under the hood.  No one needs to see the engine on a regular basis, so a clean engine with spotless battery terminals and topped up fluids is the hallmark of a person who follows good maintenance habits.  Oil and transmission fluids should be clear and not have any burnt smell.  If anything seems out of the ordinary it is best to seek the opinion of a trusted mechanic.   

4. Check out the treads on the tires.  Tires are another common inspection point, and you want to do more than just kicking the tires here.  Look for evidence of uneven wear, as this can be a symptom of steering misalignment. Balling or coning of the tire may occur if the front-end is misaligned, tire pressure is not correct, or if the wheels are not balanced properly.  

5. Check out the dash instruments.  Turn everything on and play with the settings.  This includes the CD player, AC/heater, all fan speeds, wipers, defroster, power windows/doors/locks, trunk/hood/gas levers and the horn!  Things like heated seats, sunroofs and navigation displays can be costly repair items. 

6. Take the car for a test drive.  A route that allows neighborhood and highway driving is ideal.  In a low traffic area try accelerating hard to 50km/h and braking to a dead stop quickly to see how the car handles to unusual driving conditions.  The car should go through the gear ratios smoothly whether it is automatic or manual transmission. If the car pulls to one side or sluggish or unresponsive, it is a warning sign.  If the car has excessive cabin noise or high RPMs at highway speeds, find out why. 

7. Take the used car to a trusted mechanic.  You should always have a qualified mechanic check out any used car before purchase. This gives you a level headed assessment of a used vehicle and assurances of safety for you and family members.  Remember that safety is far more important than a small amount of money saved.  A mechanic’s findings can alert you to potential issues down the road and also give you some negotiating power to fix issues prior to the sale.