What to look for in a Used Car

By Brian Klaubert and Brian Warbington

With new car financing rates at 0% why would you look for a Used Car, you ask?  Well, consider the depreciation you will experience in the first 2-3 years of a vehicle’s life. You can expect the car value to decrease by 40% in 3 years. However, a 3 year old car with only 40,000 miles still has a lot of life left in it. With the 0% financing on new cars, and the slow down in the economy, selection of low mileage used cars has never been better.

Any reputable used car dealer or private party seller will allow you to bring the prospective vehicle to the mechanic of your choice for an inspection. This will usually cost between $60 to $80, and is a very worthwhile investment. The inspection should include the remaining life on the brakes, the presence of oil leaks or transmission leaks, the condition of the cooling system, and an overview inspection of the air conditioning. It should also include a road test where operation of the transmission, suspension, alignment, and tire balance are noted. Ideally, the inspection should include looking at the vehicle’s on-board computer system with a diagnostic scanner.

Every used car will have a deficiency somewhere. Which ones are the most important? The condition of the powertrain – that is the transmission and engine – is probably most important. If there is a leak from the front pump seal on the transmission, or excessive slipping or hard shifting of the transmission, you should probably consider another vehicle. An oil leak from the engine’s rear main seal or excessive overall oil leaks on the engine would be another concern. Radiator coolant leaks on the intake manifold generally cost $500-$800 to repair. Lastly, in the major concern area, is the air conditioning. Rarely is there an inexpensive air conditioning repair. A new compressor or evaporator core will each typically approach $1,000 with replacement of the other components necessary.  Remember that if the outside air temperature is below 50 deg, the air conditioning will usually not come on. Bring the vehicle into a heated garage to test the performance of the air conditioning.

Hopefully the vehicle of your dreams does not have one of these major concerns. What should you do regarding the minor concerns? Wear elements such as tires, brakes, or shocks have an easily determined value. Get a quote for these repairs as part of your inspection. Discuss responsibility for these repairs with the seller upon your return. The seller may be able to perform the work in their own shop, or they may give you a credit for the value of the repair.

Lastly, assume that your used vehicle has had no maintenance except for oil changes. Budget to have the transmission flushed, radiator flushed, and fuel injector/air induction system cleaned immediately after you buy it. These three services are the most cost effective way to extend the life of your vehicle beyond 100,000 miles.

Brian Klaubert and Brian Warbington are with Christian Brothers Automotive – Hamilton Mill, in Dacula.