Do you know that good used-car inspection techniques are readily available? Don’t worry if you don’t. Many buyers are unaware of it. So, read this blog to find out ways to estimate car value.
Many buyers don’t want to pay extra for an inspection. They need to know that a little bit of planning can make the inspection process simpler. A clean inspection report can help you in making the right choices. It can increase buyer confidence.
If the report unearths ugly problems, you can back away from the deal. It also offers you a chance to negotiate a lower price by highlight the cost of repairs. So, estimate car value by conducting inspections in the right way.
Car Value Estimation:
QuikCar has a car value estimator that calculates value. It uses data from different online sources. The following data is used:
- Depreciation costs for unique vehicles
- Dealer transactions
- Information from consumers
The following factors influence the evaluated number:
- Model
- Manufacturer
- Year
- Features
- Depreciation
- Mileage
- Trim
Whether you want to buy a used car or want to sell your old car, car value estimation can help in making the right decision.
5 Steps to Inspect Vehicles before Buying:
You must be excited to buy a car. The feeling is great. But, if you’re not careful, this can be turn your happiness into an awful experience.
For your piece of mind, always give priority to vehicle inspections. It a difficult and time-consuming process. But, you can’t deny its significance and necessity.
Here, we have presented five steps that can help you in learning how to carry out the inspection:
Step 1: Exterior Evaluation:
Buying a used car is an economic decision. In easy words, it’s pocket-friendly. But, do you know what’s the toughest part in buying a used car? You can’t be sure about its condition.
Inspecting the exterior involves the following:
- Find out if there are any scratches or dents
- Check for rust spots on any part of the car
- The suspension must be examined. Check from every side and every corner.
- The glass must not have any cracks or chips
- If there is any gap between the panels, be careful.
- Broken frames are alarming. You need to be very skeptical when buying.
Always spend time inspecting. Don’t rush. You might miss out on important details
Check the condition of lights and lenses – You can take your friend along for inspection. Ask him/her to confirm if all the lights are working. Make sure you check all these lights:
- Fog lights
- Turn signals
- High-beams
- Low-beams
- Brake lights
- 3rd brake light
- Reverse light
You will also need to ensure that none of the reflectors and lenses are damaged. These can also be missing altogether. Or, can be fogged with moisture. So, check closely.
Now, see the tires. It is said that ‘tires tell a story’. Inspection of tires can provide more information about the vehicle. All four tires should be the same. Different tires indicate they were replaced.
For more information, check the exhaust system and underneath of the car for rust. Any black spot signifies leakage. You can run your finger along with the exhaust system. Greasy muck can also be a bad sign.
Step 2: Take a Look under the Hood:
Once you have inspected the exterior, start looking under the hood. Use the following ways to inspect:
- Examine the engine for any leaks or corrosion. Make sure everything is in good working condition. Who wants to invest in things that require repair? If the engine block has dark brown stains, it indicates a gasket leak. It can be expensive in the future.
- When you pull out the dipstick, the vehicle must have enough oil. If there is a leak in the head gasket, it is a deal-breaker. The coolant should also be clean.
When the transmission dipstick is pulled out, it should have red or pink fluid. An older car would have darker color fluid. Look out, if it’s smelly or looks burnt.
The timing belt is very expensive. It is an essential part of the engine. If there is a steel chain for a timing belt, there is nothing to worry about.
The typical life of a timing belt is 60,000 – 100,000 miles. See if the belt is in good shape.
Step 3: Inspect the Inside of the Car:
Now inspect the inside of the car. In this step, keep your eyes wide open.
- Take a look inside the car. See if the upholstery has any rips, cigarette burns, stains, or any type of damage. The other materials inside the vehicle should not have any dents or scratches.
- Test the air conditioner to ensure its functioning properly. Go for a car that has an R134 coolant. A sticker indicates this on the air conditioner condenser.
- Do you know the mileage is a sign of age? Well, look at the odometer during the inspection. Low mileage attracts buyers. You need to know, there are different variables to consider in this case.
- A car’s age is also measured by time.
- Also, check all the additional functions in the vehicle. Test the interior lights. Turn on the engine and look at the display in the dash. Check if all the warning lights are working.
- If the car has electronics or technology inside, check that too. The stereo system, parking sensors, reverse camera, and navigations must be working properly.
Step 4: Take the Car for a Test Drive:
How can you confirm your deal without a test drive? Most people think this is the only way to inspect a vehicle. Go for it.
- Make sure the car is good to drive. Ask the owner or the dealer for the keys. Remember, drive as you own it.
- Drive at top speed. Check if the brakes are working perfectively. Test the speed before you get up to any real speed.
- Make sure there are sounds of squeaking or other strange noises.
- Confirm that the car body is not shaking at low speeds. If it does, there are some majorly expensive issues in the car.
- While driving, make a sharp turn at low speeds. Loud clunking sounds and shaking are alarming signs.
Step 5: Make your Final Decision:
Finally, now you get to make your final decision.
Before this, check the car’s service history. The owners keep a record. Sometimes, owners perform most of the serving at home. It is a good sign.
If you are still doubtful, take a friend or family member who knows cars well. Taking a mechanic with you won’t be a good option.
Most of the mechanics try to identify problems that do not exist. They want to make money out of it.
Final Thoughts:
To reduce the risk of purchasing a trouble-prone car, good inspection is necessary. You can use services by QuikCar. It provides four values for your car based on the assessment of data. These are private-party, trade-in, certified used, and dealer retail.
Before you close the deal, scrutinize the vehicle. A thorough diagnosis can take up to an hour or 90 minutes.
If you’re buying a used vehicle, choose authorized dealers. The AAA-certified garages meet the quality standards. Getting a realistic and updated value for a car using QuikCar tool can help in making the right decisions.
Inspection not only helps in identifying issues and making the right decisions, but it also helps in cracking a valuable deal. You can negotiate based on your findings. The inspection allows determining the estimate car value.
