G&R Body Shop

With consumer confidence still waivering, a lot of car-buyers are shopping good-condition used vehicles rather than the dealer showrooms. A recent article on Edmunds.com speculates that customers who may hesitate to buy the high-priced new model they really want new may look for the same model at the used-car lot rather than settle for a new, lower-cost model.

If you’re in the market for a used vehicle, you’re probably already kicking tires and having your mechanic take a look at the engine. But it’s also important to check out the structural integrity of the used vehicle as well: Has it been wrecked? Have body repairs been properly done? Is there evidence of flood damage? It doesn’t save money to buy a pre-owned vehicle only to find out you’ve purchased someone else’s problems!

Here is a checklist of things to look for when you’re shopping for a used car or truck. For a complete list and other information about purchasing or financing used vehicles, visit the California Bureau of Automotive Repairs website.

• Body Condition—Check the body carefully for signs the car may have been wrecked and repainted. Look for rust or “blisters” on fenders, bumpers and around lights, on splash panels, under doors, in wheel wells and under the carpeting in the trunk. Look for mismatched paint, cracks, dents and loose bumpers—all potentially pointing to a past accident.
• Tires—Unevenly worn tires can point to bad alignment or suspension damage.
• Doors, Windows, Trunk, Hood—Make sure all doors, windows, trunk lid and hood open and close easily and smoothly and don’t show any gaps when closed. A misalignment may mean the vehicle has been in a crash.
• Window Glass, Headlights, Tail Lights—Check for cracks and holes.
• Seats and Upholstery—Check for interior wear and tear, and don’t forgot to look under floor mats and seat covers.
• Steering—Unlocked and with the engine off, steering wheel should have no more than 2 inches of “play.”
• Odometer—A used car showing low mileage but with heavy wear visible on the driver’s seat, brake or accelerator pedal may be a sign the odometer has been tampered with.
• Smell—A musty smell inside the vehicle may indicate the car has had water damage or that windows/doors do not seal properly to keep out rain.

Source: California Bureau of Automotive Repairs

And remember, California’s Lemon Law only applies to vehicles still covered under the original manufacturers’ warranty, which means most used vehicles are exempt from this consumer protection.

Another thing to keep in mind about the recent boom in used car sales is that it may drive up the resale or trade-in value of the vehicle you’re driving right now. That makes it even more important to maintain your vehicle in peak condition and to do business with a professional, high-quality auto body repair provider for your body work, paint and collision repair services. To learn more about how G&R Body & Paint does business, visit http://grbodyshop.com or give us a call at 916-731-8203.