Conduct a Walk-Around

You don’t have to be a master mechanic to judge the basic condition of a car on the dealership’s lot.

Here are some things to look for, as recommended by Consumer Reports.

Body and Paint

Be sure to look over the paint job on a used vehicle for signs of chipping or fading. Manufacturers use a layer of clear coat to protect the paint underneath. Once this protective element is damaged, it’s common for it to continue degrading and ultimately affect the color.

In addition to ensuring it is in excellent condition visually, you should also look for signs of rust. Unless it is maintained, the problem can become a serious safety hazard by weakening the frame and other systems relative to supporting the vehicle.

Check the Windows

You should also be keen on analyzing the damage to a windshield and surrounding glass.

Small chips can lead to expensive repairs if they’re not corrected immediately.

If you notice a chip or ding in a window, express that you want it repaired before a deal is made.

Working Lights

Request that a salesman operates all working lights while you stand outside the vehicle and inspect their operation. Check both high and low beam headlights, turn signals and both parking and brake lights.

Tires

Operating a vehicle with degraded tires can cause severe safety hazards. Ensure the rubber is free of protruding wires, which commonly occurs when the tread wears down.

You should also check that it has at least 2/32 of tread left, as recommended by the Tire Industry Association. Bring along a depth gauge to test the vehicle.

It’s also a good idea to ensure the tires match one another. You can identify the unit’s size by a code etched into the rubber. An example of what you are looking for is a tag like P215/65R15.

When decoded, means:

P: service description, in this case, passenger car.

215: tire width, usually measured in millimeters.

65: The aspect ratio signifies the section height compared to the section width.

R: internal construction (stands for radial).

15: rim size for which the tire is intended.

Make sure the codes on each tire are the same, as a mismatch can lead to early wear and alignment issues. this code