Not everyone likes the idea of paying for the cost of a brand-new vehicle. For some, it’s a lot simpler to purchase a pre-owned car. Although you won’t pay nearly as much as you would for a new car, there are still plenty of financial pitfalls to look out for when purchasing a pre-owned car.

The trained technicians at Crescent Ford in High Point, NC, know the importance of the small details when it comes to shopping for a pre-owned car. If you aren’t careful, you could accidentally purchase a pre-owned car with more problems than the price tag would have you think. 

Keeping an eye out for these small details will make the difference in your buying a reliable pre-owned car or a lemon.

Exterior

The first place to look for any issues in a pre-owned car is the exterior. You want to keep an eye out for details that could add up to a multitude of expenses. Check for cracks on the windshield and make sure the windshield wipers are fully functional. Look for any damage to the body of the car, such as scratches, dents, rust, or mismatched paint. Also, check to see if the headlights and signal lights are fully functional. You wouldn’t want to get a ticket on your first day driving your pre-owned car.

Engine

The engine is the heart of the car, and it should be free of as many issues as possible. Look to see if the pre-owned car’s engine is free of fluid and oil leaks. Check the quality of the oil—you want it to be as clear as possible. Ensure the engine is running well by looking for exhaust pipe emissions; they should be neither blue (indicates engine burns oil) nor black (indicates excessive oil consumption).

Interior

When you’re inside the car, check for things like the functionality of the doors and the trunk. Turn on the vehicle and see if the radio and the air conditioning work. Check to see if all the gauges work properly. If the vehicle has power windows or a sunroof, see how those function as well.

Test Drive

Take the pre-owned car for a spin. This is great opportunity to test out the steering, the transmission, and the brakes of the vehicle. You want to make sure that the vehicle’s handling isn’t sluggish and that it doesn’t drift to one side without prodding. The brakes should be free of any grinding noises and they shouldn’t impede your steering when in use.

If you want an affordable and reliable pre-owned car, go to Crescent Ford. The staff there will prove to you that customer satisfaction is their first priority. View their online parts store, their service specials, or set up an appointment at the High Point vehicle service center via their website. Call them at (336) 869-2181 to learn more about their services.