Buying a pre-owned vehicle is a smart financial decision, but it’s always possible to get stuck with a lemon. To avoid a money pit that needs constant repairs, you should check several factors while hunting for a used car sale. Inspecting these areas of the vehicle and asking lots of questions will protect you from that dreaded lemon.

What to Check During the Used Car Sale Process

1. Tires

Tire wear and tear can tell you a lot about the car’s overall maintenance. All four tires should be the same brand and same size, and they should exhibit even wear, which shows tire rotations and other maintenance tasks were performed regularly. Excessive wear, incorrect sizes, and different brands all signal problems. Be wary of brand-new tires as well, as they could indicate an attempt to conceal other problems.

2. Check Engine Light

The check engine light should come on briefly when you start the car. If it doesn’t come on or lights up after a delay, that could signal an attempt to cover up a problem. If the check engine light stays on or flashes, find out why. Have a mechanic pull the error code to determine the problem and the extent of repairs needed. In most cases, however, you’ll want to avoid a car with check engine light problems altogether.

3. Body & Parts

Thoroughly inspect the car’s body and parts. Look for either brand-new or used auto parts that don’t match the others and question why those parts were replaced. Inspect body parts such as bumpers, door panels, and the hood for proper alignment and consistent seams. Any misalignment or inconsistencies could indicate prior collisions and shoddy bodywork, which puts you at risk if you’re ever involved in a future accident.

4. Interior

The vehicle’s interior should be in relatively good condition in relation to its age. If you notice any issues that would be difficult or expensive to fix, don’t continue with the used car sale process. Keep in mind that any stains or discoloration could be a sign of past flooding, and a brand-new interior could be an attempt to hide prior water damage.

5. Steering Column

With the car idling before your test drive, turn the steering wheel to the right and left, listening for any noises. During the test drive, pay attention to its handling. If it shakes or you have to work hard to keep the vehicle from drifting in one direction, the car’s alignment or suspension could be compromised.

Doing your due diligence during the used car sale process can go a long way in helping you avoid a vehicle that needs more work than it’s worth. For used car sales you can trust in Mountain Home, AR, turn to Discount Towing and Recovery. In addition to used auto parts and car sales, they also offer roadside assistance, towing, and car rentals when and where you need them. Call (870) 425-1775 for more information and explore their inventory of used cars online.