Buying a used car has its advantages. In addition to paying a lower price for transportation, a used car won’t start depreciating as soon as you drive it home. You should, however, conduct a thorough inspection before committing to buy. To know where to concentrate your efforts, here’s a brief checklist. 

A Used-Car Inspection Checklist

1. Battery

On average, a car battery lasts between two and five years. When a battery is dying, the engine may be slow to crank on, headlights may be dim, and dashboard warning lights may not illuminate. When a battery finally dies, it won’t power the seats, operate other electrical features, or turn on the engine. The average cost for battery replacement is $173. Before you purchase a used car, find out the age of the battery.

1. Brake Pads

When you take a pre-owned vehicle for a test drive, pay attention to the noise and performance of the brakes. Screeching and grinding indicate the pads are worn. When the pads are too thin, you may also feel a rumbling sensation in the brake pedal or steering wheel as metal presses against metal. Worn pads could eventually warp the rotors. The service for replacing brake pads can range from $100 to $300 per axle. 

3. Timing Belt

Made of rubber or nylon, a timing belt experiences normal wear from rotating the engine’s crankshaft and cam. Timing belts typically last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. When the belt is worn, the engine won’t function as efficiently as it should, and the engine may eventually misfire. A squealing or clicking sound from the motor indicates a timing belt problem. A new timing belt usually costs between $25 and $50 and another $200 to $900 to install.

If you’re in the market for a reliable used car, visit Jack Kain Ford Inc. in Versailles, KY. Since 1953, this family-owned dealership has been a trusted resource in central Kentucky for certified pre-owned vehicles as well as new trucks and automobiles. Their sales representatives pride themselves on treating each customer like family. To learn more about their inventory, call (888) 685-1211, or browse selections online. For news updates and other information of interest, follow them on Facebook.