How to avoid buying a broken car

Every week we get people asking advice on how to choose the right car and avoid being ripped off. Here are some tips we recommend to help you with your car search.

1. Test Drive

Always test drive the vehicle before deciding to make the purchase. This is the single most important rule when shopping for a used car in Dallas, TX. Unless you drive the car you can’t really make sure the car is running well or if is worth the price. When driving the vehicle pay attention to details such as engine noise and transmission shifting. If the car takes long to shift gears this is a sign of a bad transmission gear and you should try to avoid buying it as it is very expensive to fix this problem.

2. Visual inspection

After test driving the vehicle you should then visually inspect the vehicle for any oil leaks or damage to the frame. First step is to open the hood to see if you can spot any oil on or around the engine. At this point you can also look at the metal frame that is supporting the engine to verify if any damage exists. If everything is in order then continue to walk around the car to the same. We also recommend you inspect under the vehicle just to make sure everything is in order.

3. Second opinion

If you are not experienced in inspecting cars it is always good to receive a second opinion from a reputable auto mechanic in the Dallas area. Most mechanics will be glad to look at your vehicle for a small fee that is 100% worth the investment especially if you are in a hurry to make the purchase. Most shops will hook up your car to an obd tool which helps them discover any problems with the vehicle. After the mechanic is done diagnosing your automobile they will hand you over an inspection sheet that you can take back to the dealership. Keep in mind sometimes a dealership can reimburse you for the inspection as long as you let them know before making the buy.

4. Vehicle Sticker

An easy way to check for engine problems is to verify the car has an up to date Texas vehicle inspection sticker. If the sticker is not up to date then more than likely it has a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Remember it is illegal to drive a vehicle with an expired sticker and the fine can be pricey if you get caught by a police officer.