Watch for These 7 Things When Looking at Used Cars – Cincinnati, OH

Buying a used car is a great way to save some money and make your budget stretch further than you might otherwise be able to. With those savings, however, comes the downside of not knowing exactly what that vehicle has been through in its life. There are some great used cars in Cincinnati that can give you years of reliable service without breaking the bank. Knowing what to look for can help you make certain you drive away with a great deal and not a regret-to-be.

Some of these things are visible or detectable by you so you should watch for them when you are visually inspecting the vehicle. Always take your time and really give any vehicle a thorough look and inspection before making a purchase, especially used vehicles. Other red flags are much more difficult to detect if you are not an experienced mechanic. If you are buying a vehicle from a private seller, you do not have the benefit of information that dealerships have to disclose.

Any time you are considering buying a used car in Cincinnati from a private seller, have a third-party mechanic or service technician inspect the vehicle. They can help you catch some of these things that might get past you if you are the only one looking for them. That way you can avoid buying a vehicle that will ultimately end up costing you a lot more money than you expect.

#1 – Poor Maintenance Records

While this is something you should ask about when looking at any used cars in Cincinnati, it is particularly important to ask a private seller about the maintenance history of a vehicle. They should be able to provide records about how often the car had its oil changed, how recently the brakes and other systems were inspected or replaced, and other types of common and necessary maintenance. You might find some information about maintenance in a vehicle history report, but much more can be learned by whether the owner cared enough to keep important records or if it is likely they did not take care of their vehicle properly.

#2 – Signs of Damage

This may seem obvious, but it is too important not to mention. As you consider different used cars around Cincinnati, be sure to thoroughly look at the vehicle for signs of damage – and for signs of repairs. Most dealerships will not buy vehicles with significant damage to them, so this is more of an issue when buying from a private seller.

Damage to the vehicle is likely to cost you money over time – a small tear to upholstery will snag clothing and get torn further, becoming a serious problem. A minor dent in a windshield will crack over time and need to be completely replaced. Similarly, signs of repairs that have been done, particularly recently, should make you wonder what is being covered up and what kind of damage there might be that you cannot see.

#3 – Excessive Repair History

When looking at a vehicle history report or talking to an owner or dealership about a used car in Cincinnati, pay attention to how many repairs the vehicle has received. Replacements from an inspection are routine and typically part of general maintenance. Excessive repairs, however, can indicate that the vehicle was involved in numerous collisions or that other issues occurred.

Just because something was repaired does not mean there cannot be other issues caused by a collision that are as-yet undetected. Every accident is a potential cause of issues that will become a serious problem in the future. So any time you see a lot of repair work has been done, you should look for a different vehicle.

#4 – Weather Damage

Winters in Cincinnati take their toll on vehicles – and anyone who drives around other areas of Ohio or into Pennsylvania has likely encountered nasty weather. Snow, ice, and salt on roads all do serious damage to vehicles just through daily driving. Snow and ice, along with rain, are major culprits in causing extensive rust damage to vehicles. Watch out for rust not only on the body of the vehicle, but also the underside and mechanical systems like the brakes and suspension.

Salt on roads is particularly damaging to vehicles. Watch for pockmarks in the paint and other damage to the chassis of the vehicle. The weather here is one of the biggest enemies of used cars in Cincinnati, especially for drivers who do not keep their vehicles in a garage.

#5 – Signs of a Smoker

As you look at different used cars in Cincinnati, always be on the lookout for telltale signs that a vehicle was owned by a smoker. You might not smell cigarettes, especially if they have used a lot of air freshener in the vehicle, but watch for burn marks and holes in the upholstery caused by cigarettes. The smell of cigarettes will return when the air freshener wears off and it will never truly go away. What’s worse, that smell will start to cling to you and your clothing, so you end up taking it everywhere with you.

#6 – Condition of Engine Fluids

This is something you might not be able to easily check for yourself when looking at used cars around Cincinnati but be mindful of it. At the very least, you should pull the dipstick out of the engine to see what the motor oil looks like. While savvy sellers might have the oil changed just before trying to sell the vehicle, it is still worth a look to check for low levels or crud in the oil.

Better yet, have a professional mechanic take a look at the motor oil and fluids in the transmission to see what kind of condition the vehicle is in. A trusted mechanic can look for warning signs and indicators of issues with the engine or transmission and give you a recommendation based on what they see. Clean fluid and lubricant can indicate that the owner took proper care of the vehicle, which tells you their attitude about maintenance and careful driving in general.

#7 – Other Mechanical Issues

While you are having a professional mechanic take a look at any used car in Cincinnati that you are interested in, ask them to inspect other mechanic systems too. This includes not only the engine and transmission but also the brakes and other systems integral to the daily performance of your vehicle. If you are dealing with a private seller and they seem uncomfortable about the idea of a mechanic looking at the vehicle, or only want to go with someone they know, then that is a huge warning sign. Anyone selling a good vehicle should have no problem having a professional verify that information, nor should they object to letting you choose the mechanic.

When looking at used cars in Cincinnati at a reputable dealership, they have already had their service professionals thoroughly inspect the vehicle. It is in their best interest to only have the best vehicles for sale so that their customers are happy and come back the next time they need a car. By law, dealers are required to provide you with all the information they have about the mechanical and electrical systems in a vehicle, so you can shop with confidence. If, for any reason, a salesperson tries to avoid talking about the condition of a vehicle, then get out of there and go to a dealer that relies on honesty and integrity to sell their vehicles. At Kings Ford, we are that dealer. We are here for you to get the vehicle of your dreams.