6 Ways to Prepare for Unforeseen Expenses When Buying a Used Car

So you’re making the rounds, shopping at used car lots, maybe checking out a few private party deals. Or you’re using that new car vending machine service, or some lot aggregator to make an easy deal on a new set of wheels – new to you, that is!

How do you get peace of mind about your used vehicle, and how can you be prepared for what’s going to happen down the road?

With these simple tips, you can know more about the used vehicle that you’re buying and anticipate what types of things you may have to pay for in the next few years as you maintain your car, truck or SUV.

Check Tires

One of the major maintenance costs for any used vehicle is replacing tires that are bald or excessively worn.

Be sure to inspect the tires prior to purchase, so you know how much time you have before replacement, and then do a quick check of tire prices for your particular size. You’ll have a better idea of what you have to shell out for if a mechanic tells you that tires won’t pass the annual inspection process.

Check Fluids

If you can, check fluids at least twice, and compare them to previous levels. You may be able to spot an incipient leak before it develops. This will show you whether your vehicle has some kind of hidden leak or other fluid problem that is going to create major bills before too long.

Listen to the Engine and Transmission

Here’s where a short test drive can do wonders for your peace of mind.

When you’re considering a used vehicle, take it on the road and experiment with driving at a range of speeds, and on different types of streets.

As you go, listen carefully for any tapping or knocking sound when you accelerate, or any other kind of unusual engine noise. This can signal worn-out engine parts that are going to be enormously costly later.

At the same time, you can try to evaluate the vehicle’s transmission, which is another of the most costly parts of your car, truck, or SUV that you’ll ever have to replace.

As you drive, as the car naturally shifts into gear – assuming it’s an automatic – you’re listening for any unusual noise or feeling for any kind of hitch or clunking or delayed gear engagement.

Some minor shift changes are okay, but if you get used to doing this, you’ll start to know the difference between common wear and a transmission that may need replacement.

Check for Codes

Here’s where things get a little tricky…

Used vehicles are likely to occasionally need maintenance to the engine or the exhaust system, or any of the sensors and parts that contribute to a normal fuel mix.

All of this is increasingly governed in modern vehicles by an OBD2 engine computer dashboard built into the vehicle. That’s where it’s helpful to have the best OBD2 scanner you can find. 

Most engine code diagnoses, especially those related to the check engine light, require professional diagnosis and repair. But as the vehicle owner, you can do a basic code check and know if there are any existing codes on the vehicle.

If possible, you can also drive the vehicle 75 miles or so, and see if the engine light pops on. Some sellers will routinely reset the engine computer, which can temporarily turn the engine code light off. But then when the buyer heads off down the road, a few days later, they get an unpleasant surprise – that glowing light on the dashboard that is made in a way that tells you that something bad is going on.

If you’re able to see whether there are any hidden codes on your engine computer, you may be able to tie them to exhaust issues, sensor problems, or anything else. Then you can either get these things fixed or move on to the next deal.

Read Consumer Reports

When you’re looking at a particular year, make and model, you can take the time to research consumer reporting magazines and guides that can show you what types of systems that particular car may have a problem with. Some vehicles are more prone to engine issues, whereas some have higher numbers of electrical problems. This is another way to start to understand where you might encounter unexpected expenses later on.

Research Parts Costs

Experienced mechanics and do-it-yourselfers know that some car badges and automakers have more expensive parts than others.

Doing a quick check on parts supply sites will show you whether you have a higher-maintenance used vehicle or one that’s easier to source parts for.

These types of common-sense maintenance are just what the doctor ordered for your vehicle. Think about how to achieve any of these important ways to keep your wheels in good condition for the road ahead.

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