From bad faith to dishonesty, the border is sometimes thin. Yet, no question of being fooled when buying used cars Houston. In addition to the financial aspect, it is above all a matter of security.
Detect erroneous information and hidden defects
A car that has suffered accidents costs less. Some prefer to overlook this detail. Paint differences can be a clue, but to get confirmation, you will have to go through an expert.
The owner has access to the VRS (Vehicle Registration System) file, which records information on accidents that have resulted in a ban on driving the vehicle before validation by an expert on the conformity of the work. A mechanic can also check this file.
Another important point of attention is that of mileage. The mileage displayed must be compared with information on maintenance invoices and technical checks.
Examine the car with a magnifying glass
- Outside
Headlights, turn signals, windshield wipers, power windows, check that everything works.Examine the quality of the tires (they must be the same mark and the same size on each axle) and watch for scratches or dents in the sheet. Also, see if the exhaust particulate filter has not been removed, following the exhaust line from the engine to the rear. - Inside
Test each dashboard control, as well as air conditioning. Raise the floor matsto make sure there are no traces of moisture. - Under the hood
The seepage around a motor is normal, but not leaks. Another sign of problem, any smell of oil burned. Examine the battery terminals: if they are covered with a white and dry material, this indicates poor maintenance. A leak of white liquid can also be a sign of a problem with the radiator.
Driving and driving
Before trying the car, ask the seller to drive it. You will have a glimpse of its type of driving and will estimate if it could damage the vehicle. Then go behind the wheel and test the clutch, the reverse gear and the brakes. Drive on different types of roads and ask the owner what use he made of his vehicle. Driving in the city causes more damage than driving long distances on the highway.
Claim the required documents
Before confirming your purchase, have all the required documents on hand. It’s not just the registration certificate on behalf of the seller (check the identity of the seller and the vehicle registration matches).
The non-professional seller must also provide a certificate of technical inspection of less than 6 months, the vehicle maintenance book, the intervention bills on the car. He must produce an administrative status certificate (the most recent possible), which guarantees that the car is not seized and that you can register it after purchase and can be requested online. When you buy, you must complete a certificate of assignment with the seller.After purchase, remember that you must register the vehicle to your name within 15 days.
Spot the scams
Some precautionary rules are necessary before settling a financial transaction. Never pay money via Western Union or any other money transfer agency, especially before the delivery of the vehicle. The recommended method of payment is the check. Do not pay down to “bring in” the vehicle, or other taxes.
Try and examine the car before agreeing to buy it
There are also some tips for locating stolen vehicles: the serial number on the registration card must be the same as the one on the engine (which must not be “scraped”). Watch for signs of scratches around the locks or installing new seals on the doors. Finally, a loose steering column may mean that the lock (Neiman) has been broken.
Make sure as quickly as possible
Once your purchase is complete, remember that you must have insured and affix your certificate of insurance, even before driving for the first time.