Used Car Lots Miami FL
Local resource for used cars in Miami. Includes detailed information on local businesses that provide access to used car dealerships and used cars for sale, as well as advice on buying a used car and making sure you get a car history report.
Data Provided by:
Used Cars
Five Used Car Red Flags December 10, 2009
Everyone’s looking to get the best deal possible when it comes to picking up a used car. That’s why you’re cruising used lots and not stopping by the gleaming showrooms of new-car dealers in the first place. It’s easy to get swept up in the smooth-talking ways of a seller, whether it’s a guy across town or a professional dealer. It’s their job to highlight all of the good things about their vehicle and downplay any of the car’s negative aspects. While some selling points like a great maintenance record and new parts may make a vehicle a good deal, others should be viewed with a skeptical eye. Check out DriverSide’s list of five used car red flags.
New Glass
We’re not talking about windshields. Those fall prey to flying rocks and debris on a daily basis, and for the most part they never allow water to enter the vehicle. Side and rear glass, on the other hand is a different story. While windshields are made up of special glue-laden glass that keeps it from shattering when broken, side windows aren’t so lucky. When cracked, those shatter just like you would expect, leaving a gaping hole for water, wind and leaves to bum around inside of the vehicle. If the problem is taken care of quickly, odds are there won’t be much in the way of damage to the car’s interior, but if it has been allowed to sit there may be water damage inside, including mold and mildew. Best to keep a look out for any potential mold issues.
New Interior
In general, it’s pretty rare to come across a newish used car that’s had its interior replaced, and for good reason. Manufacturers specifically choose materials that can hold up to years of use without fraying a stitch, so when the used car you’re interested in proudly boasts a new interior, it’s time to raise some eyebrows. A few likely reasons for having an interior replaced are water damage (either from flooding or broken windows), small interior fires or having spilled some sort of food inside. Think milk or eggs. While by and large replacing the interior takes care of these issues, there may still be underlying problems. There could be damage to the vehicle’s electrical system if there was a fire, and long-term exposure to the elements lays the groundwork for rust. As always, take your time looking the car over and don’t take the plunge if you have any funny feelings about the vehicle.
New Transmission
While gearboxes are incredibly complex pieces of equipment, they’re designed to take all of the heat, horsepower and torque a vehicle can throw at them under normal circumstances. That doesn’t mean they can’t fail under incredibly hard driving or especially neglectful maintenance. Just like a new engine, if an ad boasts about a new or rebuilt transmission, be sure to get the full story from the seller. If they say the unit randomly failed, it’...