When it comes to buying a used car, there is always a chance for a used car to turn out a lemon. You will never know what kind of problems will arise after you bring home a used car.
However, to make sure that this doesn’t happen, these are a few tips from a lemon law attorney San Diego on how to check if your used car turns out to be a lemon or not.
Read the Sticker
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires the dealer to provide a buyer’s guide for every single used car that they are selling. The information in the guide should include the following:
- If the vehicle is sold “as is” i.e. the dealer is not responsible for the car after it has been sold and doesn’t provide a guarantee or a warranty.
- The cost % that the dealer will pay if the car is in warranty.
- All the major components of the car and the potential problems that the car may have.
You should always ask for the copy of the original buyer’s guide that came along with the car as it will note all the changes for your warranty coverage.
Check the Car’s History
Nowadays, you can check the history of the car by going on sites like AutoCheck and Carfax provide reports on the history of cars which include:
- History
- Accidents
- Damage
- Recalls
- Odometer Readings
Inspect the Car
You don’t need to be a trained mechanic to check if the car you are going to buy is a lemon or not. A car will have visible signs that it has been in an accident or has had repairs done on it. You can check how the car works, sounds and looks and you’ll notice if there is any work done on it.
Some things that you should look for in a used car are:
- Chips and Dents: These say a lot about how the car was being used and if there was any substantial work done on the car.
- Misaligned Parts: Misaligned parts will be highly noticeable as they stand out from the rest of the car so you’ll be able to notice them right away.
- Check Under the Hood: If there are any parts that are blackened out indicates that the engine has been on fire or has overheated at one point of time. Check for rust and belts for breaks.
- Check the Tires: There should be even wear on all the tires, if there is less wear on one side or extensive wear on the outside shoulder of the tire then it is a sign that the car is a lemon.
Get the Car Inspected by a Professional
A mechanic will help you look for any problems in the car if any. They can help you find both major and minor problems in the car and help you avoid buying a lemon altogether. Dealers will usually let you get the car inspected by a mechanic. However, a private seller can be reluctant if they are selling you a lemon vehicle.
The mechanic will know if there were any major or minor repairs done in the past or if there are any existing problems in the vehicle. The mechanic’s expertise will help you know if there are any issues which weren’t included in the buyer’s guide or mentioned by the seller.
Final Words
These were some of the tips that you should follow when you are looking for a used car to buy. We at McMillan Law Group can provide you with a quick settlement if you are stuck with a lemon car and get your recovery as soon as possible.