Some used car red flags are better hidden than others — so it’s vital to know where to look (Image: Getty)
A driver has sought advice on Reddit asking how to identify a quality used car deal after buying a Lemon — a vehicle with a significant defect or malfunction, deeming it unsafe to operate.
The motorist looking for shopping tips received several responses to their post detailing exterior, interior, and history factors to consider with any particular model.
Anybody buying a pre-owned car wants the vehicle to run consistently, so Redditors highlighted several straightforward mechanical checks you can perform to avoid costly repairs.
One Reddit account recommended unscrewing a car’s oil cap under its hood to check for any white-colored sludge, commonly called mayonnaise.
This sludge can indicate a severe issue, like a blown head gasket. Drivers can also check a car’s oil level after unscrewing this cap using a dipstick inserted into a sheathe near the front or side of an engine and marked with a green or yellow handle.
All of a vehicle’s lights, inside and out, should light up after an engine cold start (Image: Getty)
Remove the dipstick, wipe it off with a rag, then insert it into the engine’s oil reservoir previously covered by the cap.
If you pull out the dipstick and see oil between the instrument’s two lines, then the car’s oil level is healthy.
This Redditor also suggested cold-starting a vehicle and checking to see if its exhaust emits a puff of blue smoke, possibly indicating that the engine is burning oil.
They add that all of a car’s lights should come on during this ignition process.
Another response recommended that you request to see a particular vehicle’s service paperwork to ensure that it has undergone proper maintenance or received any repairs.
This information should always be available to a buyer; if not, you may benefit from looking elsewhere.
A third Reddit account noted that a mechanic can help you verify a car’s condition via a pre-purchase inspection.
Some responses to this Reddit post suggested checking areas for rust, like under doors, carpets, and around the dashboard. Still, a mechanic can help you find damage that’s more difficult to spot, like undercarriage rust or engine belt cracks.
One reply instructs shoppers to avoid luxury cars that are a few years old, given that they typically need a significant round of specialized maintenance around this period.
Another tip you may not consider during used car shopping is researching user reviews on a specific model. Forums dedicated to that car or its maker can help unearth common issues that other drivers might be experiencing.
Source: Express UK
