Author : Kevin V
As used cars age, finding them for sale in good condition becomes increasingly difficult. At the same time, they continuously lose marketable value. How can we find good values when purchasing, and get a fair price when it comes time to sell? Continue reading to find out...BuyingWhen buying any used car, overall condition must be evaluated and weighed against the asking price. This includes the condition of interior, exterior, and mechanical components. Common issues to watch for on used cars follow:Check the Interior for:
Fading or Cracking Dashboard, steering wheel, pillars
Carpet damage, spills under seats, shoe wear
Strong musty odor, especially during HVAC operation
Worn seats including adjustment, buttons, upholstery, cushions, air support
Unevenly worn pedals indicating possible mistreatment
Smoke damage including falling headliner, used ashtrays or lighter, burns, thick film on glass or other smooth surfaces
Malfunctioning gauges, moonroof, windows, vanity lights, controls, electric accessories
Leakage under dash including clutch and brake fluid near pedals, coolant near floor vents, waterCheck the Exterior for:
Rust around rocker panels (especially under ground effects of SC), wheel wells, under floor pan, doors, suspension components, spoilers, trunk
Signs of accident damage such as repainting, bondo, ill fitting body panels, frame/unibody denting
Damaged paint and clearcoat especially bumpers, ground effects, and roof
Damaged or missing trim, molding, lamp assemblies (esp LED taillights and yellowing lenses) badging, ground effects, air dam, antenna, windows
Wheels damaged or bent from curb rubbing and other abuse
Sagging doors due to hinges worn from excessive load bearingModern vehicles have many complex mechanical components, and condition should be verified by qualified personal. If you encounter the following symptoms or others you are unfamiliar with, it is wise to seek an expert:
Unusual sounds such as whining, whistling, howling, grinding, rubbing, rattling, knocking, tapping, or anything else which stands out. Listen in all places while car is idling and driving including, underhood, suspension, transmission, exhaust, rear of vehicle, ect
Unusual odors such as strong sweet smell, burning, gasoline
Uneven engine idle, backfire, or misfire
Transmission grinding, slipping, or hesitation while driving or changing gears
Clutch engagement near end of pedal travel, excessive pedal play, slipping or revving when shifting/accelerating
Excessive engine or shifter movement, indicating possible torn mounts
Spongy pedal, whistling, grinding, or shaking when braking, fading or low stopping power
Low, dirty, or contaminated fluids especially coolant, oil, and automatic transmission
Suspension leaning, excessive bouncing, harsh ride, pulling, poor handling, or dog tracking.
Smoke from exhaust or underhood, excluding thin light-colored condensation buildupSome minor issues are to be expected with a used purchase, and the price you pay should be adjusted accordingly. A common method of pricing used vehicles is to determine the fair market value then deduct the average cost of repairs. Tools to determine fair market value include the Kelley blue book and points of sale such as newspaper classifieds, ebay, and autotrader magazines. Price of a used vehicle may be influenced by rare models or packages. Car clubs specializing in the rare model can offer help in these cases.SellingWhen selling your car, several factors should be considered to receive the best price.
Level of cosmetic and mechanical maintenance
Logs of maintenance, repair, and modification history
The type of person buying your car, and where to find themA car which is clean, well maintained, and in good overall condition leaves a positive impression on potential buyers. This concept is clearly demonstrated by car dealers when you visit their used car lots. Also, presenting logs or receipts to help buyers verify your cars history will increase their level of confidence when it comes time to make a purchase from you.This article and more great topics for the automotive enthusiast can be found at http://thunderbirdinfo.blogspot.com
Keyword : Ford Thunderbird Supercoupe used buy sell price guide condition repair
วันศุกร์ที่ 29 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2551
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