Tips For Buying A Quality Used Car

4 most expensive car problems to avoid when buying a used car

13 November 2015 by Jessie Ruiz

Cars are a major investment, and you need to take your time when shopping for one. This is even more necessary when it comes to buying used cars. Some of them are going to have minor problems that you can deal with, but there are some car issues that you'd rather stay away from. They may cost you a fortune to repair. Here are some of the most expensive problems to avoid.

Engine issues

The engine is the heart of the vehicle. It's one of the most important components of the car and also one of the most expensive to fix. Engine problems are normally lurking when the car has got a very high mileage count.

Give the car a test dive, and check for any overheating or noises from the engine. Also look out for any leaking oil, damaged valves or a broken rod. If you don't have the expertise for this, then hire a professional. You don't want to buy a car and then spend thousands of dollars replacing the engine.

Corrosion

If you spot any signs of corrosion on the body of your vehicle, then stop in your tracks. There may be a lot more going on under the hood of that car. You have to be thorough, because most corroded internal components cannot be fully repaired; only a replacement can fix that. Dealers would definitely cover up surface rust, so have a look at the wheel wells, bolts, the frame of the car and inside the doors.

Head gasket repair

The head gasket is the part of the vehicle that seals the engine's cylinders. It prevents the coolant and engine oil from mixing up when your engine is running. Looking out for signs of a malfunctioning gasket is not as difficult.

Some major signs are the presence of white smoke from the exhaust pipe, discoloured oil, or even a leaking coolant.

Transmission faults

Another expensive problem has to do with transmission. The transmission fluid doesn't require constant changing, so most car owners ignore it. And that's what causes the majority of transmission problems. A worn out transmission system can cause you to really dig deep into your pocket.

Look out for any burning smells because that may indicate that your transmission is overheating. Also listen for any noises when the gear is in neutral, and check the engine light. A dragging clutch is also a sign of impending doom.

If possible, try to take any cars you're interested in to a local auto shop like Titan Automotive. They can look over the car and make sure it doesn't have any major issues before you make the investment to buy it. 

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