Learn to Inspect That Used Car Like a Car Care Nut

Not All Cars that Look Fine…Are Fine

In previous articles we’ve learned the importance of having a thorough inspection of all used cars that are advertised for sale. Whether it be from a dealership, a privately owned small lot of used cars, or an owner looking for a buyer for his used car, if you wind up with a lemon sometimes you have no one to blame but yourself.

Related article: Toyota Dealership Shows What Really Happens When Previously Owned Cars Are Inspected and Certified

However, when problems are intentionally hidden---which is often the case---you can miss some of the signs of a vehicle that has not been properly maintained and/or has been in an accident sometime in its life.

Related article: Found a Great Used Car Deal? RUN!

Car Inspection Detective Work

In this case, it helps to know some tips on what to look for when inspecting a vehicle that is on par with being a detective looking for clues that something might be amiss.

This was the message behind a recent CarCarNut YouTube channel video where the host demonstrates how to give a used car a good going-over when looking for problems. In this case, it was a 2017 Highlander in for some minor servicing that he found had the classic signs of having been in a major accident at one time.

Related article: Concealed Collision Damage and Car Seller Impersonator Scams

The value of this video is that if offers some good advice on signs that a car has been worked on that should be red flags for a used car shopper. In addition, he also shows why you have to go beyond the typical treadwear inspecting of even relatively young tires by looking a little closer for signs that indicate a potential blowout could occur soon.

That said, here is the video that is a good lesson on how to inspect a used car like a Car Care Nut to find those hidden problems you will want to avoid in a used car.

I Find a MAJOR Accident on This Highlander and Some Really Bad Tires!

And finally…

For additional articles about inspecting a used car, here are two for your consideration:

• Scam Alert: What Dealerships Don’t Want You to Know About Used Car Inspections

• Rattle Can Repair Scam Warning for Used Car Shoppers

COMING UP NEXT: Old Chevy’s Worth Buying Over New Ones

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

Image Source: Pixabay