By Aiden ArmstrongBuying a used car can be a bit of a gamble. The costs are going to be significantly lower than buying new, but you do take some risks. Most used cars come as is, but some Ford used cars in Barrington may have some warranty left on them. Of course the warranty can give you some piece of mind, but there are still some things you are going to want to look out for.
Under the Hood
Make sure you always take a look under the hood when looking at used cars. You are going to want to check for leaks, strange wiring, and the condition of the hoses. In addition, check the fluids, including the level and how clean they are. The oil is a big sign of how well the vehicle has been taken care of. Dirty oil means that it has not been changed very often, and that is a warning sign of improper maintenance. If you see metal in the oil, do not buy that vehicle. Flakes of metal in the oil is a sign of major engine troubles, which will likely cost you more money than the car is worth.
During the Test Drive
A test drive should really be a challenge for a vehicle; you shouldn’t be putting it in harm’s way, but it should be more than a nice little cruise. You will want to take turns, brake a little heavy, and see how it handles accelerating up a hill. You want to pay attention to how it feels, and also listen for any questionable noises. Knocking from the engine is a bad sign, and usually a deal breaker. Excessive play in the steering or brakes means you will be putting money into those systems soon. This may not be too expensive, but something you should be aware of. Those things can be used to negotiate a lower price, but does shift the risk of the repair to you.
If you are looking for Ford used cars in Barrington check out Arlington Heights Ford. Visit their website, http://www.ahford.net for more information.
