Getting your dream car with all the cool features on a budget is one of the many incredible advantages of buying a used car from an online wholesale auction, but the downside – the car may have underlying issues.
When you buy a used car, there is the possibility of finding unexpected problems underneath that perfect interior.
Depending on the condition and age of the vehicle, you should keep in mind that they may be issues with some parts of the car as some of those parts may have exceeded their average use lifespan.
When buying used cars, remember to set some money aside for routine maintenance (oil and fluid changes), repairs, and servicing critical parts after purchase.
What Common Fixes Should You Consider?
To help out, we have put together a shortlist of the most common issues you may face with different parts of a used sedan or SUV and how expensive they are to repair.
If you buy a vehicle with heavy accidents or damage these are the most common fixes you may need to do, from the least to most expensive.
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Fluids
After buying your used car the first thing to do before getting behind the wheel is to have your fluids refilled. The different fluids have different roles in the smooth running of your vehicle. The most important fluids are engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, axle oil. Have your mechanic check these fluids as soon as your purchase is complete.
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Radiator Coolant
One of the main reasons the radiator gets damaged is corrosion which leaves a hole in the radiator and causes leakage. Also, the radiator cap may be deteriorated due to use and cause leakages. This fix is common in used cars depending on the age and is among the least expensive fix.
Have a mechanic fix any leaks after purchase, if any to avoid damage to your radiator. Also, have the radiator cap replaced if deteriorated.
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Brake Pads
The brake pads of any vehicle wear out over time and are essential for safe driving. They are inexpensive to repair, but professional mechanics push for the replacement of the entire brake line for safety reasons. Used vehicles need to have their brake pads service or replaced where necessary.
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Spark Plugs (If necessary)
Spark plugs are very cheap and easy to replace, you can even change yourself. If the spark plugs of the vehicle you purchased are bad, your engine may misfire, consume fuel faster or become jittery. To enjoy your new vehicle and have a smoother ride, it is necessary to change the spark plugs before use. And hey – they are fairly cheap.
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Fuel Pump
When you buy a used car you may need to have the fuel pump replaced, which can be quite expensive to have this replaced. The fuel pump can be damaged over time due to metal shavings, water in fuel, or fuel build-up. The engine type also affects the cost of fuel pump replacement. Have your mechanic determine the fuel pump type for your specific engine model as stated by the manufacturer.
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Suspension
Your vehicle’s suspension is made up of the shocks, spring, control arms, rods, and struts. They help with shock absorption when you run a bump or pothole while driving. Suspension wears out over time and if not replaced may result in suspension overhaul which can break your bank to have it repaired.
After purchasing your used vehicle, it is recommended to have your suspension replaced to avoid a total overhaul……. If it is needed
Further Reading
- Your 101 Guide to Choosing the Right Used Hybrid Car for Sale
- What You Need to Know about Buying Used Electric Vehicles
- 4 Easy Ways to Potentially Increase a Car’s Valued Idea?
- Used Cars: Easy, Quick, and Helpful Maintenance Hacks
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Transmission
The transmission is the second most expensive part to repair or replace, and it is highly labor-intensive. Transmission usually wears out from rough gear change but great damage is caused by neglect and poor maintenance. Depending on the driving style of the former owner, you may need to carry out some repairs on the transmission after purchasing the vehicle.
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Engine
The engine is the most crucial part of the car and is almost half the cost of the entire vehicle. Not all engine problems are serious but if the engine motor of your vehicle is blown it will need full repair or replacement. Several things can cause your engine to be damaged, from oil leakage to a broken rod. You will need to have your engine serviced after buying a used vehicle to avoid cost implicating damages.
Finally!
Before jumping behind the wheels of your new vehicle, have it serviced by a professional mechanic. Most of the fixes are fairly easy to do and less expensive
To avoid expensive repairs, like the engine or transmission, you need to have all the vehicles’ information. Run a Vehicle History Report for a small fee, or you can request a physical inspection of the vehicle by a professional mechanic. A physical inspection costs more but will give you a more detailed description of the condition of the vehicle you want to purchase.
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