What are the precautions when buying a car from a dealership?
2 Answers
Here are the precautions for buying a car from a dealership: 1. Check the tires: Tire issues may seem minor, but poor-quality tires can develop problems within half a year. Push and pull the upper side of the tire to ensure it feels firm. For disc brakes, also inspect the brake discs for any obvious wear or dirt. Additionally, check if the tires are in good condition and if the rims are clean, flawless, and free from dents or scratches. 2. Test the driving feel: The throttle of a new car might be slightly sluggish, but it should accelerate smoothly under normal conditions. Turn on various internal devices, such as the air conditioning and audio system, to ensure they function properly. Adjust the side mirrors, fasten the seatbelt, and after starting the car, the steering should feel responsive, and the ride should be stable. Release the steering wheel at low to medium speeds to check if the car drifts. 3. Inspect the interior accessories: This mainly involves checking if the interior accessories are complete. The front seats should move freely back and forth and have multiple fixed positions for passengers to choose from. Also, check if the door windows can be raised and lowered normally, and ensure the door panels and interior trim are securely installed and do not come loose when pushed. 4. Examine the paint: The car's exterior color should be consistent, even, full, and smooth, with no pinholes, pits, wrinkles, or bubbles on the paint surface. 5. Inspect the interior: Focus on checking for any damaged or loosely installed parts, such as leaks (electrolyte, coolant, oil, lubricant, brake fluid, etc.). Open the hood and carefully inspect the engine and its components, including the cylinder block joints, power steering pump, drive shaft, and oil filter connections, for any signs of leakage.
I remember being quite nervous when buying my first car—you really need to stay sharp. First, set a budget and avoid impulsive overspending; check how much your savings and monthly income can afford. Don’t just focus on brands when choosing a model—search online for user reviews and look for fuel-efficient, low-maintenance options that suit beginners. At the dealership, inspecting the car’s condition is key: check if the odometer has been tampered with, look for rust or accident marks on the body, and always test-drive it yourself to feel if the acceleration is smooth and the brakes are responsive. Don’t shy away from price negotiations—dealers often quote high, so haggle based on online guide prices to save a lot. For paperwork, ensure the title is clear and insurance is complete, or you’ll face hassles later. Don’t forget to ask about after-sales service, like warranty duration and whether the first year’s maintenance is covered. Taking it step by step like this helps avoid getting scammed.