What Needs to Be Done for Used Car Refurbishment?
3 Answers
Clean the interior and exterior thoroughly before putting it up for sale. The following are precautions for used car transactions: 1. Verify the identity of the used car: When purchasing a car, carefully check the ID card, original vehicle invoice, vehicle purchase tax certificate, vehicle license, road maintenance fee certificate, annual inspection certificate, and insurance policy to ensure there are no issues. If the documents are incomplete, you may encounter numerous hassles when handling related procedures later. There have been precedents in this regard, so be extremely careful. Additionally, verify the engine number and chassis number to confirm the vehicle's identity and avoid being deceived. 2. Check if the odometer has been tampered with: To fetch a higher price, dealers often roll back the mileage. In reality, mileage is just one factor in assessing a car's condition. The actual condition can be determined by inspecting parts like the engine, and the odometer reading is not the sole determinant of the car's price. 3. Don’t overlook repainting: Check for any peeling paint, fresh marks on the surface, or excess paint around the exhaust pipe, trim, and windows. If found, it indicates the car has been refurbished, possibly due to scratches or damage, which can serve as one of the criteria to judge its condition.
For used car preparation, I've summarized several key points: Mechanically, it's essential to change the engine oil and oil filter, check the brake pads and tire wear, and for older cars, it's best to replace the transmission fluid and coolant as well. For the electrical system, pay attention to the battery life and the wiring of the car lights, as aging wiring can easily lead to breakdowns on the road. The chassis should be carefully listened to for any abnormal noises; if the rubber bushings are cracked, replace them, otherwise, you'll hear clunking sounds while driving. Interior deep cleaning and odor removal are crucial, especially disinfecting the air conditioning ducts, as the smell of smoke from the previous owner is the hardest to eliminate. Exterior treatment depends on the budget; small scratches can be resolved with polishing, while large dents require a body repair specialist. Finally, don't forget to check the maintenance records and the chassis number to avoid buying a car that's been in an accident. If properly prepared, the car can run smoothly for three years without issues.
When refurbishing a used car, I focus on three key aspects: The safety system must be fully functional—replace brake discs and pads as needed, and change tires over five years old even if the tread is deep. Prioritize decarbonizing the engine bay, cleaning the throttle body and fuel injectors, and installing new spark plugs to improve fuel efficiency. Replace all fluids including engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid without compromise. Have a mechanic inspect the chassis components with a pry bar—address any play in ball joints or control arms immediately. For interior detailing, remove seats to deep-clean carpets and use ozone treatment to eliminate mildew odors. Allocate a ¥2,000 budget for refurbishment; a ¥100k car restored this way can perform like new.
