What Should You Pay Attention to When Buying a Car?

[MacLaura]

When negotiating the price before buying a car, pay attention to adding an engine guard plate—try to get it for free, but buy it if necessary. Be cautious of verbal promises from 4S dealerships. Watch out for pitfalls in insurance. Inspect the car carefully. Check the odometer reading when picking up the car. Relevant details are as follows: 1. Check the odometer reading when picking up the car: It should generally be 8–10 km. Look for debris in the radiator fins, ensure the seat protection packaging and front plastic cover are intact, and check for any dirt on the driver/passenger seats and dashboard. 2. For pre-ordered vehicles: Note the gap between the manufacturing date and the pickup date. If the gap is too long, the car might be a display or refurbished model. 3. When picking up the car: Request the manufacturing and shipping dates, and compare them with the delivered vehicle. 4. After buying the car: When handing it over to the 4S dealership for registration and paperwork, remember to note the odometer reading. 5. Inspect the exterior: When selecting a new car, ask to compare two models of the same type. Pay attention to body panel gaps and paint quality. 6. Inspect the mechanical parts: First, check the engine. A well-functioning engine should have no oil stains, respond quickly when started, run smoothly without shaking, and produce even sounds without sharp or irregular noises. For a new car, check the battery status indicator. 7. Check the ground: Look under the car after a test drive for any signs of water or oil leakage, which can help identify hidden issues. Normally, only the exhaust pipe should have water droplets; no other parts should leak. 8. Inspect the tires: New tires should have no damage to the sidewalls, especially the front ones, and no punctures on the tread. 9. Check the doors: Properly functioning doors should open and close smoothly without odd noises. The sealing rubber should be intact, and closing the door should feel secure with a slight suction effect at the end. The paint on the lower edge of the door frame should be flawless—any wear or dirt may indicate poor storage conditions. Power windows should have anti-pinch protection for all four doors. 10. Inspect the interior: The interior should be clean, especially in high-contact areas. Electric or mechanical components should operate smoothly without noise. The floor should be dry and clean. Test all interior lights to ensure they work. Remove the seat covers to inspect the original leather upholstery. Try out easily damaged components like cup holders and sunglass covers to ensure they function properly.