Buying a used car can be a crapshoot, and even with a thorough inspection, you could end up driving off with a lemon. Even so, there are things you can do to improve the odds, and checking for signs of engine damage is a good place to start.
The engine is, after all, the largest, most important, and most expensive component in any vehicle. If you buy a used car with engine damage, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in repair bills, meaning that even the cheapest car is not really a bargain.
So how do you know if the used car you are looking for is hiding signs of engine damage? What should you look for during that critical test drive? You can tell a lot in a short period of time-as long as you know what to look for.
Check the Oil
You can check for the first warning sign of engine damage before you even start the vehicle. Just pull the dipstick, check the level and take a good look at the oil it contains. If you see any dirt or discoloration, that could be a sign of looming engine trouble.
Start the Engine
Once the oil has been checked, it’s time to start the vehicle. As you turn the key, listen to the way the engine starts. If the engine has poor compression, you may hear it crank quickly without catching, and this is a sign you should never, ever ignore. At the very least, it is cause for a thorough inspection by your mechanic-and some serious negotiations on the price.
Take a Test Drive
As you begin your test drive, pay close attention to how smooth the idle is. The vehicle should idle smoothly and quietly, with no misfires or roughness. You can tell a lot about the engine when you stop, so listen carefully for any subtle misses or rough idling.
Check the Service Records
Even if the engine seems fine, you will still want to ask to see the service records for the vehicle. This will help assure you that the oil has been changed at the recommended interval, a key underpinning for a long and trouble-free engine life.
With the price of new cars running high, many drivers are looking to the used car marketplace instead. If you know what to look for, you can find some incredible bargains, but if you buy a vehicle will engine damage, you will quickly regret it. So do yourself and your wallet a favor by learning these signs of engine damage.