There is a wealth of used car information to be gleaned before you actually takes the leap and purchase the vehicle. Unlike new car, used cars could have had any number of unfortunate experiences, and it can be difficult to discover any defect in the short time you're typically given to inspect the vehicle. That's why at LotPro.com, we aim to help consumers make the best used car purchases for their particular needs.
Some of the most basic information you can gather about your proposed vehicle is contained in the VIN, or vehicle identification number. This is the number located on the dash, by the driver's side, or on the inside of the driver's side door. This 17-digit code can be turned over to a company like CARFAX who can then run a check on all of the title transfers of the vehicle.
Tires can also be a great source of information about a particular used vehicle. If a tire shows uneven tread wear, this could ultimately mean that the car needs a front-end alignment. You have to be careful, though, because uneven tread wear can also mean that the car needs to have some very expensive suspension work done on it.
Another good way to get some valuable information about a used car is to use a small refrigerator magnet. You can place any small magnet along a car, and if there has been any body putty repair work, the magnet will not cling to the car's surface. This is starting to sound a bit like detective work, and to some extent it is. It is important to note that these steps are less important if you happen to be purchasing a pre-owned certified vehicle from one of the large dealerships, but it is still a great idea to thoroughly inspect a used vehicle before you enter into a purchase contract.