31/12/2014
Planning to buy a car in 2015? Spend time inside. Here’s how….
By giving the inside of the car a thorough and detailed examination, you’ll be better informed about what’s happened during the lifespan of your vehicle. Arming yourself with these details will help you in your quest to find the car that’s perfect for you.
Few interior things that you should focus on while buying a new car or a second-hand one:
• Seats: Take the time to sit in each of the vehicle’s seats and get family members to give you their opinions as well. Are the seats and head restraints easily adjustable and do all of the controls work? Do you like the look and feel of the seats? Is there any damage to the upholstery or leather such as burns, holes, tears, stains, spots or scratches? Does your family fit in the backseat and how comfortable would they be during a long car ride? Will the backseat accommodate your car seat? Can you access the trunk from the back? If the seats fold down, test them out to see how well they work.
• Inside lights: Are all of your interior lights and controls fully functioning? This includes your headlights (daytime, nighttime and high beams), your ceiling and interior lights, glove box lights and mirror lights.
• Dashboard: Record the odometer reading and compare it to the car’s listing. Look at the dashboard lights – are any of them burnt out? Does the car display any warning lights?
• Smell: Does the car have an odour? That air freshener hanging from the rear view mirror could be masking a smell that might be difficult to get rid of. Sniff for musty floor mats (another possible sign of water damage or flooding) and check the ash tray or cigarette lighter for signs of use if the vehicle is supposed to come from a non-smoker.
• Controls and accessories: Try out every control and switch to make sure they are in proper working order. Consider checking the windshield wipers and fluid control, heater/air conditioning, vents and airflow settings, mirror adjustments, GPS, door and window locks, power windows or roll-up handle, stereo, power outlets, front window and rear window defrost, speakers, horn, clock, steering wheel tilt adjustment, sunroof controls and the releases for the hood, trunk and gas cap. Are these controls easy to use and can you reach them from your seat, without having to lean forward? Will you be able to use some of these functions without being distracted while out on the road?
• Manuals and information: Does the vehicle come with a manual? Can you access any maintenance or service logs from the previous owner?
Always ,always spend time inside!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! BE SAFE.