SAVING ON CAR EXPENSES Ways to drive the costs down!

Tips For Choosing The Best Used Car - Examine the car's exterior thoroughly. Look for rust, dents and evidence that portions of the car have rusted out and been repaired with body putty. - Look under car for breaks in the frame and signs that frame has been welded.   - Check for excessive rusting of frame.   - Examine condition of muffler, tailpipe and exhaust pipe.   - Look for signs of oil or transmission fluid leakage under the car.   - Check for signs of fluid leakage from shock absorbers.   - Examine condition of tires, including inside surfaces.   - Look for signs of brake fluid leaking on the inside of tires.   - Walk around the car and check the condition of window glass.   - Examine the condition of lenses of all lights - front, back and sides.   - Test all lights to make certain they are functioning - headlights, taillights, flashers, backup lights, brake lights, turn signals, etc.   - Push down on the corners of the car, front and back, to check the shock absorbers. If the car bounces up & down several times, the shocks are worn.   - Stand back and see if the car is level. If not, the springs may be weak.   - From a distance, look for evidence of an accident, dents, paint that doesn't match, ripples in the fenders, etc.   - Check the spare tire. If it is cupped or worn unevenly, something may be wrong with the front end and a front tire is being used as a spare.   - Make sure the car has a jack and that it is in good working condition.   - Lift the hood of the car and examine the condition of the belts and hoses.   - Check the battery to see if it is cracked.   - Pull out the oil dipstick to see how dirty the oil is.   - Check stickers ( on doorposts or under hood ) to see when the car had its last oil change and lubrication, and whether it was serviced regularly.   - Examine the upholstery, safety belts and carpeting.   - If the car has seat covers, look under them for wear, tears, dirt.   - Badly worn carpeting or upholstery may be a sign of heavy vehicle usage.   - Check the break pedal for free play.   - Turn on all the lights one at a time and check to see they are working.   - Take the car for a test drive over various types of roads.   - While on the road, test the brakes for pulling.   - Be alert for vibrations during the drive, for signs of front-end trouble.   - If the car has manual transmission, be alert for excessive play, grabbing or rattling of the clutch.   - Look for vibrations or unusual noises from the engine, transmission, rear end or wheels, that may be a signal of trouble.   - Push the gearshift through its various positions and see how the car reacts.   - Let the engine idle and be alert to noises or vibrations that could indicate a badly tuned engine or one with bad valves.   - Be alert for any unusual odors. These could tell you that all is not well.   - If the automatic transmission doesn't shift smoothly or is there is hesitation when it shifts, the transmission may be in need of repair work.   - When test driving, step on the gas and look into the mirror for smoke from the exhaust. White or bluish smoke may mean an overhaul is needed.   - Check to see how much power the car has on a hill.   - Turn on the heater to see if it works.   - Check out the air conditioning to see if it is working.   - Turn on the radio.   - Try the windshield wipers.   - If possible, run the car through a car wash to see if it leaks.   - If possible, before you sign on the bottom line, have your own mechanic check out the car or take it to a diagnostic center.   - Never buy a used car at night, in the rain or when you are in a hurry.   - Have the person in charge put in writing and sign all promises BEFORE YOU BUY!

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