How to avoid buying a jalopy<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): More can go wrong when buying a used car than
\nwhen purchasing a new one. There are many things that have to be
\nchecked out to make sure you are not saddled with a jalopy.<\/p>\n
The following are tips on how to pick up a decent secondhand
\ncar.<\/p>\n
The guidelines are collected from various sources, including
\ndealers, repairmen and automobile publications.<\/p>\n
1. Reading classified ads in certain dailies, like Pos Kota
\nand Kompas, is a must. Pay extra attention to weekend editions. A
\nweek of exploring is enough to start out on the leg work.<\/p>\n
2. It is advisable not to buy a used car which is more than
\nfive years old, unless that's what you're looking for.<\/p>\n
3. Read the odometer. At normal use, a car travels a maximum
\ndistance of 15,000 kilometers per year. Based on this scale, you
\ncan calculate the estimated age of a car. Sellers often attempt
\nto stretch the truth about the age.<\/p>\n
4. If you're looking for a specific color, be prepared to pay
\nextra. In many cases, white cars do not cost extra. But high
\nprices are usually asked for cars of popular colors, such as
\nmetallic dark red, dark blue and dark green.<\/p>\n
5. Outside performance doesn't account for much. The color of
\na five-year-old car would have changed due to the elements, but
\nthe body should be in good condition and be rust-free. A thorough
\ninspection, therefore, should be conducted. It is advisable to
\ntake the car to a mechanic.<\/p>\n
6. Turn on the ignition. A good-quality engine should turn
\nover at the first turn of the key. Listen to the sound. A good
\nengine purrs. Let the engine run for about 10 minutes and check
\nwhether the engine temperature goes up. The temperature meter's
\nneedle should remain at the middle line.<\/p>\n
7. Examine the edge of the muffler. There should be no wet or
\nblack spots of lubricant on it.<\/p>\n
8. Now check under the car. Look whether there is oil oozing
\nfrom the engine or any other part. Check for rust on the engine
\nor if there is any sign of welding.<\/p>\n
9. There are ways to discover whether the car has been
\ninvolved in an accident. The body should be checked for signs of
\nrepairs. Also examine the internal part and frame of the hood,
\ntrunk and roof. Also the grille and bumper bar. Stand one or two
\nmeters away and check whether the body is in good shape and
\nstraight. A crooked body means the car has been involved in a
\nmajor accident.<\/p>\n
10. Make sure all doors can be opened and closed smoothly.<\/p>\n
11. Double check the function of the interior parts,
\ninstruments and accessories, including the dashboard,
\nspeedometer, revolution counter, seats, audio system, door
\nhandles, lock buttons, air-condition controls, fuel indicator and
\ngearshift.<\/p>\n
12. The other most important part is examining the engine
\nnumber, which should match the figures written on the car's
\ndocuments. If possible, go to the traffic police department to
\ncheck the number in order to avoid buying a stolen car.<\/p>\n
13. A test drive on a highway and a busy street is a
\nnecessity. Go with the owner, so you can ask more about the
\nvehicle's history, including where it undergoes regular service.<\/p>\n
14. Before selling their cars, owners often take out the
\nexpensive accessories, such tires, wheels and the audio system,
\nand replace them with cheaper ones. This gives them a better
\nprice for their car. Buyers are attracted by competitive prices
\nmore than they are by good quality accessories.<\/p>\n
15. Sometimes owners or sellers hide defects on cars by
\nputting something on them, such as stickers or car deodorizers.<\/p>\n
16. Last but not least, don't believe wholeheartedly what an
\nowner or seller tells you.<\/p>\n
Other than the above tips, there's an important key to buying
\na car: \"Put not your trust in money, but your money in trust.\"
\nHave a happy drive. (arh\/bsr)<\/p>",
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