{"id":44061,"date":"2025-03-04T00:00:08","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T05:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/?p=44061"},"modified":"2025-03-04T09:44:51","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T14:44:51","slug":"concerns-when-buying-a-used-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/concerns-when-buying-a-used-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Concerns When Buying A Used Car"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you are trying to buy an older model of your dream car at a discount or looking for value on a budget, we all know there are some risks involving purchasing a used car.\u00a0 These are concerns that are often not discussed.<\/p>\n

\"Car<\/p>\n

There may be signs of the entire car not being original (OEM) paint based upon inconsistencies in the condition of the paint.\u00a0 This could be a sign of a repaint you were not made aware of.\u00a0 Seeing rock chips and bug gut damage on the front and side quarter panels, with other areas relatively defect free.\u00a0 One of the reasons why this may be more of a concern is with the rising costs (like most things) of repaint options, the likelihood of the owner choosing a poor quality (cheapest) repaint choices increases significantly.\u00a0 Many of these cheap repaints will not last as long as the ones you will receive from a reputable shop among other issues.\u00a0 The paint and clear coat may be significantly thinner, less stable, and less durable, which actually makes the paint more challenging to protect in the long run with paint protection film and\/or ceramic coatings.<\/p>\n

When you see sap damage or bird and bug damage, even on a reasonably new car, it can be a sign of something else.\u00a0 It is a sign the car is seldom detailed, not washed frequently enough, and has not received adequate applications of long term protection.\u00a0 This is going to affect the long term value of the car.<\/p>\n

Paint thickness gauges can help you investigate the history of a car.\u00a0 Although most people may be unable to budget for $2,000 to $3,000 for bumper or to measure all layers.\u00a0 But a cheaper gauge ($600) should provide you with clues.\u00a0 Repaints will tend to have significantly higher readings.\u00a0 There may have been an accident involving the car you are interested in. Here is one paint gauge option, the Defelsko Positest<\/a> and a little pricier gauge, the Elcometer 311<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"ptg\"<\/p>\n

With access to the car VIN number there are numerous resources online to help you access the vehicle history.<\/p>\n

Being a resident of Florida, even in Gainesville, Florida, flooding from hurricane and tropical storm conditions have led to many permanently damaged vehicles.\u00a0 These events are also a catalyst for unethical practices.\u00a0 Vehicles being purchased unknowingly with flood damage can happen more than what many people think.<\/p>\n

\"car<\/p>\n

Living in Florida or any region affected by floods, I would be hyper aware of someone trying to sell me a vehicle that has been damaged by a flood.\u00a0 This is especially the case when the car appears to not be stored in an adequate shelter from the environment.\u00a0 Look for visible signs of damage INSIDE the car or moisture in the navigation screens.\u00a0 Be wary of someone appearing to be uncomfortable with you inspecting the inside of a car, especially in a flood zone.\u00a0 Deciding to purchase from a dealership should not automatically be a cause for letting your guard down.<\/p>\n

Ask questions about the history and condition of a car.\u00a0 When you investigate the story of a car, inconsistencies with what you are told are a red flag.\u00a0 Whether the person is intentionally being dishonest, misleading, leaving out critical information, or uninformed, it is a concern.\u00a0 I would ask myself under these circumstances WHAT ELSE is the owner of the car not telling me.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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