Hans Dirkse

Used car buying advice is everywhere on the Internet today; some of it is good and some not so good. This is because buying a used car is typically a very unpleasant experience for the majority of people.

Although it may not be fun, buying a used car can be a very wise decision saving you lots of money, if you go about it the right way. This used car buying advice can help you find the best deal and vehicle for you.

So, let’s get started…

First, consider the inspection of the vehicle.

On the outside, check the tires for tread. Having to replace the tires right off the bat can be an expense you may want to come up with. Now, check the undercarriage and wheel wells for signs of rust.

Take a good look at the paint job to be sure the paint is consistent. If there are quarter panels that are off a shade, chances are the car may have been in an accident. Open and close all doors to be sure they are in working order and align up properly.

Do they all lock? Replacing power door locks can be another expensive repair.

Now, check the inside of the car. Is the upholstery clean or is it stained? Are there holes in the floor mats or seats? These are signs of how well the car was taken care of. Check the dash board indicators when you turn the car on. Be sure there are no lights flashing issues such as the check engine light, ABS light, air bag light, etc.

Check to see if all the windows operate correctly. Turn on the stereo system to be sure it works. Now check the A/C, does it blow cold air right away? Next turn on the heater to see if it blows hot air. Test the blinkers and brake lights, headlights and tail lights to be sure they are all in working order.

Checking the car inside and outside are quick easy ways to discover many different issues you may have.

Making a left hand turn is one of the most dangerous maneuvers you attempt while driving your car. It can also be the deadliest because you are exposing the thin, weak sides of your car to oncoming traffic; airbags and seatbelts are much less effective in these left hand crashes. Green left turn arrows, roundabouts and “Michigan U-turns” are becoming more popular at busy intersections and safety is improving. But there are many times when you must make a left turn across many lanes of traffic.

Or do you?

United Parcel Service now routes all their trucks to make right turns only:

“UPS’s routing software shaved 20.4 million miles off their routes last year while delivering 350,000 more packages.” and “Turning right decreases safety hazards and delays. If a driver is stuck waiting for traffic to pass with a left blinker on, it’s going to set them back. Jutting out into traffic is also a good way to get side-swiped, especially when driving a big truck” according to Bob Stoffel, Senior VP of UPS.

Think about your neighborhood and subdivision and your route to work, the grocery store and school. Instead of making a beeline to the main road where you must make a left turn can you go the opposite way and make two right turns to get out to the main road? This may seem like a waste of time and fuel but according to the UPS study you will not wait as long idling your engine while waiting to make the left turn.

We live in a “grid style” subdivision so it easy for me to drive a few blocks on residential streets to where the traffic light is. I can then make a left turn under the protection of a traffic signal. Modern subdivisions with curving winding streets and cul-de-sacs may be more difficult but explore other routes, you may find a path to a traffic signal or where you can make a right turn.