Check for Defects When Buying a Used Car

Buying your first car can be very exciting. However, many people buy cars with defects, a mistake you can avoid by doing your homework beforehand. Have any used vehicle you are thinking about buying checked over by your own mechanic. Also make sure you know whether the vehicle is under recall by the manufacturer.

Many people whose cars are under recall continue to drive their unrepaired vehicles. According to Insurance Journal, “About a third of all recalled cars and trucks don’t get repaired….” This puts everyone at risk.

Pay attention to your warranty coverage. If your car is still under warranty, you can have it fixed or get a part replaced free of charge as part of the recall when you take it in for service or repairs. Authorized dealerships are reimbursed by the manufacturer for this. However, many drivers don’t realize their car model has been recalled. Manufacturers are supposed to send recall letters to owners of affected vehicles, but the letters don’t always reach the owners. The car company may not know if you have moved. And, if you bought the car used, you’re not likely to get a letter from them.

“In 2009, Ford Motor Co. recalled 4.5 million vehicles … for a part that could spark a blaze even if the vehicles were sitting in the driveway.” Clearly, this is not a minor defect. “Because the models stretched back to 1992, Ford was unable to reach 600,000 owners….”

A recent NBC News story has information on a current recall involving defective air bags that can explode, hitting drivers and passengers with metal shrapnel. This recall affects vehicles of many makes and models. Be sure to read the story accompanying this video to see if your vehicle is on the recall list.

READERS, what do you think?

1.    If you have bought your own car already, was it new or used?

2.    Have you found any defects in your car? Is it still under warranty?

3.    Have you checked to see if there is a recall on your car?

References:

Green, J. (2014, April 15). 1 in 7 Cars on Road Have Unrepaired Defect. Insurance Journal. Retrieved October 28, 2014, from http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2014/04/15/326291.htm.

Aegerter, G. (n.d.). U.S. Expands Recall Warning for Cars with Defective Air Bags. NBC News. Retrieved October 28, 2014, from http://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/u-s-expands-recall-warning-cars-defective-air-bags-n231216.