Kia Used Cars Checklist

Buying a used car rather than a new one can save you big bucks over an alternative brand new model, but as you may already know, there are risks involved in buying used vehicles too. Fortunately, there are several ways to ensure that you’re getting a good and reliable used car. Here at Southside Kia Jacksonville, we’ve identified what to look for when buying a used car checklist, so you don’t end up with a lemon. Please keep reading to learn how you can make the right purchase, then take a test drive at our Kia dealership at Southside Kia Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL.

Check the Exterior

Start your inspection by checking the exterior to see if there is any irregularity or dent on the outside. Carefully inspect the grille, bumper, headlights, windshield wipers, wheel arches, outside mirrors, and boot to ensure everything is in working order and original condition. Rub your hand over the paint job to feel if the surface is smooth or rough.

The surface will be smooth if the car still has the factory paint job, owing to multiple coatings. An aftermarket paint job is usually more irregular. Also, it’s a good idea to check under the car to see if the exhaust system is in good condition.

Further, it’s crucial to check the tires to ensure they match and are worn evenly. Inspect the alignment for any signs of misalignment.

Check the Interior

Interior scrutiny is one of the essential parts of any car inspection checklist. We recommend checking the seatbelts to ensure they work correctly and are in good condition. Test out the air conditioner, heater, radio, etc., to ensure they work properly. It’s also good to check the horn to verify that it is in good working order.

Additionally, we recommend inspecting the upholstery to be sure it’s in good condition. Another way to ensure the vehicle you are buying has less wear and tear is to verify it has less mileage on the clock. A car that has been driven fewer miles is likely to be in much better condition than one with tens of thousands of miles on the odometer. This can help save you a massive amount of money on maintenance and servicing costs.

Check Under-the-Hood

If you’re satisfied with the Interior and exterior conditions, the next step is to assess the state of things under the hood. Check the levels and quality of engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant to see if they’re acceptable.

Check the battery to be sure the top is clean and dry. Also, make sure the terminal connections are clean and tight. Inspect the belts and hoses for cracks.

Ask for a History Report

Once you’ve checked all the accessible features of the car and are satisfied, ask for a vehicle history report before you proceed to test drive the vehicle. A vehicle history report can be generated by a unique vehicle identification number to provide a detailed description of how the vehicle has been treated in the past. It lets you see things like service and maintenance records, the number of owners the car has had, and whether the car has ever been involved in an accident.

After inspecting every major component, you can take a test drive. The test drive will allow you to test out the brakes and the vehicle’s handling, and general on-road performance.

Are you considering a used car in Jacksonville? Feel free to check out the extensive used car inventory at Southside Kia Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL and buy with peace of mind. Our inventory includes regular used models and certified pre-owned vehicles such as the Kia Sportage, Kia Rio, Kia Soul, Kia Sorento, etc.

So, whether you desire a vehicle with alloy wheels or three-row seating, you can rest assured we have it all! Even if you are looking to buy or lease a new Kia, we will help you get behind the wheels of your preferred car in real-time. Visit us today to learn more!