junk carBuying a used car instead of buying a brand new car can save a great deal of money, but the condition the vehicle appears to be in is not always the condition it is in. If you buy a car that was abused by a previous owner the amount of money saved from buying a used car can dwindle very quickly.

That is why a careful inspection of the vehicle is so important. Much can be learned about a car’s past by what you see, hear and smell.

Examine the body of car for dents, scratches and rust. If you think a dent was patched with filler put a magnet on it, if it does not stick then it was filled.

Much can be learned by the condition of the tires. Aggressive drivers tend to wear out the outside edge of the front tires where the sidewall starts. If this is worn very heavily in comparison to the rest of the tire the car was most likely driven very hard.

If you smell a musty or mildewy odor it is likely that there are water leaks. Check the seats for major wear and make sure that there are no large tears, especially if it is a car that is supposed to have low miles on it. The rubber on the gas pedal, clutch and breaks is a good indicator of whether it is a low mile car. If it is completely worn through in areas or is new it is good sign of high mileage.

One of the most important things you can do when inspecting a used car is to take it to an independent mechanic. Make sure that he gets the vehicle on the lift so the undercarriage can be inspected.

To see more tips on insuring that your used car is in good condition go to MSN.com.

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