Finding a Reliable Car

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If you are thinking about purchasing a new car, there are plenty of ways to tell if the car is rated as safe and reliable. Today, every make and model of car is evaluated, and a little online research will tell you how the vehicle of your choice rates for safety, build quality, long term reliability, fuel economy and more. You can even check for recalls.

Whether you are buying a new or used car, start by doing your research on the specific car make, model, and trim level by searching the vehicle online. For instance, JD Power rates all vehicles for reliability, customer ratings, and price. You'll also find plenty of information at sites such as Consumer Reports, Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. These sites offer complete reviews by industry professionals and even tell you how the vehicle is rated by owners, average mileage, the cost to drive the car and how it rates against similar vehicles.

We suggest you read up on car reviews by such experts as Car & Driver, MotorTrend, and right here in the Lithia Motors Research Center. Such sites offer in-depth reviews from driving pros who put miles on the latest vehicles of the year, make, and model of car you are looking for and rate them. You can certainly look at the automaker's website for basic information, but more consumer-aimed reviews offer real-world testing and results that you can really use.

Reliable Used Cars

Looking for advice on specific used cars is also easy thanks to the worldwide oracle known as the Internet. As with a new car, look up the specific year, make and model of vehicle and if there is a particular car you are considering, check on its history by looking up the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Check a VIN Decoder Chart to see how many owners the car has had, find out if it has been in any accidents, etc. You can also use a VIN check to see if the car has had any recalls. You can find a VIN Decoder at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
Check the Vehicle History Report
You can find out more about a specific vehicle by running a Vehicle History Report such as those offered by CARFAX or Kelley Blue Book. You can get a report on the car you are looking at online for a small fee simply by entering the car's VIN number or license plate number. However, if you are buying the car through a dealer, they may provide you with a history report free of charge,

Consider a Certified Pre-owned Vehicle (CPO)
If the reliability of a used car is important to you, think about buying a Certified Pre-owned Vehicle. CPO cars give you an extra level of quality assurance since they are generally less than five years old, have less than 75,000 miles on them, and each vehicle that qualifies as a CPO car has had all major systems and components checked and reconditioned. Depending on the make and model of car, it may have been through a thorough 167-point inspection that includes all aspects of the powertrain and chassis, cooling system, fuel system, electrical system, transmission, suspension, brakes, and frame. It will also have been road tested and gone through an extensive list of interior checks. Many dealers also offer these used vehicles with warranties for peace of mind.

Have Your Mechanic Check the Car
If you are buying a used car from a private seller you can have a mechanic you trust give it the once over to check for any major problems. This Pre-Purchase Inspection usually costs around $200 or less and includes an assessment of the vehicle's mechanical, aesthetic, and safety conditions. The engine bay will be inspected for leaks, worn hoses and belts, and any suspected problems that might crop up based on mileage and overall condition. The mechanic will check to make sure everything is in proper working order and will test drive the vehicle.
Inspect the Car Yourself
Besides looking for specific mechanical problems, it is a good idea to inspect the interior and exterior of the car yourself. Walk around the car looking for scratches, dents and signs of rust. Check to see if body panels line up properly. Open and close the hood, trunk and doors to make sure they seal properly. Check to see if all four tires match and have similar tread. Look for uneven tread that can be a sign of the need for a front-end alignment.

Sit inside the car and look for wear and tear. Make sure all the electrical components work properly. Are there any unusual smells in the cabin? A musty smell can be a sign of mildew or mold inside which is a sign the car has water damage or rust under the floorboard.

Turn on the ignition and listen for unusual sounds coming from the engine. It should run smoothly and quietly. Make sure all the electric windows function. Check the electric seats and seat heater (if available). Even honk the horn, check the running lights and turn signals.

Test Drive
Going for a test drive is a great way to see if you and the car are a proper fit. Turn the key position to "accessory" and check the dashboard warning lights. After cycling through, they should all go off. Start the engine and listen for tapping or clicking sounds from the engine which could be signs of low oil pressure, a clicking tappet, a damaged serpentine belt, or a valve train issue.

Once you pull out onto the road, make sure the steering is tight and that the car tracks true, not pulling to one side. Make sure the transmission shifts properly without any unusual clunks. Listen for unusual brake sounds such as squealing or scrubbing brake components. Apply the brakes to see if they pull the car to one side or the other.

Check the Maintenance History
Last, but not least, go over the service records of the vehicle to see that it has always had regular maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer. Proper maintenance is the single most important aspect of how the car was treated by its owner. Following these tips will help you find a reliable car to meet your needs.

Other Details
All gasoline powered cars utilize a timing system to keep the engine components in sync. Engines use a timing chain or belt for this purpose, and it is wise to know which of these the car you are thinking of buying includes. The reason is that timing belts wear out over time and must be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Replacing the belt can cost up to $1,000. On the other hand, a timing chain is made to last the lifetime of the car. So, it's a good idea to know which system the car you are looking at uses.

The point here is that it is important to learn about the drivetrain components of your prospective car. Research problems online to see if the car make, model, and even year, had any particular weaknesses. Some vehicles had recalls for manufacturer defects that may have been neglected by the previous owner. 

Researching your future car before you buy it is an excellent way to make sure you are getting a safe and reliable ride.