VALLEY TOYOTA DECEMBER 2008

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Valley Toyota 1835 Glendale Ave. Hanford, CA 93230
•	Toll Free Phone 866-700-TOYOTA
•	Main Phone 559.587.3500

 

 

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Pre-owned vehicles

10 buyer's cues when test driving pre-owned vehicle

You're in the market for a pre-owned vehicle and have shopped around for the best buy. How do you make sure you are getting quality vehicle?

Most experts suggest taking your vehicle to a certified mechanic for a thorough inspection. Many dealers such as Valley Toyota put pre-owned vehicles through testing list before placing it on sale.

You also can perform some basic visual and mechanical tests of soundness. Here are suggestions to eliminate obvious problems:

1. Inspect tires. Worn tires worn may need replacing, balancing or air. They also could point to problems with the vehicle's alignment, a bent frame or weak shocks.
2. Hold each tire firmly and shake. Any play or clunking may indicate problems with a wheel bearing or a suspension joint.
3. Press down hard on the corners of the front and rear fenders. The car should spring up and settle quickly. Too much bounce indicates worn shocks.
4. Look at the car during daylight. Paint differences, crumples in the metal or rough finish. These may contribute to rust and corrosion.
5. Look around edges of the trunk area, inside doors and under the hood for paint overspray. If the car has been repainted, it does not necessarily mean the vehicle was in an accident. Ask.
6. Open and close doors, trunk and hood several times. Do they close tightly? Do they hit or scrape against any other part of the car.
7. Look under the car at the frame area to see if any part has been welded or bent.
8. Place your foot on the brake pedal and hold. Does it sink to the floor? If so, the vehicle is unsafe to drive.
9. Operate all controls (defroster, heater, lights, horn, wipers, radio, air conditioner, parking brake, windows, hood release).
10. Move head restraints and buckle safety belts several times to make sure these devices are working properly.

Source: Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission

 

Valley Toyota offers sales, parts, repair, and service for the southern San Joaquin Valley, Calif. including Hanford, Visalia, Fresno, Tulare, Delano, Bakersfield, Porterville, Reedley, Selma, Sanger, Lemoore and Kingsburg.

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