INTERIOR
The condition of the interior is
another important factor to consider when purchasing a used car. Excessive wear
and tear on the interior may actually be a good indicator of a vehicle's
mileage without even looking at the odometer. Additionally, dampness and musty
odors, while not indicators of excess mileage, point to potential leaks in the
weather stripping, windshield or the vehicle's heater core. Foggy windows
indicate excessive moisture inside the vehicle.
Indicators:
Brake pedal: A brake pedal pad that has worn through to the metal
beneath it is a good indication of a vehicle with excessive mileage. Think of
all of the stop and go traffic it took to wear through the rubber, not to
mention the wear on the braking system. If the odometer says 12,000 miles,
RUN.
Drivers Seat: Take a close look at the drivers seat for another
indication of excessive mileage. If the seat's outer edge has worn through,
chances are the vehicle has quite a few miles... unless of course the driver
was obese.
Floor mats and interior carpet: First, don't be fooled by a new set of
floor mats. This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to dress up a worn
interior. While checking interior conditions don't be afraid to lift up the
mats and feel the carpet to check for water leaks or look for wear on the right
of the accelerator pedal and directly underneath. Remember the worn out brake
pedal pad? While sitting in the drivers seat, look at the windshield,
taking note of pitting in the glass or stone chips.
Odometer & Instrument Panel: Take a close look at the
instrument panel to see if it has been tampered with. Indications that an
odometer has been tampered with are fingerprints or scratches inside the
plastic cover. If the mileage has been tampered with, the numbers may not
be aligned. The numbers should be aligned evenly across. Look for scratch marks
on the numbers which usually indicate a crude attempt at fixing the mileage.
Water Spots:
In t-top cars and those equipped with sunroofs, water marks on the headliner
are good indicators of a leak. To test it, grab the hose and hit it with a good
spray. If it leaks, you can chew a few more dollars off the price to pay for
the new seals. T-top seals run at least $100 per side, plus installation.