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Newcomers Guide2.1 - Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Newcomers Guide2.1 - Happy Valley-Goose Bay

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Look for signs of fluids leaking from the car, including oil, brake or transmission fluid;<br />

• Over-sprayed or new paint, which might indicate the car has been repaired after an accident;<br />

• Shock absorbers by pushing down on the corners of the car. If the car bounces up and down several<br />

times, the shocks are worn;<br />

• Signs of an accident, such as dents or new paint or chrome. Make sure the hood closes properly. Check<br />

the body for rust or fill;<br />

• Signs of fluid leaks on the ground around the car;<br />

• The condition of the tires;<br />

• The trunk. Check for a jack and the condition of the spare tire. Check for rust under the mats. Look at<br />

the tires closely for any signs of uneven wear.<br />

The Inside<br />

• Battery to see if it is cracked;<br />

• Dimmer switch, headlights and windshield washer;<br />

• Dipstick to see the oil level and whether it is dirty;<br />

• Doors open and close easily, and the handles and locks work well;<br />

• The 17-digit Serial (VIN) numbers on the dashboard and doors should match (otherwise the car could be<br />

stolen);<br />

• Engine to check the condition of the belts and hoses;<br />

• Fluid levels of the radiator, windshield wiper, oil, brakes and transmission;<br />

• Odometer. It is against the law to change the odometer;<br />

• Parts and accessories, such as lights, horn, mirrors, seatbelts, radio, heater, and windows. Make sure<br />

they all work. Have a friend check the outside lights for you;<br />

• Signs of flooding, such as water lines on the engine, new carpeting or upholstery, rusting under the seats<br />

Asking the seller a few basic questions can you give you a lot of information:<br />

• Are there any needed repairs that you are aware of?<br />

• Has the car been in any accidents?<br />

• Has the car ever been flooded or declared a loss by an insurance company?<br />

• How many kilometres are on it?<br />

• How many people have owned the car?<br />

• What type of gas have they used?<br />

• Where has the car been driven most- in the city or on the highway?<br />

• Why are you selling he car?<br />

• If you are buying a car from a dealer, who was the last owner?<br />

If possible, test-drive the car on different types of roads. Make sure the engine starts right away and there are<br />

no unusual noises or vibrations. Be alert to shaky steering. Test the brakes for signs of pulling. A brake<br />

pedal that looks worn out should not be found in a car with low mileage. If the car has a manual<br />

transmission, push the clutch through various gears to see how it performs.<br />

Always check the serial (VIN), plate and registration sticker numbers on the Vehicle Registration card.<br />

Make sure they are the same as on the car. Make sure the person who is selling the car actually owns it, and is<br />

not trying to sell a leased or someone’s else’s vehicle.<br />

Ask the seller to show you the maintenance records, which can tell you how carefully and frequently the<br />

previous owners did routine maintenance such as oil changes. Maintenance records can often reveal accident<br />

repairs and mechanical problems. It is important to have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle for<br />

defects before buying it. Be sure to get a written inspection report from the mechanic, with a cost estimate for<br />

any necessary repairs.<br />

If you decide to buy, you can make an offer in writing, or verbally. If there are conditions to your offer write<br />

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