About to buy a used car? Here’s what to look for

SANDY, Utah — On Monday, a man crashed a used car through the front doors of a Sandy dealership. They had just sold the vehicle to him earlier that day. 

KSL TV reported that the driver, Michael Murray, had taken the car to a mechanic following the sale. There, he discovered issues with the car that he believed had not been disclosed during the sale.

Related: Man drove his car through showroom doors out of ‘sadness and rage’

Sandy Police said that the dealership sold the vehicle to Murray “as-is.” After they told him his money would not be refunded, he drive the car through the doors. 

Utah law allows “as is” sales. According to KSL.com, the Utah lemon law does not apply to used cars sold by a dealer or an individual. 

Jeff Peterson of Peterson Automotive said he has seen a lot of used cars after they have already been purchased and he then has to be the one to break the bad news. 

What to look for before buying a used car

Peterson offered advice on what to watch out for before purchasing a used car. 

“The things that I start with is, seems kind of silly, but I make sure that the mirrors work, I make sure that the windows work, make sure the power door locks work. I make sure that there is a spare tire and a jack.”

According to Peterson, cars are often rushed through dealerships and just made to look pretty. At times, things don’t work, or the spare tire is missing. 

You may also have to use your other senses too. 

“Then the next biggest thing is, check the oil. And the transmission fluid … See if it smells funny,” said Peterson.

Have a mechanic look first 

Peterson recommends taking a car to a mechanic before making the purchase.

“Try to take it somewhere and if they tell you that they won’t let you, turn and walk away. Doesn’t matter how good the deal is. [If] they don’t want you to let your mechanic look at it … you [have] a problem,” said Peterson. 

Peterson said most places will do a pre-sale inspection. Some places like his will do it for free and it takes about 10 minutes. 

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