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.