n523  0131  02 Aug 80
 
BC-AUTION: financial editors
     By Dan Jedlicka
     (c) 1980 Chicago Sun-Times (Field News Service)
     With so much emphasis one new-car sales slump, the huge used-car
market often is overlooked.
     Millions of people annually buy used cars. They should know key
facts to avoid being burned. Too many often are.
     ''The best used car often is one that is several years old,'' says
a spokesman for the National Independent Automobile Dealers
Association, a trade association representing the used-car industry.
''These vehicles, if they've been given reasonable care, still have
lots of driving life.
     ''But a drawback is that they sometimes still are fairly expensive
and may cost you more than you can afford. You should find several
cars you like within your price range, paying closest attention to
the one with the lowest odometer reading and best over-all
condition.''
     Thoroughly inspect a car for quality. The best bet is to have a
good mechanic check the auto. But this often is impossible. So here
is a check list for buyers of used cars:
     First, the body should appear even, with no irregular spacing
between joints. The trunk lid should close smoothly and fit evenly.
There should be no ''waves'' in the metal. Doors should open and
close evenly.
     Beware of rust. Check the condition of the muffler and tail and
exhaust pipes. Look for signs of oil or transmission fluid leakage
under the car. Check tire condition, making sure wear is evenly
divided. Look for signs of brake fluid leaking on the inside of tires.
     Open the hood and check all hoses. Examine the battery for leaks.
Look at the oil dipstick and make sure the oil is not dark and dirty.
If the car has an automatic transmission, check the transmission
fluid. Beware if it's dark-colored or has a burned odor. Belts should
not be overly worn or cracked.
     Turn on the ignition and make sure warning lights on the dashboard
work. Also, check the brake pedal for free play. Start the engine and
make sure the instruments work. Then check the radio, heater, air
conditioner and windshield wipers. Blow the horn. Check the overhead
light on interior roof, headlights on high and low beam, parking
lights, turn signals and back-up lights.
     Examine the upholstery, carpeting and safety belts. If the seats
have covers, look under them. Badly worn carpeting or upholstery may
be a sign of heavy usage. Upholstery work can be very expensive.
     Open the trunk and inspect the spare tire. If it's worn unevenly,
something may be wrong with the front end. Make sure there is a jack
and that it is in working condition.
     Push down on the front-rear corners of the car to ascertain
condition of the shock absorbers. If the car bounces up and down
several times, the shocks are worn. Stand back from the car and see
if it is level. If one corner is lower than another, one spring may
be weak.
     Quickly rev the engine several times. If there is a rapping noise,
it could indicate a bad bearing. To check for a burnt valve or
tune-up problem, apply the brakes and put the car into ''drive.''
Beware if it then idles roughly.
     To check for abnormal engine wear, put the brakes on securely and
pull the PCV valve. If there is no smoke or a small amount of it
uniformly coming out, things should be OK. If the smoke is heavy or
puffing, it indicates excessive engine wear.
     To check the drive shaft and rear end, drive at approximately 35
m.p.h. and listen for rear-end whines. If the car shakes slightly at
about 45 m.p.h., it usually has out-of-balance tires. But if shaking
is accompanied by an unpleasant droning sensation, it could indicate
a drive shaft or universal joint problem.
     Drive in a straight line on a smooth road or expressway while
lightly holding the steering wheel. If the car consistently pulls to
the right or left, it has a problem. When rounding a corner, the
steering wheel should turn smoothly and have a tendency to return
smoothly to its straight-ahead position.
     ENDIT JEDLICKA
    
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