How We Buy The Best Pre-Owned Vans

There are few that would disagree with the wisdom of purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. You save money by avoiding the considerable initial depreciation a new car, truck, SUV or minivan undergoes. You have the advantage of knowing the reliability and service record of a particular model via simple research. Alas, not every vehicle on the market is a good buy, and there are important things to watch out for.

This is why AMS Vans employs several vehicle buying professionals with decades of experience. Before we are willing to invest money in converting a van, we have to be sure that it is 100% top-quality!

The AMS Vans Buying Process

While decades of experience have given our buyers the ability to perform a vehicle check more quickly and thoughoughly than the average person, a diligent consumer can still gain considerable assistance with their vehicle purchase by employing the same tried and true methods our professionals use.

There are a few key places to check on a vehicle, many of which are listed below. If you have further questions about anything you read here, please don't hesitate to give us a call to ask!

Mileage

A vehicle's mileage can indicate much more than just how far it has traveled. Obtaining a solid mileage report can reveal information about vehicle's previous owners, its treatment, and in extreme cases, if the seller is lying to you. Here are a few examples of noteworthy information you can obtain from the mileage:

High Average Mileage
This indicates that a vehicle has been consistently driven more than is typical. Not necessarily an indicator of problems, sometimes the owner simply lived a long way from work!
Normal or Below Average with a Sudden Spike
If a vehicle was driven at an average pace for a long time, then suddenly driven much more frequently and is being sold, you might be wary that problems exist you aren't being told about.

The simplest thing to look for here: lowest possible overall mileage. Expect that a vehicle with 10,000 miles less can sell for $500-$1000 more!

Paint Work

Paint work is a dead giveaway that a vehicle has been in a wreck. Professionals often employ tools to check the depth of the paint layer on a vehicle. This is most commonly out of reach of the average consumer, so here are a few ways to detect paint work:

Check Hinges, Seals, Trunk, and Inside the Engine Compartment
You are looking for uneven paint patterns, overspray (slight bumpiness to the surface) or anything else that looks suspicious.
Items Painted Over that Shouldn't be
Look on the surface of rubber stoppers, stickers, and anything else that wouldn't have been in place when the vehicle was originally painted. It isn't cost-effective to properly mask these items, so second paintings almost always wind up painting over these
Uneven Exterior Surface
Easiest way to pick out paint on a body panel is to notice when the surface of the panel doesn't look perfectly smooth. The older a vehicle is, the more likely it is to have small dings and dents from the rogue shopping carts of the world, but noticing surface irregularities is an important weapon.

Water Damage

As dealers and individuals have become more apt to move vehicles around the country, it is becoming more important to watch for water damage in a potential car, truck, SUV or minivan. The best indicators of water damage are:

Mold or Mildew
You are most likely to notice this as a the musk-like smell when you first open a vehicle up. It is a sure indicator of higher than normal moisture levels, and you should seek an explanation
Sand or Dirt under Surfaces
Whenever sand, dirt, or other grit is present in places it wouldn't normally be, it can be a tip off to potential water damage. Start looking closely once you spot this!
Discoloration of Carpet, Leather, and other Fabrics
When water sits in a pool, minerals and polutants in it will slowly stain and discolor whatever they are sitting on. This is extremely difficult to remove from porous surfaces, and a helpful indicator.

Engine Compartment

A car, truck, SUV or minivan does you absolutely no good if it doesn't move, so don't forget to check these places!

Oil
Here, you are checking to make sure that it is filled to the correct level, that there is no gum or residue around the fill cap, and that the oil is not thick and black
Transmission
Make sure that the transmission fluid is red, and doesn't smell burnt. Fluid that is thick, brown, or that contains small fragments of anything indicates a vehicle that should be avoided
Excess Oil Spray / Drips in Compartment
Pools of oil, spatter, and constant dripping are all indicators of potentially severe engine problems.

Test Driving a Car, Truck, SUV or Minivan

Whenever possible, test drive a vehicle you are interested in purchasing. When test driving look (and listen!) for these key items:

Whining, Clicking, or other Odd Noises
If you hear a strange noise, test drive another car just like the one you're in. If it doesn't make the same noise, chances are the first car has a problem!
Noises when making Tight Turns (Drive and Reverse)
A clicking noise (like a ratchet driver makes) when making tight turns can often tip you off to faulty CV joints. These are pricey to have fixed, so don't pass this check up!
Drifting, Pulling, and Other Strange Behavior
On a flat, straight road, a car, truck, SUV or van should drive perfectly straight. Pulling to a side indicates problems with the brakes, alignment, or the tires.
Power Everything
Test for the proper operation of every power gadget in a vehicle. A simple problem with a power rear hatch, for instance, can cost $4-500 to repair!

Don't forget, You're Looking at a Used Vehicle!

Remember, the vehicle you are looking at is likely going to have a few minor blemishes. You are looking to make sure that everything is in good working order, and that the blemishes are consistent with age. It is reasonable, in other words to expect a 2008 model year vehicle to be in perfect condition, but don't be surprised if a 5 year old vehicle has a scratch or two in the leather, or some chewing gum in the carpet. These things don't hurt the operation of the car!

All of us here at AMS Vans, Inc sincerely hope this information we've provided is a help to you in you search for a vehicle. If you'd like to speak with us further don't hesitate to call or email!