Buying a used-car can be a worthy investment and very cost-effective, but it can also be a tricky business. There are certain things to look out for in a used vehicle so that you can get good value for your money. The value you get from the car depends on many factors, such as the condition of the vehicle, its market value, and service history. It can be very dangerous to take your used car dealer's words hook, line and sinker as these words can be sugar-coated.

One of the most important parts of a car you need to look out for is the car's engine. Buying a used car with a very good car engine can be the determining factor to how satisfying you will find the car or how often you have to keep spending money to maintain the car. This is why carmart.ng recommends that a thorough check be done on the car engine before you make the purchase for a used car. If you are not skilled enough to do a thorough check on a car engine, then employ the services of an experienced mechanic to help you out. This article shares helpful tips to determine the true state of a used car's engine:

1. Vehicle Service Record
This is one of the first things to inspect when ascertaining the reliability of a car engine. Usually, the car dealer or the owner who wants to sell should have this record. In this record, check out for the car's mileage and oil changes. Depending on the model, the advised interval between oil changes can be between 3,750 and 10,000 miles. If the car is driven longer than this without an oil change, the engine could be wearing out already.

2. Starting Problem
A car engine in good working condition should start easily on the first attempt. If you notice a delay in starting the engine or you have to try multiple times to Kickstart the car, that's a clue that something is wrong with the engine. Ask the car dealer about the issue; it's wise not to buy the car if the issue persists.

3. Cold Start The Car
Certain car dealers are smart, they tend to warm up the engine before it comes so you won't know there's a problem. A simple trick to outsmart this attitude is to arrive earlier than the usual time. This gives you the opportunity to start the car yourself on the first attempt. If there's a problem, it might be best to go for another choice.

4. Sound Of The Engine
When you start the engine, another important thing to look out for is how the engine sounds. Does the engine sound labor during starting? Are there unnecessary jingling or squeaking sounds while the engine is running? Is the tailpipe giving off excessive emissions?

There are various ways to verify the sound of the engine;
- at idle,
- with the accelerator pressed (while the car is in neutral),
- with the hood closed and open,
Any irregular sound should immediately be reported to the car dealer as this may be a sign of potential problems.

5. Smell From The Engine
Fine, we know it's a used car and this won't smell or look like new. But, there's a limit to it. Before buying a used car, test drives the car for a few minutes. After the drive, stop the engine and open the bonnet. Do you perceive any unusual smell oozing from the engine? A burning smell from the Engine could be an indicator of incomplete combustion and low oil level. It could even be evidence of wearing out parts of the engine.

6. Inspect The Bottom Of The Car
A used car engine check isn't complete if you won't get down on all fours to inspect the bottom of the car. If you won't do this, you might fall prey to engine polish often applied by used car dealers to make it appear good and new. When you look under the bottom of the car, you are looking out for oil and other fluid leakages. Dripping oil from under the vehicle could mean a number of things, from a damaged oil pan to worn out seals.
- Reddish-looking fluid might be leaking transmission oil.
- Black-colored fluid could be engine oil.
- Caramel or dark-brown fluid could be power steering or brake fluid.
- Green or orange fluid is likely to be coolant.
When you notice any of these leakages, they are signs of potential problems. Ask questions from the car dealer before making your purchase.

7. Coolant Leakage
Coolant usually cools off the car engine, and any leakage of the coolant is a sign of radiator damage. This may be a minor problem as you can easily replace the radiator. However, if there are cracks on the radiator, it might indicate a greater problem. It's best to avoid cars like this.

8. Check Under The Oil Cap
With the parking brake applied and the engine OFF, remove the oil filler cap. You might be needing a towel or a rag when lifting the oil cap, as it should be hot. Get a flashlight, and look inside the engine after removing the oil cap. If it's clean, then everything is fine, but if there is a lot of black carbon deposits or sludge under the cap, it's a sign of lack of maintenance. Ask questions about this from the car dealer to make the best decision.

9. Check Engine Warning
When you start a car, normally all warning lights should go off. But, if the 'Check Engine light remains on, then it calls for attention.

CONCLUSION.
Car engines are vital components of a car, as they determine the performance and reliability of a car. When next you want to buy a used car, ensure to follow these tips on verifying the car engine before you make your decision.

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