I’ve heard that some used cars have missing airbags and other damage that could make a vehicle unsafe in the event of a Tennessee auto accident. How can I tell that a used car is unsafe?

A used car can be a great deal, but there are also plenty of dangerous used cars for sale. How do you end up with a car that is safe and reliable at a fair price instead of a vehicle that is potentially dangerous? Our Memphis accident attorneys suggest that you have a mechanic check out the car that you’re hoping to buy. But, before you spend your money on a mechanic, here are three signs that a used car is not a good deal.

The seller doesn’t have repair records. If the person selling the vehicle doesn’t have repair records, you should assume that the car has either not had regular service or was not owned by the seller.
There are obvious signs of neglect. A person whose car has dings, dents, carpet stains and musty odors probably cares as little about the mechanical condition of the vehicle as he does about the exterior.
The car is a high performance car. People who buy performance vehicles are interested in what they can do. These vehicles are driven hard which means extra stress on the engine and suspension.
When you take the car to your mechanic, he should:

Check the oil and transmission fluid. Checking the oil is a good way to see if a car has been well-maintained. Old oil is black and feels gritty. Transmission fluid that needs changing is dark brown color and has a burnt odor.
Check the coolant. Your mechanic should check the coolant for debris that may indicate a lack of maintenance.
Check for accident damage. A car that has been in an accident should have a reduced price. If there are signs of a prior accident, your mechanic should check that the vehicle is safe and that the airbags are in good condition.
Our Memphis accident lawyers at Greer Injury Lawyers help those injured in Tennessee traffic accidents. To discuss your Tennessee accident claim, contact Greer Injury Lawyers at 888-470-9143. The initial consultation is free.

Have questions after a Tennessee car crash? Order a free copy of our book, Learn How to Deal with the Aftermath of a Tennessee Auto Accident with These Tennessee Accident: Tips for Injury Victims.