Back to all

What to Do After You Buy a Used Vehicle in Troy

July 26, 2020

So you've bought a used vehicle in the Troy area. Do you know what you're getting? It is hard to know what you're getting because people in the Troy area sell vehicles for different reasons. Think about why you've sold vehicles. Did you just want something new or were there problems that you wanted to run away from? Maybe it was a little of both.

Used vehicles in Michigan with 25,000 to 35,000 miles/40,000 to 55,000 km on them are often lease returns, corporate program cars or rental fleet vehicles. Most Troy buyers feel pretty confident about these because they're newer and may still be under warranty. But how well have they been maintained?

Troy drivers who are planning to own a vehicle for a long time will keep up on auto maintenance so that they can avoid repairs down the road. But, if you know you're only going to have the vehicle for two or three years, you may not be so committed to maintenance. It would be easy to think that skipping an oil change here and there wouldn't ruin a brand new engine. Then it'll be someone else's problem when it comes time to pay for the damage.

It is very tempting for Troy drivers to skip the 30,000 mile/50,000 km service if they know they'll be turning in their leased vehicle in a couple of months.

If the vehicle didn't come with maintenance records, Troy used vehicle buyers need to assume the worst. Most likely the coolant system and transmission have never been serviced. The cabin air filter has probably not been changed and a fuel system cleaning at Auto Pro Troy may be in order.

You'll want Auto Pro Troy to check the A/C, battery, engine air filter, serpentine belt and hoses. A used vehicle inspection at Auto Pro Troy is well worth the cost.

And if your “new” used vehicle has been driven an even longer distance, an inspection is even more important. Check your owner's manual or talk with your service advisor at Auto Pro Troy about what should have been done. Please don't forget the timing belt; that can be very expensive if it fails.

Auto Pro Troy will help you with a plan to take care of services and get the rest caught up. If your budget won't allow you to take care of everything right away, we can help you prioritize your needs and get it taken care of over the next several months. And remember to keep your maintenance records. They'll help you get top dollar on the Michigan used vehicle market when it's time for you to sell.

Auto Pro Troy
512 East Maple Rd.
Troy, Michigan 48083
248-270-3002

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Auto Pro Troy Auto Repair

The Daily Grind (Grinding Noise)

November 17, 2024

If your vehicle makes a grinding sound when you turn the steering wheel, it's speaking to you. No, really, it is. So listen to what it's saying and you could avoid a much more costly repair down the road. A grinding sound coming from the front of your vehicle when you are turning can offer some... More

Stopping "Brake" Downs (Brake Pad Replacement)

November 10, 2024

If someone tells you to put the brakes on something, you know it means stop. And stopping is one of the most important safety maneuvers you can do in any vehicle. That means your brakes have to work properly. Let's face it. You stop dozens of times every time you drive. And over time, that t... More

Differential Essential (Differential Fluid Exchange)

November 3, 2024

What's the dif? To an automotive technician, it's the differential, a part of your vehicle that helps direct power from the engine to the wheels. The differential is a gearbox that enables the drive wheels to turn at different speeds (they do that when you turn). Inside the differential is a f... More