Do Not Drive Warning – Ford & Mazda Vehicles in Canada
If Your Ford or Mazda automobile has not yet had the Takata air bag inflators replaced during the older recalls, the two car companies are warning you not to drive these vehicles.
In Canada approximately 160,900 Ford vehicles and 71,000 Mazda vehicles are in the recall.
Ford models covered by the warning include 2004 to 2011 Ranger Trucks; 2005 through 2014 Mustangs; 2005 and 2006 Ford GTs; 2006 through 2012 Fusions; and 2007 through 2010 Edge SUVs.
Mercury and Lincoln models include the Milan, MKZ and Zephyr from 2006 through 2012, and the MKX from 2007 through 2010.
To see if this applies to your Ford or Mercury vehicle; Have your 17 digit vin # ready then phone 1-800-565-3673
Mazda models covered are the 2004 to 2009 B-Series Trucks; 2003 through 2013 Mazda 6; the 2006 and 2007 Speed6; and the 2004 through 2011 RX-8. 2004 through 2006 MPV; the 2007 through 2012 CX-7; and the 2007 through 2015 CX-9.
To see if this applies to your Mazda car or truck; Have your 17 digit vin # ready then call 1-877-756-2932
The U.S. government says 27 people have been killed and more than 400 people injured in the U.S. by faulty Takata air bag inflators.
What Does a Good Automobile Inspection Consists Of?
Here is a list of automotive components that mobile mechanic Calgary believes should be thoroughly checked during a used car or truck pre purchase inspection
Body Exterior
Front windshield, Exterior trim and moldings, Headlights, all windows, Sidelights / running lights, Wiper Blades, Body Condition / alignment, Rear lights & license plate lights, Paintwork, Stop lights, Sunroof, Corrosion, Signal- Hazard lights, Mirrors, Front & Rear Bumpers , Reverse / Fog lights, Locks, Fuel filler cover & cap, Excessive Rusting.
Interior Condition & Operation
Power Locks, Remote Key Fob, Radio/Cass/CD/DVD, Seat-belts, Starting system/Ignition Cylinder, Navigation systems, Carpets, Warning Lights, Heater/Fan controls, Door panels, Dash panel, Air Conditioner Output, Door Hinges, Seat upholstery, Instruments, Seat adjustment, Steering Wheel, Cigarette lighter, Door seals, Steering wheel alignment, Sun Roof Operation, Horn, Window Operation, Sun visors, Wipers/Washers, Soft top Operation, Door fittings/Operation, Side Mirror Operation, Interior/Panel lights, Rear View Mirror, Controls/Switches, Seat Belts.
Engine Compartment
Coolant Level / Condition, Power Steering – Oil Level, Turbo, Coolant leaks, Clutch Fluid, Fuel Pump, Fuel Lines, Antifreeze, Brake Fluid, Battery Condition, Under hood Wiring, Radiator / Cap, Engine Oil level and condition, Hood Hinges, Visible Hoses/Pipes, External leaks, Hood safety Catch and Latch, Visible Drive Belts, Engine Mounts, Air Conditioning Condenser, Water Pump, Fuel Injection, Air Conditioning Compressor, Rad Cooling Fan Operation.
Clutch & Transmission
Fluid / Oil leaks, Cables / Adjustments, Mounts, Hydraulic system, Drive shaft assembly, Axle shaft(s), Linkage (wear), Universal Joints, CV Joints.
Exhaust System & Fuel System
Manifold, Muffler, Resonator, Catalytic Convertor, Joints/Couplings, Pipes, Heat shields/Mountings, System condition, Fuel Tank, Fuel lines, Evidence of fuel leaks, Tank Straps, Venting pipes.
Steering & Suspension
Ball joints, Dampers (condition/leaks), Chassis Cross Members, Steering Rack or Box, Rusty components, Wheel hubs, Wheel Bearings, Suspension arms – Mountings, Rusted Out Floor, Springs, Shocks, Struts, Tie rods, Sway Bars, Sub-frame.
Brakes & Tires
Brake Fluid Condition, Master Cylinder, Discs / Rotors / Pads, Handbrake Operation/Adjustment, Flexible Brake Hoses, Fluid Leaks, Metal Brake Lines, Power Booster System, Pedal/Linkage, Wheel Rims, Tool kit, Jack, Spare Tire, Tires: Make, Size, Condition, Tread Depth, Brake Shoes and Drums, Wheel Cylinders.
Road Test & Analysis
Overall brake operation, Stability, General steering and Handling, Noise Level, Clutch operation, Excess Fumes & Smoke, Gearbox Operation, Speedometer and Odometer Checks, Power Steering Operation, Automatic Transmission Shifting, 4WD Operation, Coolant Temperature, Engine performance, Cooling fan operation, Engine noises, Suspension squeaks, Drive train Noise or Vibration.
Vehicle Computer Scan Test
Check for Trouble Codes in On-Board Computers including;
Engine / Fuel Injection / Emission Systems.
Anti Lock Brakes.
Electronic Transmission Computer.
Air Bags.
Don’t get stuck buying a Lemon. Have a Certified Auto Mechanic inspect the car before you Buy It!!
Know What You are buying. here is a good Video on Why it is so important to have a vehicle check over prior to purchasing any used car.
Do Not Buy Another Used Car Until You Have Watched This Video!
Mobile Mechanic Experts – Mobile Mechanic Calgary (587) 333-8553
7 reasons why you should have a pre purchase vehicle inspection
Why you should have a pre purchase vehicle inspection before buying a used car
By not having a used car inspected before you purchase it you run the risk of buying a real lemon.
Did I mention that buying automotive lemons can be a super expensive situation that you’re best to avoid?
As a mechanic for the last 20 some odd years I’ve seen a lot of motorists go and buy a used vehicle without having it checked out. Only to find out that vehicle needed $3000 worth of repairs to make it road worthy and reliable, what a nasty surprise.
To avoid these terrible surprises I highly recommend that you get your vehicle checked out before you buy a used car or truck.
Vehicle inspections prices can range anywhere from $100 to $200 maybe $300 depending on how detailed you want to go and what make and model the car is. The sweet spot is about 150 dollars.
Once you found a potential car to buy that you really like and you are in love with, that is the time to have it inspected no one can afford to have multiple cars inspected so get the inspection once you’ve narrowed your choices down to just one or two cars that you think are a sure good buy.
Let’s say you get an inspection on the car for $200 and you find out the car needs $4000 worth of repair work done within the next six months. That $200 is probably the best money you spent even though you would not be buying that used car. Without the inspection you would have bought that car not knowing it needed all these repairs and over the next several months you would be having an automotive breakdown after break down and expensive auto repair after expensive repair what a nightmare.
A vehicle inspection with a good auto mechanic can turn up things like;
Has a car or truck been in a serious accident?
Is there a major rust issue or is there a major rust issue that is trying to be covered up?
Sometimes the mechanic can tell if the odometer has been played with, as some unscrupulous sellers try and roll back the mileage indicating that you’re buying a car with a lot less kilometers than actual.
There is also the odd occasion where a mechanic can pick up hints or clues that the vehicle may have been stolen, things such as Vin plates replaced and exchanged. Did you know that if you are caught in possession of stolen goods you are the one held responsible even if everything you did to purchase the vehicle was honest and above board?
A thorough check over can also determine if the vehicle has been in a flood.
Of course a good inspection will also reveal the mechanical and electrical condition of the automobile.
In addition to the pre-purchase vehicle inspection another thing you should be sure of is that the vehicle does not have any liens present.
To have lien checks done on a vehicle, take the 17 digit V.I.N. # or serial number of the vehicle to the vehicle registry or government agent.
It usually costs far less than $20 to have a lean search done on the vehicle, this way you’ll be sure that you’re not buying a vehicle from somebody who owes money on it that you will be held responsible to pay for.
Often times you can negotiate a lower price with the seller, when you show them the list of problems the auto technician found during the inspection process.
In the next post I will include a list of what all a good automobile inspection should consist of and why these items are important.
Never have the vehicle inspected at the same place that is selling the car, or at a garage that they recommend.
Go to a private auto repair shop that is not affiliated with the selling person in any way to get a true unbiased opinion.