When it comes to buying used cars, the image of the “little-old-lady” car is a trope old enough to be called a cliche. Everybody likes the idea of purchasing a vehicle that some sweet, elderly woman only drove a few blocks every week, keeping the engine in near-perfect condition. Unfortunately, the reality of such cars is not what it’s cracked up to be. Our Seattle auto body shop advises that you stay away from the car that granny would only drive to church every Sunday.
The fact is that a short trip can actually be more brutal on your car’s engine than a long drive. This is because a short trip is not enough to make the crankcase hot enough to boil away the condensation that forms in the engine oil. Over time, this condensation turns into an acid which serves to corrode your engine components. Do yourself a favor, and take a second look at any used car that boasts a low mileage.