2011年大学英语四级考试仔细阅读模拟练习(2)

How to Buy a Used Car

Nearly everybody buys a used car sooner or later, as a primary vehicle (首要的交通工具) or as a second car. Indeed(当然), three out of four sales today are used cars, and they're not cheap junkers (废物)either—the average price now is $ 5500, about half what a new car costs. Make the wrong selection and a major investment (投资)can be lost the moment you drive off the lot.

There is far less chance of this happening to you if you know: when to buy, where to buy, how to examine (仔细检查) the car, how to conduct (进行) your own road test, and how to bargain over (讲价)the price.

When to buy
Shop during the day. Lighting makes cars gleam (V 闪光)like jewels (宝石)at night. In daylight they look dull (黯淡的), but realistic.

Don't shop in the rain. It can mask(掩盖) liquids (液体) that might be leaking (泄漏). If possible, shop in the winter when supplies are high and demand (需求)is low.

Where to buy
Shop the suburbs. In more affluent (富有的)neighbourhoods cars are more likely to have been well cared for.

A private owner normally sells a car for less than a dealer(商人) does, but almost always "as is," with no guarantee(质量保证). That's an acceptable risk if what you're looking for is a cheap second car to "drive to the station. "

Even though a used-car dealer generally charges more, you can often get some type of limited guarantee. This is often a 50-50 plan, in which you each pay half on repairs for a period (一段时间)that may range from 30 days to a year. Ask the dealer about the availability of an optional(可选择的) service policy.

Used-car dealers often claim (声称)to have gone over (仔细查看)the car, and many have. But remember that small dealers often buy cars that are auctioned (拍卖 ) because nobody else wants them.
Some experts feel that a new-car dealer is  to buy a secondhand car, especially if you're laying out a large sum (一笔金钱) for a late model. Some of these dealers offer extensive (广阔的)guarantees, such as one on the "drive train," which covers any problems with engine (发动机), transmission(变速器) ， drive shaft and differential (差速器 ). Expect to pay for this, as well as for the markup (标高的价格). But if you shop soon after the new models have arrived, when a dealer has a lot of trade-ins tying up his profits, he might deal. The visual examination (视觉上的检查)

You've found your dream car, and can hardly wait to get in and roar away. Wait.
First, look for any flaws (瑕疵)or ripples(划痕) in the body that might indicate a past accident (暗示曾经出过事故). To see if a car has been repainted(重新漆过), look under the rubber seals around the door or under the chrome trim. Repainting may mask deep flaws (重新上漆可能隐藏深层的瑕疵).
Check the odometer (计程器) for total mileage (英里数), and then compare that figure (数字)with any stickers still attached to door posts. It's illegal to change odometer readings, but it happens. If there are no stickers, be a little suspicious. Check pedals and controls: wear on these parts should agree with the mileage. If they are brand new, be suspicious. If they are worn out, beware.
Check that the doors, hood and trunk all open smoothly and close with solid sound. Sight along the sides of the car from 30 feet away to be sure that the rear and front wheels line up.

Look under the car for fluid leaks. Except for condensation from a working air conditioner on a hot day, no car should ever drip anything, any time.

Now sit in the driver's seat and try the controls. The car should fit you—it should be comfortable. Check seat adjustment, door locks, window-raising mechanisms, horn, lights, directional signals, radio—all accessories.

Start the engine. It should turn over quickly and then settle down to a rather fast idle. Give the engine a moment or two before you press the accelerator a bit. Watch for smoke from the rear. Blue smoke might mean a complete engine overhaul (大修) , black a maladjusted carburettor (化油器).