Used Cars Lexington SC

History

Lexington is a town in and the county seat of Lexington County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 9,793 at the 2000 census. A special 2005 census showed that the town had a population of 14,329, an increase of 46% since the 2000 census, making it the second-largest municipality in the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The Town of Lexington had its beginning on January 24, 1820 with the purchase of two acres of land from Anna Barbara Drafts Corley (Granny Corley) for establishment of a new court house and jail for Lexington County. Previously the county seat of government had been the town of Granby located where Cayce is today. Granby was a low, unhealthy area often flooded in the spring. Mrs. Corley's land was selected for its central location and its healthy atmosphere among the pine trees. The Town of Lexington grew up around the courthouse and was indeed called "Lexington Court House" until 1900. Most of the town's early settlers were descendants of older area families mostly of German ancestry. Prior to the Civil War, Lexington could boast of having the Lutheran Seminary, two churches, two newspapers, a small textile factory, a carriage factory and the usual businesses necessary for a courthouse town of that era. A municipal charter was issued on January 28, 1861.

In February of 1865 a wing of General Sherman's Federal troops occupied the town. Many of the dwellings and businesses were burned during this occupation. The town by 1880 had rebuilt its business district and a number of impressive new homes were replacing those lost in 1865. In 1890 the Lexington Manufacturing Company built the textile mill with its dam, pond and houses for the employees, all located on the eastern end of Main Street. Disastrous fires in 1894 and 1916 resulted in most of the business district structures being rebuilt of brick. In 1911 electricity for lighting was available and telephones before 1916. By 1927 a municipal water system was put into use. With post World War II prosperity Lexington has expanded into a thriving business and political center for Lexington County.

Tips for Test Driving a Used Car in Lexington

Before you sign any papers or agree on a contract for a used car, it should always be taken for a lengthy test drive.  This does not mean down the road and back.  The vehicle should be driven on different surfaces and in different conditions.  It should be driven through the city in stop and go traffic, on the highway, over bumps, and around tight turns.  A correctly performed test drive doesn't guarantee that there will be no regrets, but it should help detect any problems with the vehicle, and help select which car is best for you.

Cabin Size

Physically sit in the back seat.  Would it be a comfortable space for adults to ride in?  If you are not happy with the rear back space in this used car, it is very important to consider getting a larger vehicle or different model.  If you feel you can honestly live with the space this used car offers, then continue on.

Seat Style

Remember you are going to be stuck with this used car for a while, so your comfort level is important.  Some can tolerate stiff, hard seats, some need plush comfort.  The seat should at least support your body type well, and offer lower back support.  The seat is the one feature you use constantly every moment you're in the car, so be sure on this one.

Sound System

If audio is important, then it should certainly be tested out in a used car.  Does the AM and FM radio come in well?  A good idea is to bring along a CD or tape to determine if the player works properly.  You want a sound system you are happy with; if not it will mean pouring more money into the used car once you purchase it.

Adjusting the Drivers Seat

It is very important to adjust the seat to your preferred driving position;  then check the relationship between the pedals, seat, steering wheel and shifter. Can you adjust everything exactly as you like it, or do you have to make compromises? It is a safety factor that you be able to reach everything naturally.

Observing Engine Noises

Test out the shifting on the used car.  If it is automatic, the transmission should engage immediately and the gears shifting should be quick and barely noticeable.  If the used car is manual, there should be no grinding sound from the transmission when you select gears.  Shift from drive to reverse; clunks or grinding noises could indicate problems.  Drive over a rough road and listen for any loud rattles. If the car bounces or bangs over small bumps, the struts may be worn. 

Brake Response

Try some hard stops, making sure there are no vehicles behind you.  Do you feel like you remain in control of the used car during the braking?   When you stamp hard on the brake pedal, you'll probably feel some pulsing; this tells you the ABS system is working.  Cars without ABS should not have pulsating brake pedals under any circumstances.

Acceleration

Hop on the highway, and check the acceleration of the used car. Is the 0-60 response time satisfactory to you? Test out passing response at upper speeds. Does the engine produce uniform power across its rpm range, or only at higher engine speeds?  Accelerate hard on an empty road. The car should respond immediately. Back off and hit the gas again. There should be no hesitation or smoke from the car.  A steep hill is perfect to check the engine's power, and there should not be a significant loss in power, or it could indicate a need for an overhaul. 

Handling

Swing the used car around some tight corners, do you feel in control?  On the highway, do abrupt lane changes, is the vehicle responsive?  A car that's slow to respond may affect the safety of the used car, so it is very important that you are comfortable with the handling.

Cabin Noise 

The used car may seem quiet, but what happens once you are driving on the highway?  Decide if the interior noise level will be satisfactory over the long haul?  Remember it won't change once the used car is yours.

Test driving a used car is almost the last step in deciding whether you want to make the purchase.  An important tip for the test drive is to avoid becoming too emotionally attached to the vehicle.  You should be focusing on the true performance of the vehicle.   If your mind is insistent on getting this vehicle, you may overlook or ignore any problems, uncomfortable setups, or gut feelings.  If you cannot perform a true evaluation, you may have regrets in the long run.