2014年英语六级考试阅读理解练习(一)

　　Reading Comprehension

　　Directions: In this passage, you will have 15 minutes to go over the passage　quickly and answer the questions on Answer Sheet 1.

　　How to Buy a Used Car 　　Nearly everybody buys a used car sooner or later, as a primary vehicle or as a second car. Indeed, three out of four sales today are used cars, and theyre not cheap junkers eitherthe average price now is $ 5500, about half what a new car costs. Make the wrong selection and a major investment 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 the car, how to conduct your own road test, and how to bargain over the price.

　　When to buy

　　Shop during the day. Lighting makes cars gleam like jewels at night. In daylight they look dull, but realistic.

　　Dont shop in the rain. It can mask liquids that might be leaking. If possible, shop in the winter when supplies are high and demand is low.

　　Where to buy

　　Shop the suburbs. In more affluent neighbourhoods cars are more likely to have been well cared for.

　　A private owner normally sells a car for less than a dealer does, but almost always as is, with no guarantee. Thats an acceptable risk if what youre 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 that may range from 30 days to a year. Ask the dealer about the availability of an optional service policy.

　　Used-car dealers often claim to have gone over the car, and many have. But remember that small dealers often buy cars that are auctioned because nobody else wants them.

　　Some experts feel that a new-car dealer is the best place to buy a secondhand car, especially if youre laying out a large sum for a late model. Some of these dealers offer extensive guarantees, such as one on the drive train, which covers any problems with engine, transmission ， drive shaft and differential . Expect to pay for this, as well as for the markup. 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

　　Youve found your dream car, and can hardly wait to get in and roar away. Wait.

　　First, look for any flaws or ripples in the body that might indicate a past accident. To see if a car has been repainted, look under the rubber seals around the door or under the chrome trim. Repainting may mask deep flaws.

　　Check the odometer for total mileage, and then compare that figure with any stickers still attached to door posts. Its 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 drivers seat and try the controls. The car should fit youit should be comfortable. Check seat adjustment, door locks, window-raising mechanisms, horn, lights, directional signals, radioall 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 , black a maladjusted carburettor . ? 2 ?

　　White smoke can be.ignored if the engine is cold, but once it is warmed up, white smoke can mean a leaking head gasket : expensive. Reject this car.

　　After the engine has warmed, shut it off, and then go wipe your finger inside the tailpipe . The residue should be whitish-gay. If you get a black, oily mark, refuse the carits probably an oil burner.

　　Restart the engine and check the oil in an automatic transmission. It should be clean and clear, with no burned odor. The test drive

　　The salesman may try to convince you that a short drive around the block is enough. Wrong. Make it clear that you plan to road test the car, and if he isnt happy with this look elsewhere.

　　The test route you have mapped out should include dry city streets, a freeway, a hill, a bumpy road and an empty parking lot. All gauges should read steady and normal throughout the test, especially oil pressure and engine heat. If not, dont buy the car.

　　Drive to a traffic-free city street on your predetermined route and then accelerate smoothly to about 35 miles per hour. The automatic transmission should shift without jerking and with no noise.

　　Slow to about 7 m. p. h. by gently applying the brakes. There should be no noise, no sharp sound or grinding. The car should slow in a straight line, with no pulling to the right or left.

　　Pick up speed to about 15; then making certain nobody is behind you, hit the brakes hard! The car should come to an immediate stop without making noise or swerving.

　　In an empty, level parking lot, brake to a complete stop. Shift into reverse and back up at about 4 m. p. h. , brake to a halt, shift into forward, etc. Do this four or five times to test the transmission. All shifting should be smooth, with no noise or hesitation.