If the car seems spotless it is likely it was detailed before the sale. Just be aware that this can hide wear and tear you may not see, or may over look. The upholstery shouldn't be ripped or badly worn, especially if the odometer has low miles on it. Sit in the back of the car to check for comfort and legroom. Adjust the driver's seat to the right setting, and make sure you can easily reach controls and can see out of the windshield clearly. When you first open the used car's door, take note of the smell. A musty, moldy, odor could indicate water leak on a used car. An acrid smell may indicate the car was used by a smoker. Some odors are very difficult to get rid of, so if the smell really bothers you, it may not be the right vehicle to buy. If sound is important to you, try out the sound system. At the very least make sure the tape or cd player works, as well as radio reception on AM and FM. Test all the lights, controls, heater and air conditioner. They should all be in working order. The steering wheel should rotate smoothly from lock to lock without any unusual noise or vibration. Try all the foot pedals. They should press down smoothly without strange noises or binding. If the car is manual, the gears should engage easily and smoothly without any grinding with the clutch fully depressed. Manual windows should crank smoothly. Power windows should glide. Also take a look in the trunk or rear cargo space. Observe for any water leakage, or musty smells. Look at every seat belt. Frayed seat belts or ones with melted fibers (because of friction) may be evidence of a previous frontal impact above 15 mph--damaged safety belts should always be replaced.

About Grimes, IA

School system

Grimes, along with Dallas Center, forms the Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District system which draws students form both Polk and Dallas County. There is one high school (grades 9 through 12) located outside Grimes, one middle school (grades 6 through 8) in Dallas Center, Dallas Center Elementary (grades K through 5), South Prairie Elementary (grades K through 2) in Grimes, and North Ridge Elementary (grades 3 through 4) in Grimes. The school mascots are the Mustangs and the Fillies, and the colors are red and white.

Parks

Grimes has several parks. The main park is Water Works Park, where the public library is also located. A relatively new sports park is now located at the south end of Grimes. It includes a skate park, soccer fields, and baseball fields. Another park in Grimes is Lions Park.