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Before buying used cars there are some essential aspects you need to look into. It is important that you verify the vehicles history, its documentation and examine each car thoroughly to judge its roadworthiness.
The AA believes that there are approximately 900,000 cars each year that are subject to manufacturer’s safety recalls to rectify design faults. It is also acknowledged that for one reason or another not all make it back to the workshops because owners did not receive letters, they forgot or just could not be bothered.
When you have identified a particular car you are interested in buying, check out the models history to establish whether there have been any safety recalls, also make sure that the used car you are looking at is not subject to outstanding finance or has been reported stolen or written off.
Inspect the car, make sure that you examine the documentation and that everything is all in order. Ask to see the logbook V5C form, service history and MOT certificates. One way to make sure is to check the used cars vehicle identification number (VIN) on the bottom corner of the windscreen, under the carpet on the driver’s side, stamped under the bonnet against the logbook.
Look over the car in good daylight, try and spot rust, areas of unmatched paint and badly fitting body panels. Look along the length of the vehicle to see if there are any unusual bumps or raised areas where filler may have been used. Make sure that all the used cars features and extras work (especially if the model has been subject to safety recalls), it may be summer but come the winter you will want to know the heating functions properly.
At the end of the day, you can always walk away and do not have to feel pressured into buying the car.
A great list of tips on how to inspect a vehicle before take the plunge. I’d like to offer a blog to share that offers additional tips for your readers in their new vehicle purchases.
Buying a cheap car can turn out costly unless you make a few basic checks, all the paperwork should tally with the car. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should correspond with the one stamped on the metal VIN plate. This should be under the bonnet or at the base of the windscreen. All cars older than three years should have an annual MOT certificate. It would be ideal to test the engine when it is still cold. It’s possible the seller will try and warm the engine up before you arrive, and you should run a hand over the bonnet to see if this is the case. A sound engine will switch on immediately and not cause many problems. Any smoke or noise from the exhaust is a red flag as it could mean the exhaust has a hole in it somewhere. A car with a recent catalytic converter fitting should have a MOT. If there is none, you want to get an emission check done, as you will pay up to € 900 for a replacement catalytic converter. Rattling and knocking sounds coming from the bonnet are also a bad sign because your budget car can quickly turn out to be a money pit. After going for a test drive, ask the owner to take the cap off the oil filter and check if it is in good condition. The owner should be able to tell you how often the cam-belt has been changed and provide proof thereof. A noisy engine could signal that the clutch is failing, which means more maintenance.
The good old fashion way of taking them for a spin works a treat