Oct 24, 2019
Buying a car is a very exciting prospect, and due to depreciation, most people tend to go down the used car route. It’s useful to know what to look out for before you make that important purchase.
People who have maybe bought one or two cars before will know that it’s important to look for any obvious signs of damage. They would look at the condition of the tyres, unusual noises when on a test drive and signs of rust. Service history is another important factor, this will tell you if it’s been regularly maintained.
It’s no secret that some car problems can be difficult to spot, such as whether the car has a spare tyre. We cannot emphasise how important it is to get clued in beforehand, as you don’t want to find out in a few months that your brand-new investment needs some work.
Take someone with you that knows what to look out for. They will be able to spot any issues that you may miss if you’re on your own. Even if you know what you’re doing it’s important to have a second person there!
Here are a couple of things you should look out for that are quite easy to spot.
First things first – does the advert description match the car? Have you noticed there’s a scratch or dent that wasn’t disclosed? It’s fair to ask for a discount! Always try to view the car in daylight, this is the best way to check the car’s condition.
Tyres are next. Check the tread on the main tyres and the condition of the spare tyre. If they’re bald or damaged, try negotiating a discount as they will need replacing. While you’re there, you should check the tyre changing kit to ensure all the appropriate tools are included.
Then, you should test the heating, air-conditioning and radio. Don’t hold back when investigating the car! Get your friend to check all the lights and signals as they walk around the vehicle to ensure they all work.
Your final checks should be for any blue or black smoke when you rev the engine, as this will indicate that the engine is burning too much oil. Checking the locks to make sure there are no glitches, and that every door and boot is secured when locked.
You’re now ready to take the car out for a spin, while you’re out and about, consider the following:
Before starting the engine, the bonnet should be cold. If it is hot, there could be a problem that the seller isn’t telling you about. Are you confident that the brakes are going to stop the car safely? Keep the radio off for your test drive, are you hearing any unusual noises? Is the gear changing process smooth? Is the steering heavy?
Buying a car is a very exciting experience but don’t be afraid to shop around or come back and see the car a few times before handing over any money! Ensure the car is right for you and is fit to last you a few years.
