Top Tips When Buying a Used Car

Written By: admin on February 25, 2010 No Comment

Buying a car, particularly if it’s not new can be a very daunting prospect. With the abundance of TV consumer programmes informing the public of the fraudulent methods being used to sell second hand cars is undoubtedly alarming. There are a many factors you should take into consideration before parting with your cash.
Don’t take any chances and buy from a reputable car dealer has to be the most important tip.
Look at the paperwork. Reputable car dealers will have these readily available for your inspection. If they say they have lost it or that it’s not currently available-walk away very fast! Check the registration document to ensure the number plate and vehicle identification number match.
If the car has an MOT check that the details match those of the car.
Check the service history of the car. Look at the mileage and see whether it matches the service history. Also look to see whether the car has had all of its recommended services at appropriate times.
Ask if a proper car history has been carried out and ask to see the results of the findings. This will tell you whether the car has been involved in an accident, damaged, stolen or has any outstanding credit. Thousands of cars are sold each year which are stolen or have outstanding credit. If you buy one of these cars, albeit in good faith, it can be confiscated and returned to its rightful legal owner-you will be out of pocket and have no recourse whatsoever. All reputable dealerships will have carried out this check before putting the car in their showrooms or included them on their online lists.
Visually examine the car. If you are not sure what you should be looking for, take someone with who does with you.
Walk round the car and look for obvious bents and marks on the paintwork. Reputable dealers will no doubt point these out-but not always!
Check the mileage against the overall condition of the interior and seats-low mileage and very worn interiors may indicate that the mileage has been wound back on the clock.
Any stickers should be examined-look underneath them-they are often used to cover faults.
Look under the floor covering between the front and back door. If there are signs of welding then it may indicate that the car is a ‘cut and shut’-this is where the front half of one car and the back half of another has been used to make a ‘complete’ car.
Check electric windows, wipers and lights are all in working order.
Take the car for a test drive-reputable used car dealerships will be more than happy and recommend for you to do this.
When you start the engine check to see if the oil light goes out quickly. Listen for rattling and odd noises. When the car has warmed up check that it idles smoothly.
Use all the gears, including reverse during the test drive.
Drive at different speeds to check acceleration and braking.
Check whether there is any steering drift when driving in a straight line.
Reputable used car dealers will be happy to for you to carry out any of these checks. They have built their reputation on providing quality used cars.