There are several factors you need to consider when planning to see and test a used car. Before you look at a used car, you want to get a rough idea of how much it will cost you to walk. Value for money is always an important factor when buying a used car. Look at the prices of similar cars and get an idea of the market. Use your flashlight to check all components for signs of damage, rust, or soldering. Ask the seller for more information about welded areas, if any; You need as much information as possible about past repairs. Looking at and testing a car can be very intimidating, especially if you`re not prone to mechanics. So how do you know what to look for when buying a used car? Are you satisfied with the way the car drives in general? Does it offer the performance you expected and is it comfortable enough for you? Did something irritate you, or would you be happy to go on long trips? An honest seller should always include all the issues in the description, but often the listings don`t offer enough space for that. When asking this question, make sure you are fully informed before making your purchase decision. It is important to find out about the common problems that the car you want to buy may suffer from. Find online owner forums; They are a gold mine of information. Current owners are in the best position to advise you on what can go wrong and how much it can cost if they do.
Before looking at a used car, you need to do some research to know what to pay attention to that day. If you look at the papers of a used car, you can get important clues about how previous owners maintained the vehicle. You should pay attention to proof of service history (service intervals can be searched online or found in the vehicle manual) and invoices for all work performed. There is always some risk when buying a used car, but if you follow our guide and take our checklist with you the same day, you will seriously reduce the likelihood of getting burned. There are many ways to prepare yourself to see a used car, but most importantly: it`s important to ask the seller the right questions when buying a used car. Here are some basic questions that will help you in your purchase decision. In general, the lower it is, the better. If the car had a large number of previous owners, it could again indicate that it has caused problems for people in the past. Luckily, we`ve come up with a comprehensive, printable checklist for used car inspection that you can follow. If you follow our guide, you will be in a much better position to identify possible problems and get the best deal when buying a used car.
It may be slightly different once you`ve seen the car, but it`s good to walk in with a baseball figure in your head. Check the lights for signs of damage, including chips and cracks. We will check later if they are in service. You need to make sure that the car is tracked correctly. Note if vibrations occur through the steering wheel while driving and if the steering wheel is in the middle when driving straight. Turn the key in the ignition, but do not start the car yet. Does the temperature indicator indicate that the car has been heated beforehand? If so, the seller could have deliberately warmed it up to try to hide something. Walk around the car and look for defects in the bodywork. Crouch around every corner and look along the lines of the car; Are there bumps, chips or waves? Check the ground where the car is parked for any signs of leakage. If the seller doesn`t know what`s leaking, you could end up paying for the cost of discovering the leak, as well as all the parts and labor needed to fix it.
If the car you`re testing has power steering, it should be easy to use and not feel too heavy. Also pay attention to unusual noises when steering. If you selectively tear one of the panels, you can use the magnetic test (video below) to check if it has been repaired and filled before. What does it smell like inside? Pungent odors like smoke or pets can be very difficult to eliminate, so will you be happy to drive the car if that`s not possible? Rust can be a big problem, and you need to pay attention to it. This is the worst nightmare of any motorist, and for good reason. Check in the following places: Modern cars have a sealed cooling system, so they do not need to be replenished with coolant. Check that the level in the tank is between the Min and Max markers. If this is safe, test the brakes by pressing the brake pedal hard. Notice if there are vibrations, squeaking noises and if the car pulls to the side.
Beware of unusual sounds, smells or faults. It should also move away neatly every time, not jerky. You`ll have done your research before you look at the car, so make sure you have a good understanding of what you think it`s worth compared to other similar vehicles. Come with a budget in mind. If it`s safe (maybe in a quiet parking lot), move your hands away from the steering wheel as you move to see if the car pulls to the side. In the back of the car, inspect the exhaust pipe for any signs of rust. Also, feel the pipe (if it has not been depressed recently) for residue. This could be a sign that the car is burning oil. Check the windshield and windows for signs of chips or cracks. Over time, chips can turn into cracks if not filled. When this happens, you may have to pay for replacement glass, which can be very expensive.
Inspect the drive belts and move them by hand to make sure they are not damaged in any way. A similar check can be performed on the rocker panels (thresholds). The power steering and brake fluids shall be between the minimum and maximum markings. Be aware of the unusual noise coming from the engine and study it in more detail if necessary. You can also park safely and open the hood to pay attention to something wrong. Maintenance intervals and costs, general maintenance, spare parts, and insurance costs add up in the long run, so have a rough idea of that before you look. Owner forums and online reviews can help you here again. Move to the front of the vehicle and check underneath for signs of damage.
Cars with low ground clearance are often damaged in this area after being scraped for years on low curbs and speed thresholds. .