Buying a Used Car? - Things to Look For

• Used Cars,
• Oct 14, 2019

 

Buying a used car can be a little tiring and confusing at times. You don't know about the working condition, the exterior and interior details and you are going to spend some money. But before spending huge money on the desired car you must thoroughly examine the used car you are interested in.

 

If these things are not looked upon with extra attention, you might be paying money for the maintenance of the car even after buying it. It may require some assistance every second day and this money is an extra burden on you because you wanted to buy a faultless car.

 

Hence, make up your mind that buying a used car is not a piece of cake. A Long and detailed examination of the vehicle is required until the moment you are completely satisfied to buy that particular car.

 

In this article, we are going to put some light on what to look for when buying a used car.

 

In the passage below we will discuss in detail the related things which must be inspected before buying.

 

Main Domains

Car inspection might be divided into these main domains as far as the inspection of the car is concerned that we are going to buy.

These are:

 

1- The exterior of the Car

2- Under the Hood

3- Interior of the Car

4- History of the Car

5- Test Drive

6- Mechanic Inspection

 

The mentioned terms lie in pretty large domains and each one of them includes a lot of minor things to be inspected. So, we will take and explain them one by one in order to give you a thorough article to read which shall buy all the domains.

 

 1- Exterior of the Car

 

 1- Look for Spots:

First of all the car should be washed and made clean for a clear inspection. Take a look at the car and look for the damaged spots. Move your fingers on the edges to look for roughness or modification in the case of an accident. Look closely and try to find out if a new paint job is done on it or not.

 

A fresh paint job might indicate some damage. The car must also not show any rust are or water damage. The trunk of the car must be popped up to look for its condition. Check if it opens or closes easily.

 

 2- Tyre Examination:

One of the most important things for examination. The condition of the tires. If the condition is not good enough then it will seek a replacement as early as you buy the car which is an extra and huge amount of money. 

 

So make sure the tires of the car are in better condition. The tires should be worn evenly and they should match also. The alignment of the wheels must be properly done otherwise it might lead to a dangerous accident.

 

 3- Exhaust System and Undercarriage:

When you are inspecting the exhaust and you find some black spots that might refer to as a leaking fault. It does not necessarily mean that you should not buy the car but it must affect the price you are going to pay for it. 

 

Rust and crack around the exhaust might take out some extra money from you when you buy it and need a repair. You should only buy such a car if you are going to pay extra money for repair. Otherwise, negotiate in the asking price.

 

 4- Avoid Frame Damaged Cars:

Even if the frames of the car are repaired after the damage, this still might reduce the expected life of a used car. Look for scratch marks that might indicate that the fenders are replaced or modified after possible damage. 

 

The cars with repaired frames are more likely to break down sooner than the others.

 

 2- Under the Hood:

Open the hood of the car and look for the engine. Yes, Engine. With the car turned off, visually inspect the engine for any leaking, rust parts, cracked hoses, and belts. Check the colors of oil and transmission fluid. If everything looks tidy and fresh, it still does not mean that the car is ready to buy because the dealers mostly clean the cars from under the hood when they seek a potential buyer. Look for the battery that must not be corroded.

 

Try to feel if there is a burnt oil smell under the hood. The coolant system must not be leaked. The oil level must be up to the mark of the dipstick. Check under the oil cap. Check the smoke color coming out of the exhaust.

 

 3- Interior of the Car

 

 1- Sit Inside:

In order to inspect the car from the interior one must sit in the car initially. Look for seat covers that might be torn or damaged. Look whether the seats are adjustable or not. Proper functioning of the seats should be the priority.

 

 2- Check Aircondition:

Turn on the air conditioner and monitor its working. Test the temperature control by turning on the heat and the cold. Ask the dealer when was the freon gas-filled last time. Freon levels might be low which could cost you an extra amount. Check for leaking issues of the freon gas.

 

 3- Odometer and Indicators:

The mileage of the car will tell you about its working over the years that is the number of kilometers it completed. An old car with a low mileage does not mean that this is too old to buy. Car age is an important factor and so is the mileage and number of kilometers it did on average per year.

Turn on the indicators and go out and see whether they are working or not.

 

 3- Interior Electronics

Check out for the radio and sound systems. A sound system is of great importance for most drivers. Play your favorite song and test out the intensity and the bass. Also, check the working of the digital display if there is one.

 

 4- History of the Car

Try to get as much information from the seller as you can. You can also take the VIN (Vehicle Information Number) and give it to a company like Quickrevs that will give you a brief history of its working in the past. 

 

The accidents, the repairing, the oil changing and all such things would be mentioned before you that might help you in making a decision. Car history is one of the most important things while buying a car.

 

 5- Test Drive

Go for a test drive that will make you estimate the condition of the car in the best possible way. Ask the seller to sit with you so you might ask him questions during the drive. Check for the acceleration ad the brakes. 

 

Go on different types of roads for better understanding. Reverse the car. Try parallel parking and look if the car has some blind spots or not.

 

 6- Mechanic Inspection

Once you have examined the car yourself and you have decided that you found the car of your dreams then take a long breath and relax. Take the car to your mechanic and ask him to examine for you as he has ore experience of such things than a common driver. 

 

If he gives a positive review then you are all ready to negotiate the price and take the car with you.

 

Conclusion

Buy a car with proper inspection and remember it is a time taking process. Checking the car manually, if the results are positive and you are ready to buy the car, make sure that the car seller gives you the original documentation.

 

For a quick history of the car you want to buy, contact “Quickrevs” to give you a complete review of the vehicle.

Cover all the bases, decide wisely. And you are now ready to take your friends in the newly bought car.