Buying A Second Hand Car
Published: 3rd March 2005
Tips
According to Pulham, there are a few things to remember when buying a used car: ‘Avoid looking at a car in the dark. Make sure you can see the car you may end up buying clearly. If you don’t know a lot about cars, take someone knowledgeable with you who can advise you.’
Before buying any car, and especially a used car it is important to check its condition thoroughly and test it out on the road, and ask yourself a few questions:
- How does it feel on the road?
- Do the brakes provide smooth and reassuring braking?
- Is the car quiet, or are there rattles and clunks when it is moving?
Pulham continues: ‘If you are serious about buying, find out if the car has a current MOT certificate. If the car is more than three years old, it must have one, to prove it complied with the criteria of the MOT at the last test date. However, remember that this is not a guarantee that any subsequent faults will be put right by the dealer.
‘A full service history should ensure that the vehicle has been properly looked after. It might be an idea to check that the mileage is warranted in writing to avoid potential problems in the future.’
Mileage can be checked, for a small fee. Find out more at www.hpicheck.com or www.cardatacheck.co.uk
Pulham goes on: ‘Ask to see the registration document and service record. Does everything match up? Does the logbook show how many owners the car has had?
Having test driven the car and looked at its documents, it is vital to inspect the car itself thoroughly:
- Check the underside for signs of rust, and welding. Any mysterious welding could signify that the car is a ‘cut and shut’
- Check the exhaust system
- Check the bodywork and fittings ensure that all tyres including the spare have the correct tread (1.6mm or more) and pressure
- Paintwork should be in a good condition
- Make sure no panels are a slightly different shade, or rippled, uneven, or heavily chipped by stones
- Check all locks are in working order
- Make sure rubber seals are intact, as leaks can be expensive to rectify
- Windscreen wipers, and doors sills should also be checked
The interior of a car can reveal a lot about the way it has been looked after and the mileage it has covered:
- Seatbelts should be free from damage
- Carpets can hide high mileage; does the condition compare with the mileage and age of the car?
- Milometer, dashboard instruments and pedal condition should also be checked
The engine compartment should be subject to thorough investigation. Pulham explains: ‘For many, the engine bay could seem complicated and dirty, but there are still some very easy and practical steps that can be taken to gauge the condition of the engine.
‘However, if engines are really of no interest to you, and you do not trust your own judgement, the major motoring organisations offer inspection services for a fee.’
