Buying a second hand car is a popular choice for many people. Brand new cars can be expensive, while a used car is significantly cheaper in price and is a good investment for many people. However, it’s certainly a case of buyer beware. You can’t simply turn up and assume that everything will be okay. There are a number of checks you will want to go through before buying a used car. Here are just some of the things you should look out for.
Check the Mileage
The average car covers 10,000 miles a year, so you should be able to do an easy calculation based on how old the vehicle is. If it has done significantly under this amount, you should inquire as to the exact reasons why this is. In some cases, the odometer may have been ‘clocked’ so make sure the last service is in line with the figure you see before you.
Exterior Checks
Thoroughly inspect the exterior of the used cars for sale for any scrapes, dents or scratches. While these are not necessarily a deal breaker, you should expect to receive discounts directly comparable to the amount of damage that has been caused. Check for any signs of poor repairs, or anything else that may arouse suspicion. Open up the bonnet to have a look at the oil levels, as well as all the other vital fluids in the car. Check the engine for any signs of leaks and take a look for any that may be underneath the car as well. Move onto the tyres to see their tread and inflation, and also don’t forget to take a look at the spare tyre as well.
Move On To The Interior
Once you are satisfied that everything is in good condition with the exterior, move onto the inside of the vehicle. Make sure everything works on the dashboard and check to see all interior and exterior lights are fully operational. Test the radio, that the seats are fully reclinable and that everything looks in good condition. Sit in each one of the seats and repeat these checks until you are happy that everything is in good working order. Remember, if there’s anything you’re not 100 percent happy with, ask plenty of questions until you are satisfied.
Test Drive
The final step is to actually get it out on the open road. Drive on various different types of road and listen out for any noises that don’t sound quite right. This may be a sign that the car needs a service. Do an emergency stop on a quiet road to test the brakes, and also try out a hill start using the handbrake.
As well as looking for any faults with the car, you also want to work out whether it is the car for you. Think about how comfortable you are driving it, and how much space is on the inside. Think about how powerful it is and how smooth the overall driving experience is. Ultimately, you’ll be likely to be using this car for years to come so you want to make sure everything is just right.