How Used Car Check
September 15, 2009
Buying a used car can be exciting, however there are a few checks that everyone should do before they hand over their cash. As missing something that could have been found with a simple check, could cost you more in the long run with repair bills.
Mechanical condition: If you’re not sure of checking the mechanics yourself, bring someone along who can do it for you. Check all accessible basics under the bonnet such as fluids, belts, air conditioning etc.
Mileage: On average a car would be driven between 12,000 and 15,000 miles a year. Work out if the car has done too many miles for its age. If the car seems to have done too little, check if the condition of the car reflects this, as well as check the service history, to see what mileage each service was carried out. It has been known for some people to tamper with the odometer to make it seem as though its done hardly any miles.
Tyres: Check the tyres for wear, worn down tyres will need replacement soon and will add to the cost. Tyre wear is also a good indicator of other problems, such as wheel alignment and damaged suspension. You should check if you discover uneven tyre wear.
Body damage: Check that the car is in a good condition, little bumps and scratches will happen, but major scratches will lead to rust, and major bumps may indicate an accident. Check if the car has been repaired in any way from an accident, as the cosmetics may seem ok, but the structure may have been damaged.
VIN numbers: Check the vehicles VIN numbers (Vehicle Identification Number), and ensure that they are the same throughout the car. There are a number of metal plates with these numbers on spread out around the car, find out where they are and check that they match. Also check that they are original, as re-sprays may indicate that they’ve been tampered with. It has been known for parts, or and entire half of a car to be used to repair another, also known as ‘ringers’.
Test drive: The best way to get a feel for a car and how it is mechanically is to take it for a test drive. Ensure that it starts first time, and try restarting it a couple of times. Check if the exhaust emissions are clear, black, grey or white smoke is not a good sign. Drive it with the windows down so you can hear the engine, and test the response. Take the car on a slow road and a fast road, and see how it feels, check if the steering is level, both when you’re driving and when you are braking, if the car pulls in anyway, there could be a problem with the brakes. If you can, test your car at 70mph to see if the steering vibrates at all, this will indicate bad tracking or wheel alignment.
Written by admin· Filed Under information, insurance , Tags:, car, insurance rates
Comments
Got something to say?