Vehicle inspection tips when buying a used car

Image credit: What Car?

IF you’re in need of a new car but don’t have the funds to get one, a used model is an affordable option. However, there are some pitfalls when it comes to buying a used car. You need to be careful that you aren’t sold a vehicle that displays numerous issues further down the line.

Whether you are on the hunt for a used car in Norwich, Sheffield or London, these tips will help you make a smart decision.

Vehicle details

Whenever you buy a car, you also get lots of paperwork surrounding the details of the vehicle as well as the purchase itself. Make sure you take the time to go over everything you have been given.

Ask to see the V5C registration certificate, the vehicle identification number and the engine number. This should all be in your paperwork anyway, but you can cross-check the information with the logbook to make sure it all lines up.

Leaks

Leaks are a pretty easy issue to spot, even for a layperson. Cars are full of different fluids moving around the engine and a well-maintained car shouldn’t have any leaks.

Be sure to check under the car as well as under the bonnet. Spotting leaks should be obvious by any wet patches on the floor or visible dripping or flowing fluid.

If you do spot any issues, you have a few options. You can either get the price negotiated and fix the issues yourself, ask the seller to fix them before you purchase or walk away from the deal.

Bodywork

One of the most obvious issues to spot on a used car is dents and scratches. If you do notice any, proceed with caution as they could be an indicator of further issues that are hidden.

Lighting can hide some smaller dents so make sure you are looking over the vehicle in bright lights or daylight. Small dents can be seen as non-issues as they can be easily fixed. That being said, you can still use them as a point of negotiation to get the price lowered.

Check the wheels for signs of kerbing as well as the main body of the car. You may notice scuffs or scratches on the tyres or hubcaps, or even air bubbles on the tyres themselves.

Gearbox and clutch

As with all cars, test drives are an important part of checking the car’s running ability. Checking the gearbox and clutch isn’t about what you can see but it is about what you can feel.

Gearboxes should engage smoothly and quietly and anything other than that could indicate an issue. The clutch working well is more about the biting point. This should be around the midpoint of the pedal’s movement.

Issues could be as simple as a small adjustment, or they could require an expensive replacement. Take this into account before making your final decision.