Used Car Tips

Buying a used car is more exciting than getting a new car, because buying a used one takes more effort, since the condition and all the usage details have to be verified before closing the deal.

However, this can become a hassle-free task if you go through our list of top 21 tips to buy a used car.

1. Determine your budget and needs

Before looking for a used car, consider your driving habits, your needs and most importantly, your budget. Determine yourself to look at only those used cars that fall into your budget.

2. Establish the car requirements

Decide on whether you want a spacious family car, a sports car to travel a lot, a small car that fits 4 and gives great mileage and is best for city-driving. Also, choose between a petrol or diesel engine.

3. Consider fuel economy

With fluctuating oil prices, mileage has become a major issue when deciding which car model to buy. Go online and check several car websites to find out the average mileage of the type of car you want to buy.

4. Select a used car seller

Today, you can easily contact the dealers of most car manufacturers online. You can search directly on the Internet for used cars and browse through numerous used car classifieds in newspapers.

5. Get an outside opinion

Your friend doesn’t have to be a car guru, but it would be great if you had an extra set of eyes and ears. Ask your friend to express his opinion and knowledge about the car model you want to buy.

6. Check the distance traveled

Make sure to check the distance the car has traveled until the day of the purchase. If a petrol car has traveled more than 12000 km per year, or a diesel car traveled more than approx. 15000 km / year, then it is advisable that you not buy the car.

7. Consider the age of the car

If the car has more than three years, then think twice about buying it. Used cars that are older than 3 years will bring you a lot of trouble when you apply for car loan or insurance, plus, the car may not be certified.

8. Check the number of car ownerships

Buying a used car is a good deal if the car had just one owner. However, if several people have already used the car, the overall condition and mileage may have dropped considerably.

9. Check the original car papers and certificates

Make sure to ask for the car insurance papers and car history report. These documents contain valuable details about the car and its road history, including whether if the car has been in any accidents.

10. Exterior car checks

Also, check the external part of the car, and look for dents, scratches and nicks or any obvious signs of re-painting or rusting. Don’t forget about the tyres. Check the bonnet, because if the car has been into some accident, then chances are that you may find signs of repainting or damaged components that have been replaced.

11. Interior car checks

Check the condition of the engine, as any serious accident would have left a mark on the engine. Also, check the wheel, brake pedals and the dashboard, as well as the condition of other electronic parts the car is equipped with. Check under the rubber lining on the interior of the car door, because if the car has been painted due to an accident, the owner may not have re-painted the invisible portions of the car.

12. General checks

You also need to make an overall check to see whether the car has been into a flood or water logging. Look for marks of water lines on the engine and the radiator and check if there are moisture signs on the metal rust under the carpets and the car seat. Also, check if the air filters are filled with debris.

13. Clocking

Look for signs of clocking (altering a vehicle’s odometer) by checking the car’s pedal, carpet and driver’s seat. If these seem to be overly used and the vehicle mileage is low, there are chances that the car is clocked.

14. Test drive

During the test drive, check the ignition system, as the car should start smoothly at the first attempt. Also, check the synchronization of the wheel, brake pedals, clutch and the gearshifts. Pay attention to the efficiency of acceleration and deceleration.

15. Check the transmission fluid

With the engine warm and running, make sure to check the transmission fluid. Notice if it reads full and there are excessive bubbles on the dipstick, as it may reveal too much air or a breakdown inside the transmission.

16. Check the oil

Turn the car off and check the oil level. See if it looks relatively clean and with no debris. Oil changes are essential, and if it’s dirty, it shows that the owner hasn’t changed it too often. If it’s milky, then coolant is mixing with the oil, a strong indicator that you shouldn’t drive the car.

17. Turn the car on and take a walk around

Check if the doorjambs are oversprayed and if the hinges line-up correctly, as these are indicators that the car has been in an accident and repaired.

18. Look under the car

Check under the car for any excessive rust or rot, or any fluid on the ground. These may be signs of a somewhere that needs to be taken care of.

19. HPI Check

It is recommended that you check to see if there is an outstanding hire purchase agreement on the car. This will help you find out if the car still belongs to a finance institution, or if the car has previously been declared an insurance write-off or is stolen.

20. AutoCheck report

If you are buying a used car, you must definitely get an AutoCheck Vehicle History Report on the VIN and have a mechanic tale a look at it on a lift.

21. Negotiate and finalize the deal

After the overall evaluation of the used car, make the final decision. It is wise to give some room for negotiation and be flexible. Once you have the car in your name, you must tale it to the mechanic for servicing, and change the battery as well as the engine oil.

If you are considering buying a used car, then here is a great place to start searching.