Tips for buying a second hand car
7th December 2011
If you are on the hunt for a second hand car but want to make sure you’re getting a good deal before you part with your cash, now you can. Here are some useful hints and tips when buying a second hand car.
Inspection
In addition to purchasing car insurance, it is important that you thoroughly inspect the vehicle you are thinking of purchasing. But what does this involve?
Tyres
Check the tyres for any rips or tears, don’t forget to check the spare tyre for wear and tear as well. Make sure the tread is within the legal limit of 1.6mm across the width.
Body work
Inspect the bodywork of the car, looking at the exterior paintwork and any signs of a crash. Sellers will often try and hide the signs of rust by applying a layer of paint. This could be a sign of a serious problem with the car.
If the car has been involved in an accident it might not function as smoothly as it has done previously. Check the body for dents and check the driver’s seat belt for damage or fraying.
Mileage
The mileage of a car will show how much life it has left in it. The more mileage a car has done, the more worn down it will be. Check that the mileage on the dial matches the figure on the documents.
Test Drive
One thing that all drivers should do before buying a car (new or used) is take the vehicle for a test drive. Get a feel for how the car drives, how it takes corners, how sensitive the clutch and break are so that you could imagine yourself controlling the car. Whilst the exterior and interior inspections may seem faultless, there could be problems with the engine.
Check under the bonnet
Before purchasing a car, always look under the bonnet to ensure that everything looks to be in working order. Check that there are no signs of rust and check the oil/water levels as well.
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