The Items To Be Checked Before Buying a Used Car
Whatever the mileage of a vehicle, its purchase is always a pleasure. You want to end up quickly behind the wheel. But beware of traps. And even if buying a "pro" (against which it is easier to play a remedy) requires less vigilance in the case of an individual, always stay wary and careful. And, remember: better to miss a good deal in making a bad.
The vehicle's file
When buying a used car, you must seek to know the life of the vehicle. If it is a "first hand", it will probably not cause too many problems. The owner probably will present the service booklet filled in properly. By cons, it will not be easy to obtain pieces that tell the life of the vehicle if it has changed owners several times. In this case, do not leave anything to chance and peel any invoice.
The maintenance book
With it, you will know if revisions were made strictly to the periods recommended by the manufacturer. You will have knowledge of basic controls and you can also see if mechanical operations of importance were carried out. Example: replacement of parts such as the timing belt. If the seller is unable to present the book, distrust. The vehicle has perhaps not received the care necessary for its proper operation and its longevity. If there is a "pro", it can reassure you by offering a guarantee.
The bills
They give an idea of the interview that was brought to the car through the replacement of wearing parts (tires, brake pads, exhaust, suspension, etc.). Note the names of garages. All the better if it is always the same institution and is part of the brand network. The vehicle has probably done more subject to painstaking care as if it had been filed in different specialized centers.
If you find yourself facing a professional seller, you will know once again a little more. You will clearly indicate the various operations already performed and you may list the mechanical work that would be desirable to achieve in the near future.
The manufacturer's instructions
There is not a detail. This log (user manual), a true manual of the vehicle, is essential to understand all its features. You can find, for example, the number of liters of fuel remaining in the tank when the signal light indicates you are on the reserve.
The static examination
This examination is decisive in the purchase process. If you are not an expert, do not hesitate to make you accompany a friend who knows the mechanics well. His advice will be helpful. You should inspect your future car from every angle: external and internal. These checks must be performed in daylight. Refuse an appointment to 20 hours on a winter evening. In the darkness and rain, scratches and defects will not be detectable.
If you buy a "pro" at least you have the certainty of the vehicle in the open. Furthermore, the professional engages its brand and reputation of his establishment by exposing used cars on its premises. He can not afford to introduce a model in poor condition. It will have been previously prepared.
The inspection points referenced below allows to avoid falling on a "trapped" car and make some savings. Indeed, whether it be a "pro" or a particular vendor understood that the transaction will not be that easy to conclude if you unearth some imperfections. A damaged joint, a stained seat, and you can always try to claim a small reduction.
outside
A new paint: it is possible that the seller has honestly wanted to make an effort to quickly get rid of his car. But beware, a ceremonial layer may be an accident and a marble passageway. Beware if the doors or the hood are not properly aligned. This may be a clue. The sheet metal must be smooth and free of blows or blisters due to rust. Remember to straighten a plate will cost you a few hundred euros.
Windows: they must descend and ascend smoothly, and come to append perfectly against the knuckles. Attention to future cold showers!
Rust: used cars today do not have as formerly significant rust. The bodies are increasingly resistant. But look still the insides of the doors, windows surrounds, sills, passages of wings and the floor of the cabin and trunk. Any paint chips may foreshadow the birth of rust.
The joints: Make sure the door rubbers, hatchback or trunk lid are in good condition. If the vehicle is equipped with a sunroof, also inspect his knuckles.
Tires: attention, it is mandatory that they are the same brand and the same size on the same axle. Then check them for wear. Obviously, there must be no rupture or tear on the flank. Tread depth should be consistent. A little trick still works. When inserting a one euro coin in a sculpture, silver circle should not appear. Moreover, irregular wear shows defect in parallelism or inflation to erroneous values.
Shaking the front wheels in the horizontal axis, it is also possible to realize if there is a game of management. All of this examination must be thorough. Take your time: This is your safety. A tire in poor condition may shatter and cause an accident. If you are unsure and want to change it, tell the seller and enter this element in the negotiation.
The interior
The counter: Make sure the numbers are correctly aligned. Otherwise, it may mean that he was "revised" downward using a screwdriver. Another trick to flush out the scam: Make sure that the odometer reading is not lower than the label of the last oil stuck to the oil pan.
Covers: the presence of covers is a double edged sword. We can consider that this is an advantage because your passenger will be protected. But we can also think that they are there to hide holes or cigarette burns. Feel free to withdraw to check the status of the seat fabrics. If this review is inconclusive, think. This is not a reason not to buy the car, but it is a reason to ask for a small discount.
Floor mats: it is not to be satisfied with the cleanliness of its elements. The seller will inevitably be cleaned. It is the moisture it takes track. Lift them and see if you spot some revealing traces of sealing problems.
board controls: it would be stupid to buy an opportunity which the reverse light is not working. Despite this, the car can be a good deal. But we did not want to immediately do work on a vehicle that we just bought. So even if you seem simplistic these checks, make sure the correct operation of all controls: headlights, taillights (back, Position, stop, flashing). Then check the heating, the warnings, the defogger, wipers, etc. Witnesses on the dashboard should come on when you turn on the ignition. On Momentum, also test the car radio and, where applicable, its steering wheel.
Air Conditioning: after operating the compressor, we see its start to a slight decrease in engine speed. The cold must evacuate aerators after a few seconds. If the cold does not come, two options: you either reload the refrigerant gas (80 to 100 €) or, which is more annoying because much more expensive, replace the air conditioning compressor (at least 600 €).
The spare wheel: perhaps you think this unnecessary verification? You never know: Make sure all the same to his presence.
Attach of trailer: few vehicles have them, but beware if that is the case. The car may have been led to make great efforts to tow a heavy trailer. The clutch and the engine could suffer.
Engine
Oil leaks: While stopped, the traces of seepage are easily identifiable. But do not panic. It is not disturbing to see on an engine: none can be perfectly clean. However, if it is leaking, be wary. A leak is when there is a drop that flows and a spot under the car after a few hours of parking.
Four scenarios are possible:
1. There may be a leaking oil seal placed near the pulley side opposite the gearbox, it is annoying, but not very serious: it is possible to carry out a repair for a amount between 150 and 500 euros.
2. The oil seal placed near the clutch and the gearbox can also be the source of the leak. In this case, the problem is more serious. It will often cost more than 1000 euros.
3. The rocker joint is involved. It's nothing. It should be changed. Cost: 50 euros.
4. The shaft seal camshaft is replaced. This leak can cause the replacement of the timing belt, operation will return to several hundred euros.
As we see, an oil leak does not necessarily indicate a worrying failure. This depends on the type of failure. But it is just very difficult to successfully identify. At best, by leaning on the car, you will see traces of oil. But if not a professional mechanic, you will not be able to detect the origin.
It is best not to dwell on the vehicle that you were going to possibly buy if you see oil flows. burnt oil also emits a characteristic odor. If you feel it, do not buy.
And, remember these tips are especially valid for cars sold by individuals. For those of garages, guarantees a prior assure you that you will not experience this kind of surprises (even if that happens, alas ...).
Battery terminals: they must not be covered with a whitish and dry substance. This index reflects a low level of maintenance of the car and could foreshadow a problem at startup.
The hoses, rubber hoses these that ensure the passage of liquids necessary for proper engine operation must be completely sealed. No leakage or sag should appear. They should not be swollen by the action of excessive pressure. If they are cracked, it is a sign of wear or aging, which means that a replacement is expected to more or less short term.
Radiator: If you detect whitish fluid leaks on the engine, this means that there are leaks. So that made frequent liquid level may furring the radiator tubes. So cool under the engine.
The Test Drive essential
Do not under any circumstances buy a car without trying it on the road. With a professional, you will systematically satisfaction: no dealer you refuse this test. However, you may come across an individual who will not give you this option, citing an insurance risk or fear of being robbed her vehicle. In this case, no hesitation, go your way.
Noise: Start the engine and ears. The engine he wrong? Do not you hear a strange clicking noises? Suspicion, if you hear knocking sounds. Significant internal games are to fear and can cause short-term puzzle pieces. A piston pin that the game may take some time, but not a crank pin. Turning to hear slamming at one of the wheels is a bad sign. Gimbals or suspension arm may be in poor condition.
Engine noise should be regular. You should not suddenly hear a shrill whistle, for example. If this is the case, keep yourself alert. It may be a trivial air intake if the noise vanishes above idle. It may be also the traditional whistle of a belt. This is not disturbing. Worse: a bearing (also called roller) may be about to seize up. Please note that the timing belt can then let go causing irreparable damage (valves and pistons) in the engine.
The clutch: a simple method to test it. Apply the handbrake and engage third gear and release the clutch. If the car stalls, a good sign. Otherwise, allow the replacement of the clutch disc. This repair can cost up to 1500 euros.
The gearbox: Make a path for passing all speeds. Once engaged, they must not jump or crack at the time of change.
The course keeping: straight, let go of the wheel for no more than the touch of a finger. The car should take neither right nor left. If this is the case, several explanations: a parallel problem, a game in management or a bad straightening the plate. In short, serious reasons to worry.
Braking: braking in a straight line after finding that you were not followed. The car must remain in the axis of the road.
Exhaust gases: the color blue reflects the wear of an engine that consumes too much oil. White smoke indicates the presence of water vapor and suggests that the head gasket is tired. The black smoke is less worrying: the engine is poorly adjusted or dirty.
Tip: You can also ask the seller to drive the car for you. This will reveal any bad driving habits that may involve premature wear of certain parts.
Call an auto expert
If you do not feel yourself performing these checks, know that there are professionals offering expert services to sellers or buyers. Following a further inspection of the vehicle, a full report will be presented allowing a transaction with confidence. Some even include a legal guarantee in case of problems.
As for prices, count still between € 150 and € 250 depending on location and expertise of the service: the expert can also help you determine the market value of the vehicle and thus support you in trading.
Conclusion
Prepare your upstream checklist and take your time to examine the vehicle: checking all these issues is essential to avoid bad deals and scams. If the owner is reluctant to let you make your inspection, do not linger.
Finally be aware that to reassure buyers, some auto ad sites like The Central offer a mechanical guarantee for the buyer in the event of subsequent failure to purchase.