10 Tips when Checking a Used Car

This article serves as a guideline for buying used car and spotting if there are any problems before you purchase it. These 10 tips are easy and should help you make your purchase. 

1. Smell the car 

If you inhale through your nose and smell mildew or must when you are sitting in the car with the door closed, then the car could’ve been flooded at some stage. This can be a big problem. 

2. Signs of water 

The bolts holding the seats to the floor might show signs of rust if the car has flooded. Also the seat belts could have dried silt or water lines on them so make sure you inspect them. 

3. Listen for engine noises 

After running the engine of the car for a few minutes, lift the bonnet and have a good listen. It is a very good sign if the engine of the car idles smoothly without any inconsistent running, grinding or knocking sounds. If you hear ‘metal on metal’, this is not a good sign at all. 

4. Look for signs of big repairs 

Inspect for structural repairs whilst the bonnet of the used car is up. Check the bolts that hold on the fenders. If they show signs of being turned, such as scuffed paint, that may indicate big repair work was carried out at some stage. It might mean the vehicle was damaged.

5. Check for VIN problems 

On the driver's side of the dashboard, each car has a unique vehicle identification number, a VIN. This is always visible through the windshield. Always compare the VIN’s as they should all match.

6. Look underneath the car 

You must inspect under the car at the bottom of the motor and transmission area. If you see dents or major scrapes, it could mean the used car drove over something too high and this could spell serious mechanical damage. If the metal rails near the sides of the passenger area have been used to attach frame-repair machines used to straighten a damaged chassis, then you'll see marks or gouges in the metal. 

7. Go for a test drive 

Whilst taking the car out for a test drive, you must check that all the systems such as radio, cd player, windshield wipers, heat, air conditioning, headlights, etc are in working order. Also you must ensure that the speedometer turns. If it's stuck, then it could’ve been tampered with. 

8. Check the paperwork 

You will know if the used car for sale has been routinely maintained, if the owner has records of oil changes and emissions inspections. Make sure the mileage numbers on the work orders are consistent with the speedometer.

9. Open the trunk 

You must ensure that the used car has a spare tyre and a jack. Take them out and lift any carpeting so that you can inspect the metal below. If you find any damage it could be an indicator of a rear-end collision. Lift the carpeting on the trunk's sides and look for signs that body panel welds have been broken or re-welded.

10. Look at the tyres 

If they are not worn evenly then it could mean that there is excessive wear on one side. This could indicate alignment or suspension problems which can be very expensive to fix. So take the car for a test drive and see if it pulls to one side.

And the last word is…

It is highly advised to take the used car you are interested in buying to be inspected at a garage of your choice. It might cost you but it could be worth it in the long run.

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