What to look out for when buying a used car

One of the first decisions to make when you’re looking for a new car is where to look. You could go to a car yard, an auction or buy privately via the internet, newspaper or a car fair. As with everything, there are pros and cons to each and it is up to you as an individual to decide what works best for you. Remember when purchasing privately that although this is the cheaper option, there is no guarantee and therefore no come back. With all buying options you should request an independent pre-purchase inspection, which can be arranged at most garages, this ensures that any existing or potential problems are highlighted before any money changes hands giving you peace of mind.



A big risk factor in buying a used car is its history; it is important to be proactive and find out as much about the car as you can. Systematic questioning can fill gaps in the vehicle’s history if a vehicle service log is incomplete. A vehicle with a high mileage could potentially point to more problems. Other things to clarify are how many owners the vehicle has had and also who is the current registered owner of the vehicle – you do not want to pay the wrong person! Check to see if all finance has been paid on the car before any money passes hands and if you do decide to buy, remember to transfer the vehicle into your name as soon as possible; you do not want to be paying someone else’s fines and parking tickets. Under the bonnet of the vehicle, near the engine is the vehicle identification number (VIN) which should correspond with all the legal vehicle documents, such as vehicle registration and inspection reports.

Remember when inspecting your prospective vehicle not to feel rushed. Taking a checklist with you will ensure nothing is left out; even better, take a friend who knows about vehicles. Safety is paramount when driving so to ensure that your new car is safe, you need to look for signs of structural damage.
Paint can be used to cover potential problems, so make sure that all body paintwork is even (not rippled) and not different shades, especially under the wheel arches and around the windows. It sounds obvious but check that all doors, windows and the boot open and close easily. Windows should open halfway and stay open you don’t want to find out after you purchase that you need to replace a car window. Tyres, including the spare, should all have a legal amount of tread and wear and should be even; if not this indicates steering, suspension or alignment issues.



When test driving the vehicle, there are a number of things to look out for; obvious issues are banging, grinding or knocks from the engine shaft and smoke from the exhaust. When turning the ignition, check the warning lights on the dashboard and see if the engine ticks over easily. When driving, ensure that acceleration is easy and gear changes are smooth. Definitely try out that emergency stop. For your optimum safety it is always advisable to gain an expert opinion from a mechanic by purchasing a pre-purchase agreement – it could be the best investment you make.



Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.