| When looking to buy a second hand car you | | | | Take as long as you want with your inspection |
| should be extra careful and vigilant as purchasing | | | | Checking the Interior |
| a car from a private sale does not usually come | | | | Ensure all the electrics, including mirrors; windows |
| with the reassurance of a warranty. | | | | and central locking are in good working order. |
| Used cars have one major advantage over | | | | Test the seatbelts click into their sockets and |
| buying a brand new vehicle and that is the price. | | | | retract properly. Check the wear on the foot |
| Used cars, even if only a year or two old are | | | | pedals, as this will give you an indication if the |
| substantially cheaper than new cars. From the | | | | vehicle has covered an excessive amount of |
| moment a vehicle is driven off a dealer's | | | | miles. Lift any seat blankets, which may be hiding |
| forecourt the depreciation begins and in the early | | | | burns and stains. Don't be afraid to check under |
| days the price drop is disproportionate to the | | | | floor mats and upholstery for rot and corrosion. |
| vehicles actual wear and tear. | | | | Feel around for any damp or water residue and |
| If you are not mechanically minded yourself it is | | | | when inside have a good sniff for any mould or |
| probably a good idea to take someone, preferably | | | | pet smells, as this is a sure sign there may be |
| a mechanic with you or better still instruct a | | | | stains or damp lurking somewhere. |
| specialist engineer to examine the vehicle on your | | | | Exterior inspection |
| behalf. Although this will increase your budget it will | | | | Look down the sides of the vehicle as some used |
| not only give you peace of mind but will | | | | cars would have suffered the odd bump or two in |
| undoubtedly be money well spent if a serious | | | | their time. Check to see if the panels are in line |
| problem is discovered. | | | | and free from any filer. Make sure there are no |
| Take your time and do not rush into a purchase | | | | irregular gaps between the doors, bonnet and |
| just because you think you will lose the sale. | | | | boot. Check the colour match on each panel for |
| Remember there are thousands of used cars out | | | | signs of a respray. Feel under the wheel arches |
| there to choose from. | | | | and seals for signs of rust. |
| Decide on your budget and stick to it! Make sure | | | | Most used cars will need some money spent on |
| you have included tax, insurance and any | | | | them and normally this will be tires and exhausts. |
| accessories you might need on top of the actual | | | | The minimum tyre tread is 1.6mm so check all |
| cost of the car in your budget. Make sure you | | | | the tyres have at least this depth and factor |
| are buying the right car for your needs. If it's a | | | | replacement costs into your budget if they are |
| family vehicle you are looking for to ferry the | | | | near the mark. Inspect the exhaust, and check |
| kids around, don't get carried away looking at two | | | | that it is not noisy or blowing. |
| seater roadsters. It's easily done! | | | | The Engine |
| Make sure you research thoroughly and buy | | | | Check the engine oil and ensure that it is brown |
| several magazines and guides from your local | | | | and transparent. Make sure the paintwork in the |
| newsagent. This will help you have a better | | | | engine bay matches that of the cars exterior. |
| understanding of prices and market trends, as | | | | Check for leaks on hoses and pipes before and |
| you will find thousands of used cars listed. | | | | after the test drive. |
| When viewing any used cars make sure you do it | | | | When the engine is started it should idle smoothly. |
| in the daytime preferably at the seller's home | | | | Listen carefully for any irregular rattles or grinding |
| address. Daytime viewings will ensure that any | | | | sounds. |
| defects to the bodywork are easily noticed and | | | | The Test Drive |
| viewing the vehicle at the seller's home address | | | | Don't be afraid to ask for a test drive, preferably |
| will give you an idea of how the vehicle has been | | | | with you driving the vehicle. |
| maintained. If the vendor wants to carry out the | | | | If possible drive the vehicle on a variety of road |
| transaction elsewhere demand that it is a public | | | | surfaces so you can feel the cars handling. Check |
| place. This is for your own safety, as you do not | | | | the suspension is solid and the vehicle holds a true |
| know who you will be dealing with. | | | | line. Listen for any grinding when the steering |
| It is quite normal for used cars to have had | | | | wheel is at full lock. Once the vehicle is moving |
| several prior owners so don't be put of by this, | | | | listen for any irregular engine noises. |
| but do check the cars log book and service | | | | Closing the Deal |
| history carefully making sure the documents are | | | | Once you are satisfied the vehicle is for you and |
| in order and all the dates and records check out. | | | | it has passed the above checks do not be afraid |
| Carry out a HPI check to verify the cars history. | | | | to haggle over the price. Most sellers of used cars |
| You will be able to determine if the vehicle has | | | | are prepared to negotiate over the original asking |
| any outstanding finance or if it has been stolen. | | | | price. Where possible try to get the seller to |
| Also this check will determine if the vehicle has | | | | include any extras or accessories. |
| been subject to an insurance write off or if the | | | | An important point to remember is not to feel |
| mileage has been altered. | | | | pressured into buying a car no matter how good |
| Ask the vendor as many questions as possible | | | | the sales patter is. |
| about the cars history, especially the reason for | | | | If you have any doubts about the purchase then |
| sale. That said, do not take any reply as an | | | | DO NOT BUY as there are many other used cars |
| absolute truth! | | | | out there to choose from. |