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Buying A Used Car Problems To Look Out For

In this article we look at some of the checks you should perform when viewing a used car. We first look at the documents you need to see, then the interior of the car, followed by a look at exterior issues. Finally we consider engine checks and some general problems you should look out for.

Documents
One of the most important things to check when buying a used car is that there is a full service history. This is especially important with cars such as BMWs, Mercedes and Volvos that tend to have high servicing and replacement parts costs. Even if the vehicle has been serviced as it should have been, check when the next service is due as if a service is due imminently it can be a good way of negotiating the price down. You should also check that the address printed in the log book matches the home address of the vendor and that the MOT document is valid.

Interior Checks
Check the inside of the car carefully, including all handles and buttons. When the car has been used to ferry families around, pay special attention to the condition of the rear of the interior. Check all seatbelts. Even small problems such as door handles can be costly to rectify so it is worth checking every small detail. If you do find any issues, ask for a reduction in price. Use a car valuation guide to help you in how much is reasonable to ask the vendor to knock off the asking price.

Exterior Checks
Check that the exterior paint is the same shade over the whole area of the car and also that the gap between panels is the same all over. Ensure that all of the doors and the boot open smoothly. Also check that the tyres are all road legal, free from bulges and are wearing evenly. If the car is a convertible, see that the roof opens with no problems and that it locks into place properly. Make sure you check the cloth for discolouration and tears. Before you go to look at the car, consult a car valuation guide so that you know how much you should be paying.

Engine Checks
Under the hood, check that the VIN printed on the engine is the same as the VIN in the log book. Ensure that the wear and tear on the seats and steering wheel is consistent with the age and mileage of the vehicle. Take the dipstick and check the oil level, the oil should be golden in colour and free from any clumps of material. Look on top of the engine and also under the oil cap for a sticky white substance, if you find any, it can indicate damage to the head gasket which would usually write a car off. Also check that the terminals of the battery are rust free.

General Checks
Check for the presence of any known faults. Faults will vary depending on the make and model you are considering. Many cars have no known recurring faults but some models do have a variety of known faults.

Estate cars may have been used for transporting heavy loads so pay attention to their suspension during your test drive and also check that the rear load bay has no signs of damage. Also check that all of the tyres are wearing down evenly and check the underside for scuffs or other damage, particularly with four-wheel drive cars which may have been involved in some off road driving. Have a look at the levels of coolant and of brake fluid; you do not want to purchase a car that may have been used without the fluids at the right level.


AUTHOR BIO
Jacob Groves is a prolific blogger on all manner of motoring issues and the author of his own car valuation guide.

Inna

I am a bath based freelance content writer. I love to read different communities article....(Read More)

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