We’ve all heard horror stories of people buying second-hand cars which are unsafe or, worse, stolen. So how do you avoid the same thing happening to you? Here are a few things you should look out for when buying a second-hand car.
Check It Inside and Out
Look for any signs of damage that have been repaired – perhaps mismatched colors on panels. Check under the engine and listen to it when it’s running. Make sure all the door locks are in good working order and check under carpets for any signs of repair such as welding.
Do remember, though, that it is a second-hand car you’re buying and there will be some wear and tear. Look at how much care an owner has taken with the car. Have they upgraded internal parts like engine hoses sourced from Silicone Hose Manufacturers?
Check to see if there are parts that you would potentially want to upgrade on the vehicle and factor this into the cost. For example, you might be interested in enhancing the engine’s performance with a quality oil cooler BMW for a BMW model.
As well as updated hoses, you might want to upgrade the seats, exhaust, or Vehicle Tracking which can be supplied from links such as https://www.vehicle-accessories.net/vehicle-tracking. There are plenty of other spare parts suppliers to choose from.
To make sure that the car is safe to drive, there are certain specific areas to check. But remember that if you do find that there are problems with the vehicle after you’ve bought it, Which? the magazine provides some great advice about approaching the car dealer to complain.
Make sure the tires have at least 3mm of tread and the side walls are intact with no signs of cracking. Check that the seatbelts work by actually getting in and trying them out.
Documentation
Ask to see a valid V5C registration document, but don’t just give it a cursory glance check it properly. The VIN number of the vehicle should match that listed on the V5C document, as should the name and address of the person selling it to you. Look out for spelling mistakes or anything that looks as if someone might have tried to amend it falsely.
Cars more than three years old should also have a valid MOT certificate showing the mileage of the vehicle.
You can get yourself a good deal on a second-hand car providing you do your checks thoroughly.
