If you can’t pay top dollar for a brand-new car, you can consider a used one instead. Of course, you don’t get the glitz and glamour that comes with owning a new car, but a used car can still get you from point A to point B just fine.
Opting for a used car instead of a new one is a financially prudent decision, but only if you buy one that’s worth the money.
To get the best value for money, you need to ask yourself, “What are the things to check when buying a used car?” You should expect typical wear and tear and sometimes even a few missing parts. In some cases, the car may have taken too much of a beating to be worth the money.
However, you can’t tell this from online pictures or a rushed perusal. If you’re in the market for a used car, here a few things you should always check for a proper purchase.
What Are the Things to Check When Buying a Used Car? The Basics
Buying a car is exciting, but don’t get too caught up in the excitement and forget the important stuff.
Before you buy a used car, make sure you first inspect the exterior and interior thoroughly. Then follow up this inspection with an examination of all the relevant documents.
The next time you’re buying a used car, remember to check the following things.
Vehicle History Report
A vehicle history report is typically a third-party service that the dealer pays for. This report details the car’s history, and you can think of it as a vehicle’s background check.
In the vehicle’s history report, you’ll find information about the car’s previous owners, any accidents, and prior issues. If you’re buying cars from private owners, then they should run the car history report at their own cost.
After test driving the car, the next thing you should ask for is a comprehensive vehicle history report.
The Tires
The tires speak volumes about how the previous owner kept up with general maintenance.
If the tires are too worn out, they might not be legally safe for use on the road. You don’t need good tires just to be in line with the law — driving with worn tires is putting yourself and other passengers in the car at risk too.
The first thing to check is the tire tread depth. The tread depth is the depth of the groove on the tires. This depth should be about 8mm when the tires are new.
The legal limit for tread depth is 1.6mm, so anything below that is a definite no. You might be wondering how you’ll start measuring the tire treads, but you don’t need an actual ruler. Just plop a coin inside one of the groves, and if you can see the outer band of the coin protruding from the treads, then the tread is too worn.
Also, don’t forget to check the spare tire. The spare tire is just as important as the other tires, but it’s easy to forget about it. Also, check whether the spare tire is full-size or it’s a skinny spare tire.
The VIN
VIN abbreviates vehicle identification number, which is a number unique to every vehicle. You’ll find the VIN at the bottom of the windscreen or under the bonnet. In some cars, you’ll find it as a stamp on the framework of the car when you lift the bonnet.
Once you spot the VIN, write it down and compare it to the one on the V5C registration. If they don’t match, then you may be dealing with a stolen car. You’re better off looking for another car.
Windows and Door Locks
Be very keen when inspecting the locks and windows.
The slightest signs of forced entry is a huge red flag. That’s because the windows may not open and close normally, plus you may be buying a stolen car.
When it comes to the locks, make sure all the locks are the same. If some locks are different, then the car might have been broken into at one point. Ask for an explanation for the different locks, if it doesn’t make sense, then look for another car.
Check the Mileage
The car mileage will tell you how long the car has been on the road.
You want a car with low mileage because it won’t be as worn out as one with higher mileage. However, mileage alone isn’t enough to tell you the general state of the car.
Also, keep an eye out for clocked cars. Unscrupulous sellers might rewind the odometer to show lesser mileage, which increases the car’s value. You can tell if the seller tampered with the odometer if the car looks visibly older than what the odometer reads.
You should also compare the odometer reading with the ones on official documents. If there’s a huge disparity between the reading on the car and the ones on recent vehicle documents, then you have a problem there.
You can also hire a mechanic to check whether the numbers on a mechanical odometer align correctly. The mechanic will conclusively establish whether anyone has tampered with the odometer.
Get a Car That’s Worth Every Penny
What are the things to check when buying a used car?
Now that you know the answer, your next used car purchase should be a breeze. Remember to buy a used car from a trusted dealer and not these gypsy dealers that are here today and gone tomorrow. If you’re buying from a private seller, make sure you buy the car from someone you can trust.
If you need quality and registered used cars, then contact us today, and we’ll get you a car that’s worth your money.
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