Buying used cars – how to inspect and tests

A lot people have gone to make a choice of used car based on the knowledge they have and not what they should have. At the end, they wind up with one annoying problem or another that drains out their pocket and time. Yet they can’t go back to the seller. So how should anyone […]

A lot people have gone to make a choice of used car based on the knowledge they have and not what they should have. At the end, they wind up with one annoying problem or another that drains out their pocket and time. Yet they can’t go back to the seller. So how should anyone know and make the right choice of used car?

You need to know how a good car looks like and feels like. That is a knowledge that can help. If you’re buying a used car, you will need to check the general condition of the car. Buying a used car can be fraught, especially if you aren’t mechanically minded. This guide helps you check the most common problem areas. Remember, though, if you have any doubts, it’s always worth paying an expert to check the vehicle for you. A poorly maintained vehicle could cause you a string of problems later on.

If buying privately, used cars are usually ‘sold as seen’, so check everything carefully.

1. Check the condition of the tyres.

2. The steering wheel should rotate smoothly.

3. The gears should engage easily and smoothly.

4. The engine should idle smoothly and rev evenly.

5. Check the exhaust sign of excessive internal engine wear.

6. Check the body work and underside of the car for rust.

7. Be suspicious of a very clean engine compartment.

8. While under the bonnet, look for signs of flaking paint and rust around the panel joints at the front of the car.

9. Does the wear on the interior of the car match the mileage on the odometer?

10. Open and close the doors to check they work correctly.

11. Tests drive the car and check the brakes.

12. Check all items work correctly, including electric components.

Let’s look at one area of concern. This is the body. On the body the level of rust and, perhaps any accidental damage, are very important to look for. Underneath the skin may be something very dangerous (to your life!)

Rust checks

Bodywork is best checked in good light and from the inside and outside of the car. Rust is most obvious on fenders, which is the side above the wheel, sills and below bumpers. If you find rust, press gently on it – if there is a cracking sound, it indicates corrosion below. Look for signs of rust under the wheel arches, the back of the under bonnet area, at the corners of the windscreen or around the door frame. If there are, get an expert to check these areas. Any brake pipes showing signs of rust will need replacing.

Accident damage

Look at the car from every angle. If the doors and fenders don’t match up, the car has almost certainly been in an accident and not been repaired well. Look for irregularities in the paintwork, too, such as subtle changes in paint colour, ‘runs’ or ripples. Check suspect areas with a magnet to see if filler has been used to repair rusty areas. Look down the side of the car to see if all the panels and bodywork line up smoothly. Be suspicious of wavy panels or cars with uneven gaps between panels. Always view a car when it’s dry, as raindrops can hide problems. When driving the car, the steering should be straight with no tendency to pull to the left or right.