What should i look for when buying a usedcar?

From Bradford, 1 post

Hi, when buying a new car, what componants should i check out under the bonnet/ elsewhere on the car to check if there are any possible irregularies/faults in the car. Thank you for any possible suggestions.



cheers



Paul

From London Bridge, 37 posts

Get the AA to check it out if you have no idea about cars. A new car should have no faults if it has it is not of a saleable quality and so can be returned.

From South West UK, 2002 posts

An engine under the bonnet would be good?!

From Morocco, 3 posts

OK, if you want to purchase a used car, here are things to look for:



- the usual wear and tear ( make sure you lift the floor mats to see if there is any sign of rust or damage even if repaired ).

- Make sure the car is in one color, no deformations ( i.e. the car has not been crashed and repaired, or at worse, crashed and improperly repaired )

- Check the wheels: is one wheel worn more than the others? one side of the wheel worn out more than the rest? If so it means the car's chassis maybe damaged.

- Check in the boot and trunk for any sign of recent paint, work, or wear and tear / rust.

- Make sure no wires stick out, all equipment working ( give it a few tries and e.g. for windows open them up all the way then close them up all the way a few times, notice if they squeele, same for all options e.g. air con power steering should not rattle even when you turn the wheels interior map lights door locks ... basically check everything works fine ).

- now: start the engine. It should start easily, even on cold, shouldn't let out smoke or fumes ( a little bit is tolerated for diesels ), shouldn't cough, should stay idle at around 1000 rpm ( a little bit less, 800 or so on modern diesels ).

- drive the car around when it is cold but gently. make sure it does not shake too much ( engine ). Accelerate on first gear then hit the breaks as you press on the clutch: the car shouldn't stall.

- Once warm, put the car in third gear, clutch down, and release the cluth ( handbrake applied ) slowly. The car should come to a stall automatically, and not start making sounds like it is ready to move. Also, put the car in first gear ( this is sort of my stunt test ): let go of the clutch ( very gently or the car will jump on you ) then see how the car reacts ( according to the engine it should tell you the condition of the clutch and engine ... for e.g. on a Peugeot 309 GRD you touch the gas pedal a bit the car should start moving without a cough. on a TDI the car should do the same with a little rattle due to the high torque ... but shouldn't stall either )...

- drive the car in a straight line: let go of the steering wheel gently: the car shouldn't swerve to either side but keep going straight if the road is level!

- drive in fourth gear for a while then apply the brakes in a straight line: the car should not swerve to either side as you break.

- now the engine in warm, let's open up the oil level lid and check the oil level, and if any sign of fumes in engine compartment.

- now take the car for a spin, make sure the car responds correctly, doesn't let out fumes still, and no weird sounds at any speeds. Make sure all gears pass correctly, braking is correct, steering is correct, try so under different conditions.

- Last test: the luck test: buy it if it turns out OK, you still have luck! :p

P.S.: Please keep in mind while conducting these tests as to not cause more damage to the vehicle. Also be careful where you perform them ( the braking in straight line and accelerating on straight line ) because other people use the road too :p

Finally, and personally this is what I do, take the vehicle to the manufacturer, pay them a few dozen Euros and have it checked ( sometimes by computer ). This gives you peace of mind and someone to shout at if somethings wrong with the car .

Administratively: check all bills, vehicle history, paperwork, ownership, make sure the car is not stolen and is sold by its original rightful owner. If car is second hand ask for proof of purchase from original first owner. Always ask for as much paperwork and details as possible. At best, you know everything, at worst, the owner's tongue will slip and say something you shouldn't hear if... you're going to buy that car .

Good Luck.

From London Bridge, 37 posts

My experiences of buying cars:



- Loot newspaper is full of bargain bangers.

- Make sure it does not stink inside.

- Check it has some wheels they take then off around here.

- Check the bonnet can be opened.

- Make sure the heater works very important in winter.

- Go for test drive with you in the driving seat to make sure the engine pulls properly.

- Make sure brakes work well.

- Check out the performance acceleration and top speed.

- Drive the car in a straight line: let go of the steering wheel.

- Dive in all gears to make sure they work.

- Check the oil level.

- Haggle for a discount.

- Look around at the alternatives.



Good Luck.