The purchase of a used car is rarely easy, at least for buyers from private sellers. A dealer, by contrast, usually sells items ‘as seen.’ That is, all faults or problems become the liability of the buyer once the deal is sealed. Checking the vehicle in detail before the purchase will help you avoid extra costs and end up with a decent, reliable car.
A vital check that is commonly overlooked is an HPI check alternative, such as a Car History Check. These history reports provide a detailed background of hidden issues the vehicle may have, such as whether it is recorded as stolen or has outstanding finance against it.
A well-maintained car is much less likely to give you headaches down the line. To get you through that process, below is a highly detailed checklist on what to examine before sealing that deal:
- Tyre Condition
Check out the tread depth in all four tires, plus the spare for early signs of wear and/or damage. Check the tire for uneven tread wear that can be an indicator of being out of wheel or suspension alignment. Finally, check for cracks and bulges in the sidewalls, which can presage failure when inflated to the recommended pressure.
- Steering and Suspension
Check for smooth turning by doing a full-left-to-full-right turn of the steering wheel. Unusual noises, vibrations, or stiffness may be an indication of problems with steering rack or worn out suspension parts. Be cautious because suspension problems will cost to fix, and so ensure the test drive ride is stable and responsive.
- Gearbox and Clutch
For manual cars, test the clutch by fully depressing the pedal to ensure smooth gear shifts. A weak or overly stiff clutch could indicate wear or imminent failure. For automatics, be vigilant for warning lights, delayed shifts, rough gear changes, or unusual rev fluctuations. Automatic transmissions are particularly expensive to repair, so make sure the gearbox functions properly.
- Engine Performance
Start the engine and listen for any knocking, rattling or rough idling. A healthy engine should have a very smooth sound. Oil should be checked inside the oil dipstick and even inside the oil filler cap, and if brown, then probably internal damage exists. Blue smoke coming out from the exhaust pipe when revving the engine is a probable case of burning oil, meaning wearing out the engine.
- Exhaust System
Scrutinize the exhaust for visible rust or holes. A loud, roaring noise while driving might be a sign of a leak in the system. Replacing an exhaust is expensive, so factor that in.
- Bodywork and Rust
Rust, especially on wheel arches, door edges, and under the car is a must check. Be interested also by the panel joints and the paint consistency—mismatched paint and uneven gaps between panels could indicate previous accident repairs. For a more comprehensive inspection, you can also cross-reference the car’s details with a junkyard database to see if it has been listed or salvaged from any previous incidents, giving you a clearer understanding of its history.
- Engine Bay Inspection
An overly clean engine bay might have been washed to hide leaks. Look for signs of oil or coolant leaks, as well as flaking paint or rust around joints that might suggest past repairs.
- Interior Wear and Mileage
Check if the condition of the seats, pedals, and steering wheel matches the odometer reading. Excessive wear on a low-mileage car could indicate mileage tampering.
- Door Seals and Paintwork
Open and close each door to make sure it is properly aligned. Inspect the rubber seals for overspray or paint, signifying past accident work.
- Panel Alignment
Look at the car from various angles to determine if all panels are evenly aligned. If not-even gaps or wavy panels prevail, there is potential evidence of past accident damage coupled with low-grade repair work.
- Brake Performance
Test the brakes by gradual firm pressure during a test drive. The vehicle should smoothly stop without pulling towards one side or having any strange noises. A spongy, unresponsive feel to the brake might present air in the brake lines or worn brake components.
- Electrical Components
Ensure all electrical systems are working, including power windows, sunroof, mirrors, headlights, air conditioner, stereo, and infotainment. Faulty electronics can be expensive repairs, especially in newer units with complex wiring. It’s also important to also check if the vehicle has any outstanding safety recalls.
This is an all-inclusive checklist and will guide you through the proper steps in determining whether you should stay away from those concealed defects that could be associated with the vehicle. If at any point in this inspection, you feel the need to be uncertain, do not hesitate to engage a professional mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. Little more effort spent beforehand can avoid tremendous trouble and expense later.