Checking The Wheels And Tyres
This further external check is important to ensure any used buy already has a decent set of tyres. If it doesnt, negotiate money off the price, because new rubber can be costly.
Check all four wheels, plus the spare wheel if it has one. Look for signs of damage to each wheel. Grazes from kerbstones are common, and arent usually a serious problem, but wheels that are bent or have large dents in the rims will need repairing or replacing.
Check all of the tyres too. They should be free from cuts, splits, gouges or bulges if you see any, theyll need replacing. The tread should be at least 1.6mm deep around the whole tyre. Uneven tyre wear – where one side of the tyre is more worn than the other – can indicate poor wheel or suspension alignment. That could be caused by a crash, or simply hitting a pothole at speed, but will need fixing.
Tyres that are worn excessively around the middle of the tyre, or around both edges point to consistent under- or over-inflation and will need replacing.
Things To Avoid When Buying A Used Car
Buying a used car can be a smart investment when you need a replacement vehicle. While new car purchases tend to increase with a rising economy, used cars can provide a great alternative as long as you know how to shop for one.
You can get the most bang for your buck with a used car. While this provides an opportunity to live more economically, a used car, by definition, has issues from regular wear and tear. Therefore, it’s important to avoid making these costly mistakes when you’re in the market for a second-hand car.
Mot And Service History
You can take a look at a cars MOT history yourself online on the government website. All youll need is the cars registration.
Sometimes though, you may find buyers have kept physical records of MOTs as well as receipts for any work taken out. Pay particular attention to those, as it can be a good sign of a very well-kept car.
What you cant check online is a cars service history. Most used cars should come with a service book though, showing when and where routine work has been carried out. Keep an eye out for cars with main dealer history in particular, which will near guarantee manufacturer-approved parts have been used for services.
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How Long Have They Owned The Car
The longer someone owns a car, the more they can tell you about it. If someones been driving their car for a while without too many problems, it might be a sign that the car is pretty reliable. But if someone is trying to sell a car after owning it for only a year or less, theyre probably not happy with the car for some reason.
Thats not always the case, but you need to dig a little deeper to make sure the seller isnt just trying to unload their clunker on you.
Buying A Used Car Privately
If youre on a budget, buying a secondhand car privately can prove to be a much cheaper option than visiting a dealer, but is it the best thing to do?
- Secondhand cars are usually priced much more cheaply when sold privately than at a dealership and theres often more room for negotiating as the seller isnt attempting to make a profit
- Buying privately offers a great opportunity to meet the previous owner of the car and get a feel for how well its been looked after. For instance If its clean, with few minor bodywork faults, then its probably been cared for over its life. As most dealers have a professional valeter clean all their cars, its harder to tell how well theyve been maintained
- Meeting the previous owner also gives you the opportunity to find out their motives for selling it – do they have a genuine reason, or is it a problematic car they want rid of?
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Is Low Mileage On A Used Car Better
Low-mileage used cars can certainly be appealing, but it doesn’t necessarily make them a great deal. Low mileage can certainly mean less wear and tear and a longer life. However, if a car is driven infrequently, AutoTrader says that the plastic and rubber parts on the vehicle may dry out and get brittle. It’s also better for the drivetrain when the vehicle is used consistently. You may end up with a vehicle that needs a lot of repairs and reconditioning, says AutoTrader which could cost you more in the long run.
It’s smart to check the mileage on a used vehicle, but keep in mind that how the vehicle has been maintained and used may be more important that what the odometer says.
Be Wary Of Dealers Who Dont Offer A Vin Search
While vehicle history reports are available for purchase, the truth is that you shouldnt have to pay for one if youre buying from a used-car dealer. Most reputable dealers provide one for free and even link each specific vehicle report to their ads. If the ad doesnt contain one and the dealer doesnt offer one, consider that a bright red flag.
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Decide Between Private Vs Dealership
If you want to know what the difference is between buying from a private seller or from a car dealership, there are pros and cons for each that you should keep in mind.
- Private seller used vehicle comes “as is” so any issues that exist when you buy it are your responsibility
- Dealership used vehicles are usually cleaned and fixed up before being sold
So in general, a privately sold car might be a bit less expensive but they are less flexible in their selection and purchasing options and you as the buyer take on far greater risk of getting scammed.
Example!
Have The Car Inspected
If you like the car, consider having a mechanic inspect it before you buy it. If you don’t have a mechanic, Google and Yelp are good places to read local shops’ reviews. A prepurchase inspection costs $100-$200 and can alert you to problems you may not find yourself. It’s a smart investment.
A private-party seller will probably allow you to do this without much resistance. Most dealerships will let you borrow a car for an outside mechanic to inspect. You’ll be paying for the inspection, of course. If it is a CPO car, there’s already been an inspection and the car has a warranty, so there is little reason to take it to an independent mechanic.
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Not Having The Car Checked By A Mechanic
While many people test drive cars before purchasing, few have used cars checked out by mechanics before finalizing the deal. Even if you have to pay for the inspection yourself, it could save you a lot of money in the long run. However, it’s possible to have the seller pay for the inspection. If the seller is a car dealer, chances are it’s already an offer, but make sure it is. If it’s a private seller, they probably won’t offer, so it’s important to ask.
Used Car Interior Checks
The condition of a cars interior can help to indicate whether the mileage is genuine. A car with 20,000 miles on the clock should have an interior thats almost like new – if its tired and worn, especially the steering wheel, seat bases and side bolsters, the seller could be hiding something.
Check for rips or tears in the upholstery, holes drilled in the dashboard and a sagging roof lining. A smokers car might be prone to burns in the seats too. If youre happy with the condition, thats fine, but if youre not, haggle some money off the price to pay for repairs.
Whats more important is to check all the equipment works, from the lights to ventilation system , to all electric features such as the windows, sunroof, radio and central locking. Budget for repairs if you spot anything.
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Questions To Ask The Seller When Buying A Used Car
Buying a used car can be stressful, but if you think youve found the right car for you make sure you ask the seller these 10 questions to give yourself some peace of mind:
1. Can I see the car?
This might sound like a redundant question, but if youre buying privately online its imperative you see the car and inspect it with your own eyes before parting with any money. Never buy a car from a private seller without seeing it first.
2. Can the car be legally sold?
This is a biggie. If a car cant be legally sold for any reason if its been written off or subject to outstanding finance then, put simply, dont buy it. If you do, youll be left driving illegally and could face a fine, a ban, or even repossession.
3. Why are you selling the car?
You can dress it up as simply making conversation, but put the seller on the spot by asking specific questions about why they want to part with the car. This could catch them out and throw up something that wasnt included in the description.
4. Can I see the paperwork?
A used car should come with a set of documents including V5C certificate and full service history so ask to see them. You can check a cars history against what you find on the RACs vehicle history tool.
5. How many previous owners has it had?
Generally speaking, the more owners a car has had, the less its worth. So, whether the car youre looking at has had seven owners or just the one, it should be reflected in the price.
6. Has the car been in an accident?
What Are Your Buyers Rights For A Used Car
Under the Consumer Rights Act, all cars bought from dealers must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.
It is also true that, whether bought through a dealer, or privately, the vehicle you buy must be roadworthy which means it must be fit and safe to drive.
Section 75 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 states that it is illegal for anyone to sell a vehicle that is not roadworthy.
If you can demonstrate that there is a fault with the vehicle, you will be entitled to a number of remedies depending on when you bring the fault to the traders attention:
If you pay for all or part of the vehicle via credit card, you may be able to seek redress from your credit card provider.
They can be jointly responsible for problems with your vehicle under The Consumer Credit Act 1974.
If your vehicle is subject to a finance or lease agreement, your options may vary considerably.
Escalating an issue to court? What’s the procedure
If you cannot come to an amicable resolution with the dealership, there is a process in place which can still provide a remedy.
If giving them an opportunity to remedy any breaches of contract do not come to fruition, the next stage is to send a letter before action.
A helpful website for the court process can be found here.
An MOT is not proof of roadworthiness
Please note that an MOT certificate from a test several months ago is no guarantee that the vehicle is roadworthy on the day you are looking to buy it.
A V5C doc is not proof of ownership
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Window Motors And Switches
Roll the windows down one at a time, Lang said. Ideally, the master switch on the drivers door and the individual switch on the passenger door should be able to control them smoothly. Stuttering or inconsistent movement may indicate a faulty window motor, regulator, or switch.
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Why Is A Pre
A pre-purchase inspection is essential to determine the cosmetic, mechanical and safety condition of a car. A mechanic can help pinpoint any existing conditions as well as highlight potential future issues. This information is critical and can help provide negotiation leverage.
Where to get a pre-purchase inspection.
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What Are The Financing Considerations When Buying A Used Car
There are two main payment options when you buy used :
Keep in mind that financing a used vehicle will increase the overall cost of the vehicle as you will have to pay interest and other finance fees. If you plan to finance, shop around to find the best option. Consider the dealer, your credit union, or your bank to get the lowest financing rates.
Check The Color Of The Transmission Fluid
This is a must-check when buying a used car. The transmission fluid should be pink or red. It may appear darker in older cars, but the fluid should never look black or smell burnt. Transmission fluid level should also be full. If the transmission stops working, it may be more cost-effective to buy another car than repair the damaged car.
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Has It Been Exposed To Lots Of Road Salt
Salt acts as a corrosion agent that can promote rust on metal surfaces. Rust can be particularly bad in areas like the Midwest and Northeast where road salt is used to melt snow and ice. Ditto for more temperate coastal areas where theres a lot of salt in the air. Areas that are warmer and dryer tend to be a better bet for older cars. Though garage-kept is always better than not.
Things To Look Out For When Buying A Used Car From A Private Seller
So, you saw an online listing for a used car from a private seller and you want to make an offer. Not so fast.
The decision to buy a car from a private seller should not be taken lightly. The process takes time, preparation, and can be fraught with pitfalls.
To minimize the risk of getting ripped off or scammed, there are some important checks you should always perform before, during, and after viewing the vehicle.
The following 10 steps will help you find a reliable used vehicle at a fair price.
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Ensure Theres No Engine Damage
If there is smoke coming from the exhaust, this could be a sign that there is engine damage. The last thing you want to deal with after you have purchased your used car is engine damage! Make sure you dont miss any telling signs like this as you carry out your test drive. No used car dealership in Prince Albert should be selling a used vehicle with engine damage.
Dont Rule Out Private Sellers
Its a common misconception that dealers offer higher-quality used cars for lower prices than you could find for sale on Craigslist or other peer-to-peer sites. The truth, however, is that there is no data to back up this assumption. In fact, dealers have to make a profit on each used car they sell when private sellers are often just trying to sell an older car quickly and could be more willing to negotiate. Also, some states dont levy sales tax on private vehicle transactions.
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Build A Target List Of Used Vehicles
It’s no secret that the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV-4 make for good used cars. But they might cost a few thousand more than a comparable Ford Escape or Kia Sportage, even though these are solid cars too. So if you’re looking to save money, consider more than one brand. We suggest making a list of three cars that meet your needs and fall within your budget. Edmunds reviews have great information to guide your choices.
If you’re planning to buy a vehicle that is less than 5 years old, consider one that’s certified pre-owned . CPO vehicles have long-term warranties that are backed by the carmaker, not just the dealership selling it to you. Franchised dealerships that sell that same brand new are the only ones that can sell a CPO car of the same brand. So if you want a CPO Chevy Equinox, for example, you’ll need to buy it from a Chevy dealer.
