Buying a second hand car can be a daunting task, especially when you know little about cars. However, New World Cars offers potential buyers a few tips on what to look out for when purchasing a second motor; here’s what they advise.
Check the Vehicle Documents
Vehicle documents can tell you everything about a car’s history. Car documents should be updated every time the car is serviced or undergoes any work, however not all documents are up-to-date, and some are even forged, so if you have inkling that the car is not 100% legitimate, you may want to use a third party company to perform a complete vehicle history check.
Millage
On average, most cars travel approx. 10,000 miles each year – unless of course they are used for deliveries or other tasks that require regular long haul journeys. So be sure to compare the cars clock to the numbers on the document to see if everything adds up.
Reported Accidents
Accidents and repairs can drastically reduce the value of the car, and for this reason some sellers will attempt to cover up any work the vehicle has undergone. Checking the car for any external damage and/or signs of repair can be the tell tale sign that the car’s history is not all it’s cracked up to be.
Check for Rust and Exterior Damage
Although you may not have the expertise to check over the engine for any problems, looking over the bodywork to make sure everything is in order can be done by anyone, as long as they know what to look for.
Look for any inconsistencies in the panels, for example, paint can be extremely difficult to match properly when applied at different times, so any difference in the color of the panels could indicate undisclosed repairs.
Magnets are also a great tool to help you spot any rust damage that has been covered up. Simply place the magnet on any suspect parts and if it doesn’t stick, that will show that the metal underneath is not structurally sound, and has likely been hidden with a touch of paint.
Vehicle History Checks
If, for whatever reason, you believe the car you’re interested in is suspicious in anyway, then a vehicle history check can help you uncover any issues that have been wiped from the record. Vehicle history checks may seem like an non-essential additional cost, but when you take into consideration the cost of the car, and the potential cost of running into further problems down the line, it becomes obvious that paying those few extra dollars can go a long way.
Use a Trusted Used Car Dealership
If you’re in search of a reliable second-hand car, then a dealer can help you out. Be sure to check out their online reputation before you buy.