Shopping for a used vehicle provides an attractive means of saving money, minimising depreciation, and avoiding long waiting lists. In the UK, around seven million people buy a used vehicle every year – a figure which is several times that of the new car market. So, if you’re in this position, you’re in good company.
The used market poses several challenges and potential snags. There are many different ways of addressing these, including GAP insurance and other specialised products.
What to Check for Before Buying a Used Vehicle
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In most cases, however, you can avoid the hassle by taking a close look at the vehicle under consideration.
What Should I be Checking?
The Engine
If your engine leaks, it’s unlikely to perform well for very long. The same applies to excessive smoke coming out of the exhaust. Lift the bonnet and check the condition of the gaskets. Make sure that you know what you’re looking at.
Gearbox and Clutch
You can typically tell a lot about the gearbox from the smoothness of the gear changes. If it feels stiff, or you’re hearing unpleasant grinding sounds, then you’ve got reason to be alarmed. The same applies to the biting point of the clutch – if it feels loose or spongy, then the clutch is failing. Get a discount to reflect this.
Bodywork
The state of the bodywork should be reflected in the asking price. Check the entire exterior of the vehicle, including the space underneath it. Take a torch so that you can carry out a proper examination.
Wheels and Tyres
If the tyres are excessively worn, then they’ll need to be replaced. Check the distribution of the wear, too, as this might provide a clue to underlying issues with the vehicle. If the tyres are all worn on one side, for example, this might point to a misalignment.
Interior
Take a look around the cabin, taking note of the dashboard. If you see any warning lights, then make a note of them. Look inside the boot, too. Any dirt or debris might be taken as a sign that the car hasn’t been properly looked after.
Test Drive
Never buy a car you haven’t driven. Pick a route for the test drive that will provide a variety of challenges. If you aren’t feeling the car as you drive it, then it’s a good sign that you need to walk away.
Documents
You’ll need a few documents to make the sale final and legally binding. The MOT history can be checked online, but you should still ask for the V5c logbook.
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