| In this guide I won't be going into much detail when or | | | | it, press every single button there is and see if it does |
| where to buy as we will be looking on things to check | | | | something, because if something isn't working there |
| on a car itself. | | | | might be some electrical problems with a car and |
| When inspecting a car be very thorough and check | | | | usually they are quite expensive to repair. Check under |
| every single thing you can. | | | | the spare wheel in boot, this usually is the first place |
| Engine - The most important and most expensive part | | | | where rust starts to build up. |
| to fix. So be very vigilant when checking engine. | | | | Wheels. |
| Check the overall condition of the engine, see that | | | | Check the wheels for wear and disks for any |
| there are no oil leaks in engine bay also check oil level, | | | | damage. Put your hand on a wheel and check that |
| if it's under Full mark this might indicate that engine is | | | | thread is even, if thread is more worn on either side |
| either leaking oil or using and that means there could | | | | this could mean that wheel alignment is off, it's an easy |
| be some major issues. Oil should be dark brown and | | | | fix but you can either get seller to fix it or get him to |
| not black, there also should be sticker in engine bay or | | | | lower a price a bit to cover the cost of repair. |
| in door isle saying when was the last time that oil was | | | | Fraud and scam. |
| changed. Also open oil filler cap and check that there | | | | As you know used car market is huge and as with |
| are no white foam on a back of the cap, this could | | | | every industry there are people who will cheat. |
| indicate that engine has been overheating or that the | | | | Odometer |
| cooling fluid is leaking into oil system. It's ideal if you | | | | There has been many cases where odometers have |
| have a possibility to test the engine from cold and hot | | | | been rolled back even the new electronic ones, but it's |
| start. When engine is running check the exhaust pipe | | | | possible to detect that, first check the interior if the |
| for blue smoke - this indicates that engine is using oil | | | | odometer says the car has only done 20 thousand |
| and thus can be very expensive to repair. White | | | | miles but seats are worn this could mean that odo has |
| smoke is ok - white smoke is produced from | | | | been rolled back, you can also check things like pedals, |
| condensation in exhaust. | | | | gear knob etc. Also look under hood if the car has had |
| Exterior visual condition. | | | | air-con serviced usually they put a sticker with millage |
| Check exterior for any scratches and dents, usually | | | | when it was done. Also check tires on average car |
| not very expensive to repair but it shows how careful | | | | can do up to 50,000 miles on one tires and again if the |
| previous owner has been with the car, as many | | | | car has only done 10,000 miles and tires are worn this |
| people tend to modify their cars also check wheel | | | | could indicate in fraud attempt. |
| arches put your hand into wheel arch to check for any | | | | Service Books |
| damage from wheels hitting wheel arches. Also check | | | | Check that every single scheduled service has been |
| the gap between doors and panels, and if they are not | | | | done, compare the VIN number on service book to the |
| the same this could indicate that car has been in a | | | | one on a car. |
| serious accident. | | | | If you are unsure on something about the car you are |
| Interior condition. | | | | thinking to buy, you can always seek advice in your |
| Check seats, steering wheel and gear knob for wear. | | | | local garage, and they should be able to inspect the |
| Try and open every single window fully and then close | | | | car for you and it usually doesn't cost a fortune either. |