| When looking to buy a second hand car you should be | | | | Checking the Interior |
| extra careful and vigilant as purchasing a car from a | | | | Ensure all the electrics, including mirrors; windows and |
| private sale does not usually come with the | | | | central locking are in good working order. Test the |
| reassurance of a warranty. | | | | seat belts click into their sockets and retract properly. |
| Used cars have one major advantage over buying a | | | | Check the wear on the foot pedals, as this will give |
| brand new vehicle and that is the price. Used cars, | | | | you an indication if the vehicle has covered an |
| even if only a year or two old are substantially | | | | excessive amount of miles. Lift any seat blankets, |
| cheaper than new cars. From the moment a vehicle is | | | | which may be hiding burns and stains. Do not be afraid |
| driven off a dealer's forecourt the depreciation begins | | | | to check under floor mats and upholstery for rot and |
| and in the early days the price drop is disproportionate | | | | corrosion. Feel around for any damp or water residue |
| to the vehicles actual wear and tear. | | | | and when inside have a good sniff for any mould or |
| If you are not mechanically minded yourself it is | | | | pet smells, as this is a sure sign there may be stains or |
| probably a good idea to take someone, preferably a | | | | damp lurking somewhere. |
| mechanic with you or better still instruct a specialist | | | | Exterior inspection |
| engineer to examine the vehicle on your behalf. | | | | Look down the sides of the vehicle as some used |
| Although this will increase your budget it will not only | | | | cars would have suffered the odd bump or two in |
| give you peace of mind but will undoubtedly be money | | | | their time. Check to see if the panels are in line and |
| well spent if a serious problem is discovered. | | | | free from any filer. Make sure there are no irregular |
| Take your time and do not rush into a purchase just | | | | gaps between the doors, bonnet and boot. Check the |
| because you think you will lose the sale. Remember | | | | colour match on each panel for signs of a respray. |
| there are thousands of used cars out there to choose | | | | Feel under the wheel arches and seals for signs of |
| from. | | | | rust. |
| Decide on your budget and stick to it! Make sure you | | | | Most used cars will need some money spent on them |
| have included tax, insurance and any accessories you | | | | and normally this will be tires and exhausts. The |
| might need on top of the actual cost of the car in your | | | | minimum tyre tread is 1.6mm so check all the tyres |
| budget. Make sure you are buying the right car for | | | | have at least this depth and factor replacement costs |
| your needs. If it's a family vehicle you are looking for to | | | | into your budget if they are near the mark. Inspect the |
| ferry the kids around, do not get carried away looking | | | | exhaust, and check that it is not noisy or blowing. |
| at two seated roadsters. It's easily done! | | | | The Engine |
| Make sure you research thoroughly and buy several | | | | Check the engine oil and ensure that it is brown and |
| magazines and guides from your local newsagent. This | | | | transparent. Make sure the paintwork in the engine bay |
| will help you have a better understanding of prices and | | | | matches that of the cars exterior. Check for leaks on |
| market trends, as you will find thousands of used cars | | | | hoses and pipes before and after the test drive. |
| listed. | | | | When the engine is started it should idle smoothly. |
| When viewing any used cars make sure you do it in | | | | Listen carefully for any irregular rattles or grinding |
| the daytime preferably at the seller's home address. | | | | sounds. |
| Daytime viewings will ensure that any defects to the | | | | The Test Drive |
| bodywork are easily noticed and viewing the vehicle at | | | | Do not be afraid to ask for a test drive, preferably |
| the seller's home address will give you an idea of how | | | | with you driving the vehicle. |
| the vehicle has been maintained. If the vendor wants | | | | If possible drive the vehicle on a variety of road |
| to carry out the transaction elsewhere demand that it | | | | surfaces so you can feel the cars handling. Check the |
| is a public place. This is for your own safety, as you | | | | suspension is solid and the vehicle holds a true line. |
| do not know who you will be dealing with. | | | | Listen for any grinding when the steering wheel is at |
| It is quite normal for used cars to have had several | | | | full lock. Once the vehicle is moving listen for any |
| prior owners so do not be put of by this, but do check | | | | irregular engine noises. |
| the cars log book and service history carefully making | | | | Closing the Deal |
| sure the documents are in order and all the dates and | | | | Once you are satisfied the vehicle is for you and it has |
| records check out. | | | | passed the above checks do not be afraid to haggle |
| Carry out a H P I check to verify the cars history. You | | | | over the price. Most sellers of used cars are prepared |
| will be able to determine if the vehicle has any | | | | to negotiate over the original asking price. Where |
| outstanding finance or if it has been stolen. Also this | | | | possible try to get the seller to include any extras or |
| check will determine if the vehicle has been subject to | | | | accessories. |
| an insurance write off or if the mileage has been | | | | An important point to remember is not to feel |
| altered. | | | | pressured into buying a car no matter how good the |
| Ask the vendor as many questions as possible about | | | | sales patter is. |
| the cars history, especially the reason for sale. That | | | | If you have any doubts about the purchase then DO |
| said; do not take any reply as an absolute truth! | | | | NOT BUY as there are many other used cars out |
| Take as long as you want with your inspection | | | | there to choose from. |