When you buy a car your going to spend some hard earned cash. In this day and age a few checks earlier will save 100’s possibly later.
Here is my list.
Check the history.
Check all mot’s see what’s been replaced look at last mot what it failed on.
How many owners are there.
Look for mileage are in there descripencies.
Check mileage with hpi.
Check for major parts replaced, like engine, gearbox, clutch.
Outside visual inspection.
1.tyres how long before you change them.
2.visual rust do bubble check on body work.
3.match all window serial numbers to see if replaced early sign of damage or change.
4.look at the body panels do any of them look loose look carefully at the width between joints usually a tell tale sign body panel changes or repair.
5 . does the paint job match some panels newer than others beware painted and possibly damage repaired.
6. Look at the lights do they match.
Inside the car.
1. check all the electrics do they all work.
2. Any lights on the dash means trouble as anything from abs to srs which are going to cost.
3. Look at the steering wheel what condition does it match the mileage. The smoother the steering the higher the mileage.
4. Feel the clutch is it coming high before the car moves. Could need replacing flywheel may need changing too.
5. Check aircon is working is it cold as it needs to be.
6. Check all electric pack buttons, doors, lights, locking, security do windows go up and down do side mirrors work electric seats ect.
7.look at the interior does it match the mileage, do the seats match, fix all seat belts do they lock.
8. Check heating do all settings work, does it work as it should.
9.if it has sunroof open close, check for leaks feel the roof interior if it’s way, check carpets back front boot if wet.
Boot.
1.Check lights.
2.Does it lock and open with key without issue.
3.look at the inside carefully on the sides see if there are dents could be repaired something you can’t see from outside.
4.remove carpeting check the spare wheel, tools, look at the flooring, check for rust, visual inspection important.
5.Make sure the lights work get the owner or seller to put break on to check the lights are OK.
Engine bay.
1.check oil make sure it’s the colour it supposed to be anything other than black or dark brown is wrong, if black smell it, does it smell burnt if it does issue with engine, if creamy issue with engine, water what does it look like is it oily, issue with engine, if slightly orangey ok depending on age. Otherwise issue leave it.
2. check break fluid, check all belts visual inspection.
3.check for rust, check the lock on the bonnet.
4. Get the seller to start car, any noises, if diesel expect some noise depends on age. Get seller to press gas or acceleration does it sound d off, is there a ticking sound ask questions.
Ask questions.
if you can take someone with you a second set of eyes will see something you might miss, also will give you confidence.
Do a hpi check, see if it matches what you ask the owner.
There are more checks but these are the minimum.
Be vigilant.
Any questions email
By Dabeer Hussain
[email protected]
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