Sooner or later, there comes a time when you have to buy a new used car :)
With todays car dealers and technology getting more innovative by the minute, you have to look out for any signs that might tip you off to the fact that the car is a scam or that the seller is tring to rip you off.
These are the things I THINK you should do and look out for, when buying a used car:
1. Bring a trained mechanic with you
If you know little to nothing about cars, pay a mechanic a few bucks and let him check the car out with you or for you.
2. Alway look in the trunk for a spare tyre
If there is no spare tyre or if it was already replaced or the repair kit has alredy been used, ask as to why so. What happend that those had to be used? It could be that it was just a flat tyre or the car could have been badly damaged.
3. If #2 raises suspicion, try to check out the chassis and the wheels that are on the car
If the wheels, for example, are dented, that could be a sign, that the car was involved in a crash/accident and the seller is not telling you about it. Check the chassis anyway.
4. Look at the brake discs
Look especially at the edges of the brake disc. If they are in a really bad, rough shape, try to negotiate the price for the replacement of those.
5. Tyres
Look what year the tyres, that are on the car, were manufactured in and what state they are in (tyre profile).
6. Look under the car mats.
The car mats can be easyly replaced to make it look like the car was very well taken care off. But usally stains, cigarete burns etc. stay on the car flor.
7. If the Steering wheel is very fresh in regard to the milage on the car, you should ask why.
8. Check under the hood
Even if you dont know anything about motors and cars, let the seller tell you something about it. If the motor engine is very very clean and it has been presure cleaned, ask why.
9. Check the history of the car on sites like carfax.com
Enter the VIN number and see what is up...
10. Check the Service book of the car
Go through it and check if the car was regularly serviced. If there is no service book, that should raise an alarm.
P.S. 11. Take the car to an official car dealership for a check up - if possible
But if you are buying a used car from an official car dealership itself and you spot any shady signs and explanations... 10 points! Thanks to @kingmotan for this one.
SO these are my 10 check up points when buying a new used car.
Disclaimer: I am not a car mechanic, just a car enthusisat.
What would you add to this list?
TELL ME in the comments bellow and I WILL ADD THEM TO THE LIST (if they make sense).
Cheers
ALJO
I would take the car to the official dealer for an inspection. In my country if you buy a skoda for example u can get it directly from the skoda dealership. There aren't many 3rd party dealers.
Good list of advices
TRUE. That I would say would be the safest bet. It is going on the list.
Hey thanks, I'm glad you agree
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