10 Top Tips For What To Look For When Buying a Car

The car you drive talks a lot about your personality, so we advise you to buy with your head rather than your heart. The vehicle in front of you may appear to be the perfect vehicle for you, but if it will cause you endless problems and costs, it could be a wolf in sheep's clothing. The following are the top ten inspection checklists for buying a used vehicle:

Bodywork inspection

Minor dents and scratches are common on older vehicles. It is unlikely that a car will not acquire a few marks and battle scars over its lifetime, but signs of major damage, whether repaired or not, can indicate collisions or breakages that were not addressed properly. Gaps between bodywork panels are key indicators of improperly repaired framework damage. Different coloured panels are also tell-tale signs of severe damage repair that necessitates bodywork replacement.

Windscreen or window chips

Windshield chips can develop into cracks that necessitate repair or replacement. Chips in the driver's line of sight may result in a MOT failure, so make sure to find out if this is the case. Check that all windows, whether manual or automatic, open and close properly.

Wheel and tyre condition

All tyres must have a minimum depth of 1.6mm to be road legal, so anything less than 3mm will need to be replaced soon. Uneven tyre wear (excessive wear on one side more than the other) can indicate a problem with wheel balance, steering, or suspension. Remember to check the spare wheel and tyre. A jack, a spanner, and any special adapters required for locking wheel nuts, if applicable, should also be available.

Engine noise and leaking fluids

The engine should not make any unusual noises, and no coloured smoke should be emitted from the exhaust. When you depress or release the accelerator, if you hear knocking sounds, misfiring, or unusual or unexpected variations from the engine, proceed with extreme caution. Check the levels and obvious signs of leaks in all fluid reservoirs, including engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant/antifreeze. Low fluid levels may indicate a lack of maintenance or faulty hoses or engine parts. Examine the area beneath the oil cap as well. Any evidence of a white, thick mayonnaise-like substance could be condensation, but it is more likely to be coolant interacting with the oil. This could mean that the head gasket isn't doing its job correctly. Examine the ground beneath the vehicle thoroughly. Any leaking fluids may leave a patch or stain on the ground to indicate where they are leaking.

Examine the clutch and gearbox

Check for a sweet spot and a smooth transition between engine and accelerator. Any unusual noises or clunky vibrations indicate that one or both of these components is failing.

Check the car's brakes

Don't be afraid to slam on the brakes hard. You'll need to be certain that you can do so in an emergency, so make sure they're not spongy or slow to respond. You must be certain that the brakes on the vehicle are in perfect working order.

Examine the car battery and electrics

Check all of the vehicle's electric components, such as the headlights, indicators, mirrors, and windows, as well as the central locking, air conditioning, and stereo. Inspect the battery as well, checking the terminals for wear and tear, leaks, and corrosion.

Examine the interior and upholstery for rips or cracks

A car's interior and upholstery can reveal information about its level of usage. A worn-out steering wheel, worn-out pedals, or excessive wear to the side of the driver's seat fabric indicate a car that has been driven frequently. If this does not correspond to high mileage, the odometer may have been tampered with. Find out what's causing any unusual odours. It doesn't always have to be from a drenched dog or a particularly vicious take-out.

Examine the service history and registration documents carefully

The V5C registration document, also known as the logbook, is proof of ownership. Check that all of the car's details match the information on the V5C and that the displayed Vehicle Identification Number matches the one on the car. If the V5C indicates a lot of owners in a short period of time, it could mean that problems were passed down from one owner to the next. If the address does not match that of a private seller, it may be stolen or the work of a trader posing as a private seller. Whatever the reason is, you should find out. You should also gather as much service history and previous MOT documentation as possible. This will give you a much better understanding of how the car has performed and how well it has been maintained over time.

If you are still unsure, seek the assistance of a professionally trained technician

If you want unbiased professional advice, schedule a pre-purchase inspection with your local car garage to avoid expensive repairs and buy with confidence. The car mechanic will inspect the vehicle to provide you with an honest assessment of its condition. Before you buy a car, your local garage should have a team of expert mechanics and technicians who can help you determine its condition. In the long run, this professional service and advice could save you a lot of money.

So, if you're unsure whether or not to buy a car, protect yourself and your wallet by having a friendly and professional car mechanic give you the complete rundown on purchasing a new-to-you car.

What is the one unbreakable rule when purchasing a used car?

Buying a used car is a risk. We always advise you to walk away if you are not completely satisfied with the vehicle or its owner at any point during the selection process. There will be other cars, many of which will be in much better condition and even for a lower price.

If something about what you're seeing bothers you, disregard it. There is a better vehicle available for you. You must be completely satisfied with your decisions because your safety and finances are at stake.

Unless you're a trained mechanic in car repairs or car service in Reading, buying a car can feel like a game of chance. Buying from a dealer, trade garage, or private seller reduces the risks of buying into someone else's problems rather than getting the deal of the century. That, however, is a topic for another day.