What to look out for when assessing a used car

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by: bythesea
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Word Count: 560
Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2011 Time: 2:03 AM
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Although a lengthy test drive is perhaps the best way to assess a used car for potential problems, there are a number of visual checks you can make while the car is stationary that will often show telltale signs of previous issues or accidents that the seller has neglected to mention.

First of all, you should give the exterior of the vehicle a thorough examination. Check the car's side, bonnet and roof panels to ensure they are aligned properly; if not, the chances are that some repair work has been undertaken following an accident. For similar reasons, check the car's paintwork carefully for signs of a re-spray - key areas to check here are around the rubber seals on the windows and wheel arches, where blemishes or drip marks can give the game away.

Also be sure to take a good look inside the boot. Don't simply open it up and look at the available space; lift up the carpet and remove the spare tyre to get a good look at the whole boot area to check for any signs of repair work. Another idea is to check the car tyres for uneven tread wear, as this can indicate that the steering needs to be readjusted.

It's also important to keep a vigilant eye open once you venture inside the car. Look carefully at the vehicle's trim and upholstery as wear in these areas can be a real giveaway if the seller is claiming the car has done less mileage than it actually has. If the interior looks rough for the mileage that the seller says it has covered, then the chances are that either he's lying or he's treated the car badly since it's been in his possession. While you're in the driver's seat, check that all of the instruments work as they should.

Get back out of the car and check under the bonnet. You don't have to be an expert here; some rudimentary tests should tell you all you need to know about the state of the car. Firstly, remove the dip stick. If the level of oil is low then either the car is getting through lots of it, or the seller has maintained it poorly. Also look out for black or burnt oil on the dip stick as this can often mean that the car has not been serviced correctly.

Finally, turn the engine on and listen for any unusual noises. Many older cars will of course have developed a bit of a light rattle, but if the engine sounds rough to you then the chances are that it's on its way out. Move around to the rear of the vehicle and ask the seller to rev the engine hard; you should expect to see a small amount of light smoke but if it's excessive then you can bet that the engine is in a state of disrepair.

All of these tips will help you to rule out many potential problems with the car you're looking to buy - but also be sure to take the vehicle out for a spin to completely set your mind at ease before handing over the cash. When you do buy a used car, make sure you also take out the relevant motor insurance so that you'll be covered if you're unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident.

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