13 Things to Check Before Buying A Used Car

So, you have finally decided that buying a used car is a good option for you – and we wholeheartedly agree with you. Buying second-hand is a great way to fulfill your commute needs without breaking the bank.

But, how can you make sure that the car is everything it was touted to be in the advertisement? In this article, we list down some of the things you should check before putting pen to paper and bringing the vehicle home.

Vehicle History

This is perhaps the single-most-important aspect when it comes to second-hand vehicle purchases. Always ask the current owner as many questions as you can and derive plenty of information.
Paid services like CARFAX can provide brief info on the car, including its accident history and any prior or current claims. Such information is gathered through the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

It is extremely unwise to buy a car without learning its history, so make sure you have that covered.

Paint or Rust Damage

As you examine the car, keep an eye out for any paint chips or rusty spots. Tiny, localized rust patches can be fixed easily and should therefore not be a deal-breaker. However, if you find places where the entire metal is rusted, that is a different story and should compel you to reconsider your purchase.

Registration Certificate

You would want to make sure that the person selling the car to you is its actual current owner. You might also want to see if the car is being sold for the first time or if it has had multiple owners.
Fortunately, these things can easily be checked through the Registration Certificate – specifically through the Owner Serial Number. This number will tell you the number of times the car has been sold so far.
Also make sure that all previous dues, including road tax, have been cleared. If the car is CNG or LPG fitted, do not forget to go through the Bi-fuel certification and Pollution Under Certificate (PUC).

Insurance Validity

Many people do not consider this important, but it is crucial to check the current insurance papers of the second-hand vehicle you are considering purchasing.
If you are wondering about the importance of checking insurance papers, these papers will allow you to see whether the car has had any accidents or insurance-related issues in the past.
Before buying a second-hand car, make sure to either buy a new insurance policy or to transfer the existing policy in your own name. Failure to do so could mean an insurance claim rejection in case of a mishap or an accident.

Frame Issues

While examining the vehicle, also see if there are any problems with the frame. Make sure that the car is level with the ground and there is nothing hanging from the undercarriage. Focus on the bumpers and check for any new warping or bolts on the hood as they could reflect a recent accident.

Tires

Needless to say, tires are a highly important aspect of any car and should be thoroughly examined. See if the tire is worn recently and check for the manufacturing date of the tires. The dimension provided by the manufacturer should match the dimensions of the tires. Poor tire alignment leads to extra wear or uneven treads, indicating issues with suspensions, frames, and steering.

Mileage

You want to know how far the car you are about to buy has been driven but are unclear on how to check the mileage. An easy way to calculate the mileage is by dividing the odometer number by the vehicle age.
Mileage reveals a lot about how the car has been treated. A high mileage means a greater likelihood of wear and tear of mechanical components. A recently produced car showing a high mileage number is a certain red flag, as it indicates that the car was used roughly and vigorously.

Air-conditioning System

The last thing you want in the unbearable heat is a malfunctioning air-conditioning system. Hence, carefully check the air-conditioning system of your potential vehicle, and check if it still has a coolant.

Examine for any cracks and make sure that the compressor is functioning fine. Although these issues can be fixed but there is no guarantee how long the solution will last.
Find the sticker on the condenser which contains information about the coolant type. A lot of experts say that R134 is the most preferable coolant.

Other Electronics

Alongside the air-conditioner, you will also want to examine the other electrical components of the vehicle. These include the parking sensors, back-parking camera, and the music system. Press a few buttons to see if all the features and options are in order

Upholstery

Interior fabric and the seats can easily get damaged in a vehicle. Carefully assess all the front and back seats for any sign of cracks, stains, or tears on the leather. Remember that upholstery repairing can be costly, and you do not want to spend that kind of money.

Trunk

Much like the mileage, the trunk also gives hints about how the previous owner(s) have treated the vehicle. In addition, a trunk can also reflect the car’s utility.
Also check if the spare tire under the trunk is intact. If not, that is another certain sign of a past accident.
Make sure that there are no water or rust openings as these can lead to holes and cracks requiring repair expenses. If you find the car damaged, you might not want to buy it or perhaps negotiate a lower price.

Vehicle Lights

The light is another crucial component and needs to be thoroughly checked before the car is bought.
Make sure that all the lights, including the taillights, headlights, signal lights, and emergency lights are working perfectly. Also ensure that the interior LED bulbs are fine and not damaged or burnt in any manner.

If the car has xenon lights, they will have to be examined during the night to see if there is a difference between the color of both headlights. Sometimes, when a xenon light decreases in intensity, it has to be replaced. However, the replacement light is not always the same color as the previous one, resulting in a color difference between the two headlights which is not desirable for some drivers.

Perform a Test Drive

Lastly, you definitely need to take the car out for a test run. It will give you the “feel” of the vehicle, including whether the drive is rough or smooth. Try the car at different speeds to check for aspects such as suspension, maneuverability, braking, and acceleration. Taking the car out on the highway is a good option, as is parallel parking, since it will make you aware of any potential blind spots.

To conclude, this article discussed some of the things that you need to check to make sure that the second-hand car you are paying for is worth the price. It is a good idea to take a trusted mechanic along with you for professional inspection. If you want to know more about buying a used car, please feel free to contact us.