Buying a used car is a great way to make savings or to trade up to something that might have otherwise been out of your budget. Used cars are normally ready to drive away as soon as the deal is done, and a supply of reliable vehicles tends to be readily available.
There are a lot of things to keep in mind when buying a used car – so many in fact, that we have narrowed down three of the most important things to remember when you’re on your car hunt.
Check the paperwork
One of the most important things to remember when buying a new car is to check the documents. The most important of these is the V5C, otherwise known as the registration document or log book.
Ensure the make and model of the car you’re buying match what is stated on the V5, as well as the number plate. Also check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the VIN on the lower part of the windscreen.
An MOT certificate isn’t as important as it used to be now that you can check a vehicle’s MOT history online. However, it’s important to check the expiry date of the certificate, as well as any advisories the tester suggested.
Check to see if the seller has fixed these, to make sure they aren’t merely trying to sell you a problem motor they want rid of. Which? also recommends that you check the car’s mileage as part of this process, as the mileage should always be higher than the last MOT record.
Is the exterior as you would expect?
It’s always important to do a visual inspection of a vehicle before you buy it. There will be lots of hints on the body of a vehicle of how a previous owner handled it, potentially leading to issues down the line.
Misaligned panels and paintwork on a car are both indicators that the car has been in an accident previously. The condition of a cars tyre’s is also a concern. They should have a minimum of 1.6mm tread depth to be road legal, and should be free of cuts or bulges. In addition, the tyres should be evenly worn.
It’s also worth checking the oil level of a car. Oil level and colour are key indicators of how well a car has been maintained. If the oil level is low, it could accelerate wear. Oil that is a black colour, rather than brown, might not have been changed for some time. Check the underside of the cap for any signs of gunk. If you see anything that looks like mayonnaise, the engine coolant has mixed with the oil, indicating a failed head gasket and you should walk away from this sale.
What to look for on a test drive
There are lots of key features of a car that you can check on a test drive if you know what you’re looking for.
First things first, does the car start okay? Try and start the engine from cold if possible, but it’s worth taking note of whether the seller has been warming it up beforehand. Also try turning it on and off after it’s been running for a while, to see how it starts from warm. Watch the temperature gauge and see how quickly it gets to halfway – does it overheat quickly? Both can be signs of the car needing work.
How easy is it to find the bite in this car? Does the car take off smoothly or judder? Replacing a clutch is one of the most expensive parts to fix on a car, so you should take the time to check it over.
The transmission and steering on the vehicle should both be working smoothly. Any odd noises coming from them are a sign of a deeper issue. It’s also worth checking the suspension is smooth and turning the radio off to listen to the engine to make sure it’s not rough or noisy.
How does the car keep up with other traffic? The car shouldn’t be sluggish. Finally, you should try going hard on the brakes – in a safe place to do so – to ensure the vehicle stops clean and straight. Make sure the handbrake is also without fault.
Once you’ve got your head around the details we’ve outlined above, it’s time to look for your car! If you happen to be seeking high-quality and affordable used cars in Essex, check out our current range at Cars Under 3000. We take great pride in offering a genuinely first-class, comprehensive and responsive customer service.