Check a used car before buying

Acquiring a used vehicle is always a matter of choice and budget. A car can’t be bought like a loaf of bread, they say, and it’s true! If you are in this dynamic, above all, do not rush on the first model that comes along. There are thousands, if not millions, of used cars on the market. You must therefore make a choice and check certain important points before finalizing a transaction.

Here are the 9 checks to be carried out before signing a deed of sale to put the odds on your side.

1 – The maintenance book and invoices

The maintenance booklet is the first document to ask the seller when you are interested in a used vehicle. It lets you know if the automobile has been well maintained and if all the necessary revisions have been carried out. Attention, for a large number of stamps on the booklet, there corresponds an invoice . So, if this maintenance booklet is missing, carefully read all the invoices related to the revisions, but also to the repairs. If the seller can’t provide you with either, it’s best to move on.

2 – technical control

The technical control is not only compulsory , but it must be presented to you by the seller. This control does not replace the maintenance book or the invoices related to the car, but it is also a good complement. The blank MOT is very encouraging for a sale. Do not commit if the seller tells you that he will only sell it once he has found a buyer. This piece is valid for six months, so he has plenty of time to present it to potential buyers.

3 – Avoid a previously damaged car

Among the invoices, you are likely to find elements which can put you in the ear and inform you that the vehicle was damaged. So, if you see that there have been too many body parts, headlights and windshield changes at once, be on your guard. Remember in this case to check the alignment of the body parts . There must be perfect continuity on the surface. If the seller does not hide from you that the vehicle suffered a collision and changed a bumper, for example, it means that the accident was slight, but the chassis could also have been affected.

4 – observe the condition of the bodywork

Body condition is important when buying a used car. If there are a few micro-scratches or a slight dent, it is not serious and this problem can allow you to negotiate the price of the vehicle. On the other hand, if you see that the paint is blistering in a few places or if you observe traces of rust , it means that the vehicle is not in good condition and that it is certainly lying outside.

5 – check the condition of the engine under the hood

Looking at the condition of the engine, touch certain parts to see if the seller ran the car before you arrived. Try to check if you see traces of oil that may be hidden by dust on grease. Check the levels as well as the motor protections. Check if the bases are not rusty. Beware of an engine that is too clean, the seller may have had it cleaned precisely so that you cannot notice any leaks. It is always better to find an engine in good condition.

6 – The test drive

The road test of at least a quarter of an hour should allow you to check whether you hear any abnormal noises. Remember to check if the road holding is good. Also test the gears which should not creak or the clutch which should have good resistance. Check the dashboard: no lights should be on. Make sure that the lights and indicators are in working order as well as:

Remember to recheck the levels when you come back. Do not hesitate to ask the seller to reopen the hood for you.

7 – the interior of the car

The interior of the car should also be inspected. You can already see if the car is maintained and that

8– Verification of the identity of the seller

Even if it seems strange to you, you must make sure of the identity of the seller . He must be able to show you a valid identity document corresponding to the name on the vehicle registration document. This precaution avoids disappointment in the event of theft or simply the fact that the person is the legal owner of the automobile. It very often happens that an ex-spouse wants to sell or sells a car that does not belong to him. If you find yourself in the latter case, ask for the presence of the holder of the gray card. If you go to a car professional, this step is not obligatory, on the other hand, find out about the seriousness of the garage in the matter.

9– changes

If the vehicle presented to you has undergone modifications, beware! a tuned car is no longer original and you risk finding yourself confronted with hidden defects or a future insurance problem. You can accept some details like aluminum rims. On the other hand, if the exterior is too modified, beware and look further, unless this type of vehicle interests you, find out about the seriousness and skills of the preparer.

With these few tips, you can buy the car you like, once you have done this inspection. On the other hand, if you don’t know the mechanics a bit, try to bring someone close to you who has experience with you to be even more sure that you will achieve a correct deal.