What to Check When Buying a Used Car

MOTORBUZZ

Admin

posted on 1 week ago — updated on 1 second ago

31
views

When purchasing a used car, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough inspection to avoid costly surprises down the road. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you:

Exterior & Bodywork

Rust/Corrosion: Inspect wheel wells, undercarriage, door sills, and paint bubbles. Use a magnet to detect hidden filler in steel panels.

Accident Damage: Check for mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps, or shiny marks on pinch welds (signs of poor repairs).

Tires: Look for uneven tread wear (alignment issues), cracks, or mismatched brands/sizes.

Interior

Upholstery: Check for tears, stains, or odors (mold, smoke).

Electronics: Test all lights, wipers, windows, climate control, and gauges.

Spare Tire & Tools: Ensure the jack, tools, and spare are present and functional.

Engine & Mechanicals

Fluids: Check oil (milky/discolored = coolant leak), coolant (sludge = neglect), brake fluid (low levels = leaks), and transmission fluid (burnt smell = wear).

Leaks: Inspect under the car for oil, coolant, or brake fluid puddles.

Belts/Hoses: Look for cracks or fraying.

Test Drive

Steering/Alignment: Listen for knocks or wandering; check for vibrations.

Brakes: Test for pulling, fading, or squeaking.

Transmission: Note rough shifts (automatic) or clutch slippage (manual).

Underbody & Suspension

Rust: Inspect frame rails, exhaust, and suspension mounts.

Play in Components: Jack up the car (if safe) and check for loose wheel bearings, tie rods, or suspension.

Documentation

VIN Check: Verify the VIN matches the title and registration. Look for hidden VINs if pre-1981.

Service History: Request records for timing belt changes, oil services, and major repairs.

Red Flags

Deal Breakers: Extensive rust, mismatched VINs, milky oil (head gasket failure), or severe fluid leaks.

Hidden Issues: Fresh undercoating (may mask rust), non-working accessories, or reluctance to allow inspections.

Pro Tip:

Bring a flashlight, magnet, and a friend for a second opinion. For classics, hire a specialist mechanic to assess originality and structural integrity.

Bottom Line:

Prioritize safety-critical items (brakes, steering) and documentation. Walk away if the seller avoids questions or refuses a pre-purchase inspection.

MOTORBUZZ

Every day our fanatical team scour the interweb, our auctioneers, the classifieds and the dealers for all the very latest 'must see' and simply 'must buy' stuff. It's garbage-free with there's something for every Petrolhead, from the weird and wonderful to ooooh moments, to the greatest and often most frustrating car quizzes on the planet ... So grab a cuppa and enjoy!