Most people go in somewhat blind when buying a used car, relying on the “say so” of a dealer. Consequently many get caught out, ending up with a less reliable vehicle than the one they expected, costing them money.
Avoid that disappointment – book a pre-purchase vehicle inspection with Rivercity Car Care today!
There are some defects that come up again and again in used cars, which you can check for before signing any paperwork. Here are ten of the most common checks you should make for possible defects:
1. Signs of Accident
Does the paint on the main body of the car match that on the inside door frame? It may have been repainted to hide an accident or wear and tear. Beyond the normal checks for scratches and dents, check that the panels are all evenly aligned and the front wheels align correctly to the back wheels; dents or scratches on the bumper may indicate a past accident too.
2. Boot and Door Function
Check that the doors and boot open smoothly, without any creaks or “catching”, and that the locking system works. Also check the inside panels and the bottoms of the doors for signs of rips on the seals.
3. Cracks and Window Function
Check the windows for tiny cracks, holes and chips that can be difficult to pick up at first sight. Also check that the window opening and closing action is smooth and that the windows fit tightly to the rubber inserts.
4. Exhaust Problems
Car exhausts tell you a lot; for instance, if the previous owner has had “dings” when reversing, the exhaust could have dents and scratches. Also check for build-up soot on the back bumper as this could point to internal problems with the car.
5. Uneven Tyre Wear
How well-worn are the tyres? Uneven wear can indicate a bad suspension or alignment, which can be costly to fix; if the tread is poor that will mean more expense.
6. Poor Shock Absorbers
When you try to rock the car to and fro, what happens? If it stands quite firm when you put your weight against it then great; if it rocks then you may have some problems with the car’s shock absorbers.
7. Interior Wear and Tear
Another obvious one is to check inside the car for stains or burns on the upholstery, strange odours or signs of water damage. Less obvious is to check the steering wheel points in the same direction as the wheels.
8. Faulty Electrical Parts
Never buy a car without checking the electrical/mechanical devices. Check the lights, air conditioners, wipers, seatbelts and audio equipment, as well as seat movement.
9. Defects Under the Car
This one is often missed. Signs of rust, welding marks or fluid leakages under the car may indicate potentially serious damage.
10. Starting Defects
If the car has problems starting from a cold engine, or releases too much smoke, then this can also point to expensive problems.
Some of these faults may seem relatively minor and you might decide they you will pay for repairs; however, many faults add up, and others reveal hidden problems that can become expensive.
It’s always best to have an independent automotive centre check the car out properly for defects before buying.
If you are looking to buy a car and want to make sure there are no hidden defects, contact us for a pre-purchase vehicle inspection. Rivercity Car Care has over 15 years’ experience in the automotive industry and will make sure your car is in optimal conditions to buy. Inspections can be conducted at our place or yours, and are designed to save you the hidden costs of buying a used car. Get a free quote today!