Used Car buying
Checklist for inspecting used cars
Used Car buying tips - Checking car before purchase
Documents you MUST get from Seller when buying used Car
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How to check used car's before buying one....
Buying a used car can save you money,
however buying the wrong used car can some times end up costing you
almost as much as a new car!
For the majority of us, when it comes to cars we know little about them
other than just knowing how to drive them.
The best way to get the used car you are going to buy is of course to get the car checked thoroughly at a garage by a mechanic. How ever assuming that this option is not available. Lets see what a novice can do to check his used car before making a final purchase.
Things to take along when checking a used car for
purchase:
1.
Take a paper and pen/pencil
with you so that you can note down the engine and chassis numbers from
the car to verify that they match the numbers on the documentation
provide. You may also want to make a list of any problems you discover
while inspecting the car. This will give you an idea of how much you may
have to spend to get the car fixed and also help bring the price down by
telling the seller the work the car will require.
2. A musical CD or cassette tape with you will help to determine if the stereo system is in working condition.
3. A flashlight is also recommended. You may or not need it, but it doesn't hurt to take one just in case you need it to look into a corner of the car or under the hood where the lighting is low.
Points to remember when inspecting a used car for
purchase.
1. Check the body of the car. While cosmetics is
important to most buyers. When inspecting a used car that you are
contemplating on buying, look for signs that may indicate that the car
has been involved in an accident. Check the chassis, the bodyline should
give you an indication if the car has been involved in an accident.
2. Personally I would NOT buy
a used car that has been recently repainted. Repainting hides many
things. Look for signs of repainting in case the full car has not been
painted. Inside the trunk, under the hood are places that you should
also check.
3. The accessories such as stereo, air conditioning cost cost a lot of money to repair or replace. heck the air conditioning, stereo, power windows etc to make sure they all work. If you point out the work required before buying the car the chances are that the seller may pay to get some items fixed or reduce the price of the vehicle.
4. Check the tires for excessive tread wear.
Remember to check all four tires.
Excessive tread wear or uneven tread wear on tires may indicate problems
with steering or suspension misalignment.
5. Check the oil to see the condition of the oil. If
dirty then it may be a sign of poor maintenance. Oil change is one of
the easiest and necessary form of car maintenance. Start the car and let
it idle with the hood open. Excessive engine vibration may mean motor
mounts problems. The engine should run smoothly without surging or
sputtering. When pressing the accelerator the engine should accelerate
without hesitation.
6. Check the steering wheel. With the car idling and not in motion, turn the steering wheel on right and left. There should be no play in the wheel before the tires move to turn.
7. Take a test drive to get the feel of the cars pickup and to get an idea of the engines power. Check for other tell tale signs like weird noises when driving. Of course don't keep the stereo playing when taking a test drive. Check the application of the brakes while driving at a higher speed, The car should stop straight and come to a smooth stop and not veer sideways. A test drive means a test drive, not just going around the block. Don't rush yourself.
8. Examine all documents to ensure the car you buy does not have a loan on it from a bank or car financing company. Checking and acquiring all relevant documents is necessary. Don't let a low price for a car entice you into buying without checking the vehicles documentation. You may end up buying a stolen car.
CAUTIONARY NOTE: In case the used car you are buying had been financed by a finance company or bank. Then you MUST get a form 35 NOC from the finance company or bank that provided the car loan. Do not take verbal guarantees that the loan has been paid off. Even an ordinary letter from the finance company saying they have no financial interest in the car should not be accepted. The proper procedure for this is to get the no objection certificate on Form 35. A sample form is provide for you to view here.
For a list of documents required to transfer ownership of a car and the documentation buyers must get from the sellers visit our car buying tips page.
