Take some time to check over the car's service history and any receipts for upkeep. Be cautious of any large gaps in service history.
Check that recorded mileages on MOT certificates tally with the car's service book.
Check over all paperwork to ensure that reference numbers (VIN - Vehicle Identification Number, Registration Engine Number) match those on the car itself.
First of all take a few steps back from the car and look at the general condition of the bodywork. Does the car look like it has been well treated? Are there numerous surface marks along the length of the body? Check that all of the gaps between the panels are aligned. Check the sills, door edges and undersides for signs of rust or repair. A small pocket mirror may prove helpful for this type of inspection.
Check the windscreen for cracks (how much will it cost to replace a cracked windscreen?). If a registration number is engraved on the glass does this match the vehicle registration?
Check the condition of the tyres. Uneven tread wear could indicate suspension or steering problems. Are the tyres above the minimum required tread depth of 1.6mm (in UK)? If the tyres are close to the legal limit then how much will it cost to replace them? Mismatched tyres could indicate a car that has been maintained on the cheap.
Alloy Wheels (ALL's). Kerbed wheels indicate that a car has not been well looked after. Don't be fobbed off with a suggested refurbishment job. If the damage is non-repairable then you will have to replace both the affected wheels and the tyres (tyres must be replaced when a wheel is replaced due to the decompression and rim seating). This is not a cheap fix. Additionally kerbed wheels could indicate steering and or tracking problems. Do the tyres look new but the wheels badly damaged?
Check the nuts/bolts on the bodywork to see if the original paint remains or if it has been scraped or chipped off when a panel has been removed for repair.
Check that the number plates carry the name of the original supplying dealer. If they don't, then why have the plates been replaced?
Does the condition of the engine match the age of the car and that of the service history? If the Engine Bay looks pristine but has an incomplete service history then the engine may have just been steam cleaned. This may have been done to hide a nasty oil leak.
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What are some tips on buying a used car? - |
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