Find tips and use tools available on this page when buying a used car so you can spot a lemon and make sure your purchase is a right decision.
To make sure that the pre-used vehicle you are planning to buy will not be problematic in the long run, here are some helpful tips for buying a used car.
Setting up a pre-purchase meeting with your seller together with a mechanic can help ensure you get a professional opinion on the state of the car.
It is also important to check the vehicle's legal papers and see if it has any violations or any kinds of discrepancies. When buying from a private seller, ask for their driver's license and the registration papers of the vehicle.
Do not hesitate to ask them if you find any information that doesn't match - there are possibilities that these discrepancies could mean that the vehicle was stolen.
Look at the condition of the car from the outside and inside.
Outside:
check the paint of the car for any scratches, marks or window bubbles
check the tyres and the spare if they are running out of tread
check if all the lights are working properly
Inside:
make sure to test the electronics are working properly
see if there are any issues on the seats as well as the seatbelts
test the car's AC condition
check the speakers and radio if they have any issues
ask for the jack and other basic tool/toolkit
Although this might require some deeper car knowledge, it is important to know the basic things when checking the vehicle's engine.
Start up the engine and let it be for about 5 minutes, open the bonnet to if there are issues with:
exhaust fumes
car leaks
irregular noises
These issues sometimes indicates a far more bigger issues than you think. Other than the engine, you might also try and do these:
check the dipstick for the oil colour - milky coloured oil could tell that there is some problem with the engine
see if all the radiator fans are running
remove the radiator cap to see if there is enough coolant - also ask if there is a specific coolant brand to be used
When doing a test drive for a second-hand vehicle, do it where the road is as quiet as possible.
When on the road, listen for any rattling sound under the car. Make sure that the engine runs smoothly. Try driving on an uphill and downhill road to check if there are any issues with the breaks. Lastly, see if there are any issues indicated on the dashboard such as warning lights and temperature levels.
*Comparison rates based on a loan of $30,000 for a five-year loan term. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of 12 September 2024.
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