How to buy used cars with confidence
Although your lifestyle needs and budget should be at the top of the list of things you have to consider, you should take some simple steps to make sure you get a good and cheap car.Pay the right price
Do some research to determine if you are being asked to pay a fair price. Search online for cars of the same age, condition, mileage and those with similar surcharges.
Take a good look around the car
You don't have to be a car expert to find something that doesn't look right, so take some time to watch the car during the day. Check for dents and markings. Look carefully at the paint. Are they all the same color? If not, this may indicate that the car has been repaired and may be the result of an accident. It will take a few minutes to check inside to make sure the lights, air conditioners, radios, etc. are working properly.
Careful wear
If the car's mileage is high, there will be significant signs of aging on the steering wheel and pedal. Similarly, low mileage means less wear, but low mileage and age signs should sound an alarm.
Test drive
Ask for at least half an hour's drive, take a route into the city, open the road, and if possible, the highway. If it is a private purchase, please make sure your insurance will cover your driving in advance. The dealer should provide protection for the test drive. Try all gears, including reverse gear, and test all controls, including wipers and lights, turn off the radio and air conditioner and open the window to make sure there are no abnormal road noise. You should be able to switch smoothly between the gears without any frictional noise. If the clutch is too hard or too weak, this can be a sign of failure. Test the brakes, including the hand brakes.
Does this car have a maintenance record?
A complete maintenance history is required and the history should show which maintenance and repairs were performed. Also check the registration file and service record - do all match?
