3 Initial Things to Look Out for When Buying a Used Car

6 years ago Kelvin Braden Comments Off on 3 Initial Things to Look Out for When Buying a Used Car

Brand new cars tend to be very, very expensive. Not only that, but they also tend to lose their value incredibly quickly, often making them a false investment. When you could get a used car in great condition for a fraction of the price, the old arguments that a new car will cost less in upkeep and will last far longer simply don’t hold up. On the other hand, however, some buyers do get stung by purchasing a vehicle that’s on its last legs. This can lead to expensive repairs bills and bothersome breakdowns. So, how do you know whether you’re getting a good deal? Here are 3 key things you should initially look out for when buying a used car.

  1. Exterior Condition

First things first, you should take a look at the overall exterior condition of the car. Focus on the paintwork and look out for any discolouration that could indicate damage or rust. Scrutinise the vehicle for any marks or dents that could signify a previous accident, as this may affect its functionality and future upkeep costs. If there are any suspicious marks, you can ask the owner about them or even pay for a car history report. Using the registration plate number as an identifier, this will allow you to find out whether the vehicle in question has ever been written off, stolen or even whether it has outstanding finance that could sting you later down the line. 

  1. Buy from a Registered Trader

If you are buying used cars in Canberra from a professional, registered trader, you should be able to request a service history of the car, which will clear up whether it has been through any significant issues in the past. Traders are usually more reliable than individuals, as they have a reputation to uphold and rules they must follow, plus they may be able to offer aftercare in the event of unexpected problems. For these reasons, it tends to be safer to purchase from a trader. 

  1. Interior Condition

Moving on to the interiors, there are a number of things you should look out for. Most importantly, you should check that all of the electricals work, as these can be especially expensive to repair. You should test the electric windows to ensure that they all function smoothly. Be sure to check that the windscreen wipers function properly, as if they don’t it could be dangerous to take the car out on the road. Check the indicators and break lights work – both front and back. Test the heating to ensure that it works sufficiently – this is especially important if you live in an area with cold winters, as malfunctioning heating could end up in breakdowns. One of the most important elements of all is the air conditioning. You should check that it blasts out air that is significantly cooler than the atmospheric temperature to be sure that it is up to standard. Finally, you should also check that all of the warning lights are working properly. You should also check the mileage.

This is just the start of what you should look out for, of course following these initial inspections you should take the car for a test drive to ensure that it runs smoothly.