How to buy a used car

Buying a new car might not be on all of our to do lists, especially when you look at the prices of some of these new vehicles..Yes there are advantages to buying a new car, but its the affordability that becomes a issue. So when buying a used car you need to realise that you are buying a car that might have used by at least 2 or 3 people before you, taking that into consideration, when buying a used vehicle it is an investment that you will be paying off for the next 3 - 5 years, so knowing the vehicles history is of utmost importance, the last thing you want to invest in, is a vehicle that has be driven like it was stolen.

Here are a few pointers to look at when buying a used vehicle:


1. Dealers

When buying a used vehicle make sure that the dealer has a good reputation, and not some fly by night car junkie selling vehicles that the minute you drive out the lot the wheel falls off. Make sure that the dealer is part of a view vehicle associations such as:

1.1 IDA - Independent Dealer Association ( http://www.ida.co.za/Home.aspx )

These sort of associations are world wide and protect the consumer when it comes to buying used vehicles.

2. AA Check

It is always advisable to get the vehicle checked through the AA, who will basically do a check from top to bottom to make sure the vehicle complies to the countries road and vehicle laws.
http://www.aa.co.za/technical-services/vehicle-tests/

Make sure from the dealer that the used vehicle you are wanting to purchase has gone through the AA, and it should not be a cost that you have to cough up for.

3. Compression Test

You may also ask for a compression test to be done on the engine, to make sure that all cylinders are running at the right compression, if one of them is not, ask the dealer to have it checked, but most of the time you can ask for the print out when the vehicle has gone to the AA. Again this should not be an expense that you need to pay out for. If the compression is running really low, rather walk away then.

4.Check the body

Depending on the age of the vehicle you may want to check for rust, especially on areas such as door hinges, roof of the vehicle, inside the engine compartment, and the trunk, this could indicate the use of the vehicle, you may also want to look for any signs of paint spots or waviness on the side of the vehicle which will indicate that it may have had a paint job or was in an accident previously.

5. Service book

Always check the service book to make sure that the service history is up to date, this shows that the owner looked after the vehicle and that the service was done by a qualified mechanic, and if you really want o play detective, you could always pay the mechanic a visit to double check.

6. Engine

Check for any cracked or damaged pipes that you may have to replace, and make sure the radiator pipe is not soft, point them out and make sure that before you purchase the vehicle that they have been replaced, again it is not your problem to pay for these to be fixed, especially when buying from a used car dealer. Make sure according to the mileage that the cam belt has been replaced according to the service manual, this could be a very expensive endeavour if you end up sitting with having to replace the cam belt. Check the dipstick, if there is any sign of water in the oil then the head gasket is about to go.

7. Electronics

Get inside the vehicle and make sure that all electronics are in working order, check that the lights and indicators work, make sure the air conditioner is in working order, also check the odometer for mileage, used vehicles do occasionally have high mileage depending on age and usage but if it is bordering or close to the 300000km and the vehicle is only 3 or 4 years old, it would then be a good idea to look else where. Check that the radio is also fully functional. If there are electric windows, make sure these work effortlessly.

8. Tires

These can become quite costly when you have to start replacing all the tires on the vehicle, check that the tire tread is till fine, the minimum requirements should be 3mm and recommended should be 8mm. Take this opportunity to also check the wear on the tires, if they are running mostly on one side this is an indicator that the wheel alignment and balancing is out and needs to be checked.
http://www.continental.co.za/articles.asp?article=83

9. Test drive

When taking the vehicle for a test drive leave the radio off, this isn't time to be listening to your favourite tunes, you should be checking the wheel alignment according to the steering wheel on the vehicle, if the vehicle is driving straight but the steering wheel is skew then the alignment has to be done, also listen for any unusual sounds from the motor, take the vehicle around a few left and right turns so that you can check the CV joints, if you hear any clapping or loud clicking noises while turning, it means the vehicles CV joints need to be replaced, again this is not your responsibility to do, but the dealers.

10. Interior

When looking at the interior of the vehicle make sure there are no damp spots on the ceiling
of the vehicle that usually occurs when rain water leaks in through the roof or a door that is not closing properly, check the upholstery for any tears, and the floor of the vehicle for any rust and holes that could be covered up by a mat.

Final Note

Remember if you are going to spend money on a vehicle that will be getting you from point A to point B you have right to ask as many questions, and to check anything on the vehicle.

As a consumer before purchasing, you have the right to ask the dealer to fix anything on the vehicle that does not please at no expense of your own.