Tell Tale Signs when buying a used car

Guys,

Seeing that there are always people requesting assistance when buying a car and asking what to check out for, I thought that we could populate a thread with the obvious stuff to look for when purchasing a car without just sending all options for an AA test or similar.

So here's my random stuff:

- Get the VIN number and check the history of the vehicle in terms of repair history and to check for any possible comments.
- Check for new fender plastic inner linings which are generally replaced in a semi bad collision
- Look out for original stickers on the inside of the bonnet and check for over spray
- Headlights often have a manufacture date so check the markings on them too if possible
- Check for welding joints in the engine bay and under the boot carpet
- Look for any misalignment on the panels
- Over spray on any beadings or trims cos a quick fix usually means just masking and not stripping before repairs
- Orange peel type effect on the body panels is also a give away. A not so strong magnet will also tell you whether there is loads of bodyfiller used on a repair.
- Check oil for possible mixture
- A car with very low mileage could also pose problems as inactivity causes corrosion, bush cracking, etc.
- Too clean a motor may be to disguise leaks but a disgusting motor is a good indication of the owners love for the car. Difficult one!
- Check for smoke during cold and hot temperatures, including smooth idling
- Take note of all electrical functions. Test everthing, including the hooter as these issues become yours when you sign the papers.

I could go on and on but I need to squeeze some work in

Condition of the Steering Wheel, Gear Knob and pedals is a dead give away of the age of the vehicle. Aftermarket can only be considered if the there are other items that are in line with the vehicle.

Check tyres and rims for damage can tell how this vehicle was driven or cared for (wheel alignment).
Check Brake pads and disc wear.
Test drive is not about hammering the car about. You need to leave the radio off and drive at slower speeds. Take a route that includes speed bumps, round abouts. Also check for clutch slipping by taking off in no 2 gear (manual only).

Check for flat spots or irregular power delivery/ idiling. Also glance every so often in the rearview esp on gear changes OR get some one to follow you in another car to see if the clouds out the back are the right colour

Check the gaps on the panels and bumpers. Sometimes bumpers were just resprayed and not properly aligned (though if a panelbeater cannot align a bumper properly, its a bad sign).

Check for possible build work where body filler may not have been properly used and filed off.

During test drive, go slow over speed humps and listen for squeaks and groans.

NB: Always check the car in the sunlight. This would help identify noticable shade differences in the paint work.

Check the mags for curb rash. someone who loves their car will park properly (my opinion)..

Not a lot of people can look at a car's paint and determine if it's original or not.

Even I tend to not trust my gut sometimes, but :

Rule of thumb : If it does not look perfect, be suspect about it. There a re very stringent criteria when the factories produce cars. If the paint is not perfect be wary, and the same goes for gaps on the panels. look at the paint in light and dark and at all angles. Look out for dust spots, orange peel, discolarization, peel of the clear laquer, pretty much anything that is not perfect! :thumbs:

:thumbs:

Check your headlights and spotlights, a headlight or spotlight that seems newer then the other could mean that the car was in a accident on the side.

Rooi_Willie said:

Not a lot of people can look at a car's paint and determine if it's original or not.

Even I tend to not trust my gut sometimes, but :

Rule of thumb : If it does not look perfect, be suspect about it. There a re very stringent criteria when the factories produce cars. If the paint is not perfect be wary, and the same goes for gaps on the panels. look at the paint in light and dark and at all angles. Look out for dust spots, orange peel, discolarization, peel of the clear laquer, pretty much anything that is not perfect! :thumbs:

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Recently detected respray on a car I was looking at for a mate... I would never have told by just looking at the resprayed panel. But when you ran your eye down the length of the car you could see the change quite clearly. Rear quarter panel... further investigation revealed it was a minor fender bender/ bad dent, fter stripping out the boot liner. He bought the car from a slightly better bargaining position and dealer stopped saying accident free so much.

Great thread, in the market for a used car, will definitely follow the advice.

Thanks! :thumbs:

check for vin number on all windows they should match if they dont it could be a second hand one from another vehicle or if it has no number it could be a new one so suspect accident damage because the first thing that breaks in an accident is the windows

Diabolik said:

Great thread, in the market for a used car, will definitely follow the advice.

Thanks! :thumbs:

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Great - that's why it's here :grin:

hoosain said:

check for vin number on all windows they should match if they dont it could be a second hand one from another vehicle or if it has no number it could be a new one so suspect accident damage because the first thing that breaks in an accident is the windows

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+1000

I expect that cars will every so often crash into each other, so a well-repaired ding isn't necessarily a deal breaker, if it's been advertised honestly. On a BMW or similiar premium brand:

- I look at the tyres. These are expensive cars when new, and OEM-spec tyres are a good sign that the owner has spent money in the right places. This is especially the case with the E32/e34/e38/e39 BMWs.
- Start it from cold. A car that has been warmed up before I come and see it is a no-no, because that can hide a world of problems.
- A lot of receipts/documentation. I'm not going to expect that you've been taking it to the dealer since 1997, but show me that you've been keeping up with the maintenance and not skimping on things.
- The condition of the jack/tools/spare. A moribund tool kit is going to earn minus points.

Budleigh said:

I expect that cars will every so often crash into each other, so a well-repaired ding isn't necessarily a deal breaker, if it's been advertised honestly.

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Agree completely!