Purchasing A Second Hand Car

By Author: Foster Carr
Total Articles: 30
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Before you buy a second hand car, it is important that you check it over thoroughly beforehand, so that you can spot anything that might end up costing you a fortune in repairs in the future.

The first thing you should check is the interior of the vehicle. If any of the seats are wet or stained, you might want to check if there is a leak somewhere. You should also check whether all the lights, controls, displays and switches work by going through them each in turn.

1. DYou should then turn your attention to the bodywork of the car. Is it free from scratches, dents, and rust? It is important to check the condition of a car during the daytime, in dry weather, so that you do not miss any important details. Make sure you crouch down and get a good look at the underside of the bodywork, as it is this area that is most likely to be affected by scratches and rust.

2. Look out for signs that a car has been involved in an accident, such as inconsistent paintwork or dents, and do not forget to look in the boot and under the bonnet, as it is harder to cover up accident damage in these areas.

3. Check that the ...
... engine has plenty of clean oil, and that the coolant is topped up, clean, and brightly coloured. The engine itself is likely to be quite dirty, but this is alright as long as rust has not set in.

4. If an engine produces visible smoke when it is running, this can point to a mechanical problem, so turn on the engine and let it run for a while to check this out, as engine problems can be amongst the most expensive to fix.

5. If the car seems in good enough condition up to this point, then you might want to take it for a test drive. Check that the steering, brakes, and gear mechanism are smooth and responsive, and that the car does not veer to one side when you loosen your grip on the wheel.

Although this set of checks will certainly suffice for a cheaper car, if you are spending a bit more money then it could be worth your while having the car checked over by a qualified, independent mechanic to make sure all is well before you splash the cash. While this may cost a couple of hundred pounds, it could end up saving you substantially more in future repair bills.

Come to Kwik Fit Insurance for a car insurance quote and we'll get you one in double-quick time.