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Checklist for Purchasing Secondhand Cars

July 28, 2010 by Joanna
Filed under: Helpful Tips

Everyone is on the lookout for a good deal, and purchasing used cars is one of the best money-saving deals there is. A new car depreciates like nobody’s business, with its’ value dropping to 60-70% of the original value within the short span of only a few years. Thus, a savvy consumer can really save a bundle by hunting around for the best value-for-money secondhand car available. Nevertheless, buying a secondhand car is always a gamble, as, despite what previous owners or salesmen tell you, there is no guarantee that the car in question is totally accident-free or well-maintained.

Here, we have a short checklist which will help in determining whether or not a secondhand car has been reasonably well taken care of by previous owner(s). The first and key step is checking the car body for any irregularities such as uneven surfaces on the car (definite indicator of prior accidents), mismatched or uneven colours (doors/parts may have been replaced and repainted after accidents), uneven gap width between doors/trunk and body, as well as rust or corrosion on the car itself.

Uneven body surface

Mismatched colours

Uneven gaps

The second step is to check the tires. Make sure the tires are all the same brand and size, as different mismatched tires might mean prior accidents, or that the previous owners did not maintain the car properly. Another important thing to look out for is the wear pattern on the tires, as uneven wear and tear may signal problems with the car’s alignment or suspension.

Uneven wear pattern on tyre

Thirdly, the engine of the car must be checked. If possible, have the engine looked through by someone knowledgeable such as a mechanic. But if no experts are on hand, we can still check out the essentials ourselves. Pop the hood and look out for any indicators of poor maintenance, such as extremely dirty engine, low and dirty engine oil levels as well as corrosion on any part of the engine. The exhaust smoke of the car should ideally be a light grayish colour; blue smoke is a sign that the engine is oil-consuming, while black smoke indicates excessive fuel consumption.

Dirty engine

Low and dirty oil levels

Blue smoke (oil consuming)

Lastly, be sure to check the interior of the car for any undesirable flaws such as musty or smoky odours, ripped seats, scratches on the panels or dashboard, and so on. Make sure you are fully satisfied with the car before putting pen to paper and purchasing the car.