What To Look For When Buying a Used Car

Opting for a used car can be a smart way of getting the vehicle you want for a fraction of the price of a new model. But while the price tag might be lower, the risks can be higher. Every used car has a history, and it’s not always obvious whether you’re looking at a well-cared-for vehicle or one with hidden faults.

Below, we’ll talk you through what to look for when you’re buying a used car. We’ll cover the essential checks to carry out, the critical questions to ask and the red flags to watch out for so you can make a well-informed decision.

Buying A Used Car: Your Complete Checklist

When buying a used car, the safest option is to buy it directly from a car dealership. In doing so, you usually receive a car warranty which protects you in case of any unexpected car problems within the first six months. This means that the garage will pay for any repairs required during this period. However, purchasing a used car from a dealership is usually more expensive than buying a car privately.

Before You View: Your Pre-Purchase Checklist

Thorough preparation can save you time and help you avoid problematic vehicles entirely. Before you even think about arranging a viewing, it’s vital to cover these essential steps.

Establish a Realistic Budget
The asking price is only the beginning. To get a true picture of affordability, you need to factor in the total cost of ownership. Consider additional expenses such as annual insurance, road tax, and estimated fuel costs. It’s also wise to set aside a small fund for any immediate maintenance the car might need, like new tyres or a basic service. Knowing your complete budget helps you search with focus.

Research Your Shortlist
Once you know what you can afford, research the specific makes and models that fit your needs. Look into their reputation for reliability and typical running costs. A quick online search for “common problems” or “known issues” for a particular model can be incredibly revealing. Owner forums and independent reviews are excellent resources for understanding the real-world experience of driving a car you’re considering.

Car Background Checks
When you think you’re ready to buy, doing a quick background check on your car is worthwhile to ensure everything is in order. You can do this online by entering the registration number of the car. A few sites offer this service, including the Irish website: Cartell.ie.

This can cost between €20 and €45, but it is well worth the price. It gives detailed reports of the specifications of the car. It also checks if the car has been in any accidents in the past or is a write-off. If you see any differences between how the car is described in the report and how the seller has described it, it might indicate that the car has been illegally modified. It’s worthwhile asking the seller about any of these queries as there could be a valid reason.

Viewing a Used Car: What To Look For

Wait for a Dry Day
This is where you need to be methodical. Always view a car in clear daylight and, if possible, on a dry day, as rain can easily hide scratches, scrapes and dents. You should also check how the sun reflects off the car. If certain parts of the paintwork seem duller than others, this may indicate that the car has been repaired after an accident.

Don’t feel rushed by the seller; take your time to check every area thoroughly. 

Check the Hinges
Open the doors and bonnet of the car. The factory-made hinges should be the same colour as the car. If not, it’s very likely that the door or bonnet has been replaced at some stage. Usually, the only reason for these being removed would be following a crash. If you notice that these have been changed and the seller hasn’t told you about an accident, it might be better to back off. Nobody wants the trouble that comes with a crashed car.

Exterior Checks

On the car’s exterior bodywork you’ll be looking for clues that point to previous accident damage and signs of general wear and tear. Stand back at first to take in the car’s overall condition, then move in closer to inspect the details. Here are the things you should consider:

• Bodywork: Look down the sides of the car from an angle to spot any subtle dents or ripples in the panels. Check for signs of rust, especially around the wheel arches and under the doors. Mismatched paint colour between panels is a clear sign of a previous repair.

• Panel Gaps: The gaps between the doors, wings, bonnet and boot should be consistent and even. Wide or uneven gaps can suggest the car has been poorly repaired after an accident.

• Tyres: Check all four tyres and the spare. Look for sufficient tread depth, but more importantly, check for uneven wear. If a tyre is worn down heavily on one edge, it could indicate problems with the car’s steering or suspension.

• Glass: Inspect the windscreen for any stone chips or cracks. A small chip can quickly spread, leading to a costly replacement.

Check the Interiors

The condition of the interior is often the best indicator of a car’s true mileage and how it has been treated. This is your chance to verify that the wear matches the history and, just as importantly, to test that all the electrical features and controls work as they should. We’ll look at some of these in more detail below but here are the main things to look out for:

• Wear vs. Mileage: Does the condition of the interior match the car’s advertised mileage? A car with low mileage shouldn’t have a worn-smooth steering wheel, shiny gearstick, or heavily

• Electrics: Be thorough and test everything. This includes the electric windows, mirrors, air conditioning (check it blows cold), heaters, radio, and any onboard computer or navigation systems.

• Check for Damp: Press your hands on the carpets in the footwells and in the boot. Any sign of dampness or a musty smell points to a leak, which can be difficult and expensive to trace and fix.

• Dashboard Warning Lights: When you turn the ignition on, all the dashboard warning lights should illuminate for a moment and then go out. If any light remains on, it indicates a fault with that system.

Checks For Wear & Mileage

If you’re lucky enough to find a car that has low mileage, make sure it isn’t too good to be true.

Check that the amount of wear and tear on the seats, steering wheel and floor matches the mileage. If you are viewing a car with low mileage but it has worn-looking seats, the likelihood that the car has illegally adjusted mileage is high.

Mileage being clocked back was a big problem a few years ago in Ireland, but with the introduction of more computer-based systems in cars, it’s less easy for fraudsters to clock a car. Don’t forget to look at the car’s service history too. You’ll usually be able to see the mileage on the car each time the car receives a service. 

Check for Warning Lights

Check to see if any warning lights appear before taking the car out for a test drive. Red warning lights usually indicate an urgent problem with your car, and you will fail your NCT if these are active. Orange warning lights indicate that something needs to be fixed on the car. However, it may not be as urgent as the red light.

Under The Bonnet

Bring a Mechanic
It’s always a good idea to bring a mechanic with you when buying a used car. For someone who isn’t very knowledgeable about cars, it can be hard to check for engine problems. Having someone with you who knows what they’re doing and can ask the right questions is worth paying a little extra for.

Under the Bonnet Checks
If you don’t have a mechanic who can come with you, these are basic visual checks you should carry out. While they are not a replacement for a mechanic’s opinion, but they can reveal obvious problems.

• Fluid Levels & Condition: Check the oil level using the dipstick. The oil should be a light-brown colour, not thick black sludge. Also, unscrew the oil filler cap and check for a creamy, mayonnaise-like residue, which can indicate a serious engine problem. Ensure the coolant level is correct.
  
  
• Obvious Leaks: Look for any signs of oil or fluid leaks on the engine block and on the ground underneath where the car has been parked.
  
  
• Belts & Hoses: Visually inspect the various rubber belts and hoses. You don’t need to be an expert to spot any that look obviously frayed, cracked, or perished.

Other Considerations When Buying a Used Car

Who’s Selling

If the seller is describing themselves as a private seller but has more than one car for sale, it might be better to avoid them. A simple internet search of their username or details should bring up any other cars they have for sale. Sellers who are not upfront about their situation are usually untrustworthy.  It’s always a good idea to bring somebody with you when meeting a stranger for the first time, and make sure you’re meeting at a secure location.

Check the Log Book

Check the log book to make sure that the seller’s details match. You should also ask the seller for ID to ensure they are the car’s owner. You can check that the VIN (Chassis Number) on the car matches the VIN on the log book to ensure that the car is not stolen etc.

Service History

A comprehensive service history shows that the car has been cared for properly. Look for a stamped service book and, ideally, a folder of supporting receipts and invoices for work carried out. This history not only proves maintenance has been done but also shows the car has been looked after by responsible owners. A vehicle with a complete and verifiable service history is always a more secure purchase.

Check for Recalls

Ensure the car model hasn’t been subjected to any recalls. If it has, confirm that the necessary repairs were made. You can check for recalls on the manufacturer’s website or through various online databases using the car’s VIN.

Payment Method

Do not pay in cash if you purchase a used car from a private seller. Using a bank draft or bank transfer, you have proof of your transaction in the event of any disagreements.  Banks do not issue bank drafts unless the buyer has enough money in their account. Therefore the seller is guaranteed that the draft will not bounce, unlike a cheque.

Buying a used car can be exciting, but it can also be a stressful time. If you’re worrying whether you’re spending too much or about the car history, it can make the process difficult. However, by following our simple steps, you’ll have a better chance of buying a reliable car with less stress. Most of our steps are simple and free of charge. Spend extra time making your decision and shop for the best deal. But remember, the best deal doesn’t always mean the lowest price.

To get a car insurance quote for your new car, contact KennCo Insurance at 01 409 2600. 

What To Look For When Buying a Used Car
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