Buying Used cars

Hello guys and gals,

Welcome to my hub page. It has been created to enable us normal folk who buy used cars to be able to spot if a car we are wanting to buy is genuine or suspect. By suspect i mean that with the information I will provide you will be able to make a checklist of items to check on a car ie. VIN numbers validate against the documents, engine and do not look suspect (rivets missing and screw used) etc.

Would you be able to spot a cut-and-weld? evidence of a spray job which may mean the car has been a rightoff or in a major crash..

That is what this hub is for.. to enable us to spot the most obvious signs that we need to NOT buy a car that could end up killing us...

Are you buying private used cars online?

if so… then you must read the following article….

When you are buying your next car may this be a vintage car, classic car, luxury or sports car then you still want to get the best deal possible for your money. We must however consider the following when buying;

General Checks to be carried out:

We must first check all the standard mechanics (brakes, lights, tires and steering) and need to ensure that all of them are in FULL working order. Also check the radio, wipers, washers, seatbelts and instruments also work 100%. We also have what we call basic comfort items to check:

• Adjust the seating and steering wheel positions to ensure that you are totally comfortable with the positioning.
• Can you reach all the controls from your positions?
• Can you see all of the dials and settings on the dashboard clearly?
• Do you have full visibility around the car? do the head restraints or windscreen pillars block your view?
• Can you see clearly on the road ahead when the lights are turned on?
• Do the car drive and feel comfortable and right as you drive and do you feel in control of the vehicle?
• When you are driving the vehicle ensure the radio is turned off so you can hear any engine or exhaust noises clearly.
• if the MOT on the car has less than three months left on it then ensure that the seller get a NEW mot before the sale and inspect any faults picked up.
• Check if any warrentee exists on the car and if it can be transferred to you as the new owner

Document Checks to be carried out on the car:

the following checks must be carried out on the documentation for the car before purchase and validate anything that does not seem valid:

• can the seller show you the V5 registration document for the car? You need this document to tax the car.
• is the seller the registered owner/keeper of the car you are buying? If not why are they selling it?
• is the V5 registration document have a true watermark?
• are there any errors or spelling mistakes on the V5 document?
• do the v5 registration numbers (engine number and car colour) and the VIN engine number match and are correct?
• Does the number plate on the car match the v5 document?
• Is the vin plate flush to the car body and has it NOT been tampered with?
• Have any etching on the windscreen been scratched or etched off?
• Have any locks been forced or tampered with and have any of the fuel fillers been replaced or forced?

Further parts of this guide will cover millage, Accident Damage, safety, engine and locks and windows.