When you want to buy a used car, some elementary checks will save you time, trouble and money. Whatever you pay even for a used car is a hard earned investment of yours. Should something go wrong and you end up with heavy repairs, you will not be able to sell the car off at the price you got. The end result will be a considerable loss.
It is better to check and recheck the second hand car you are looking to buy. You have to take the seller’s permission and take the car to a dealer to have everything checked out even if you have to spend a little. It is worth it. Never go to a cheap mechanic. A general garage mechanic will never inspect the car thoroughly.
Most used cars depreciate in value rather quickly. After a year, they are down by almost forty per cent of their market value. Last year, the Office of Fair Trading in the United Kingdom has reported that close to seventy thousand consumers have complained about issues concerning the used car sales. Among the major complaints were defective cars, servicing problems and misleading sales.
A checklist has to be made when you take the used car for an inspection by a dealer. The first thing to check is whether the car has been seriously damaged earlier, particularly its chassis as a result of an accident. The next thing to check is whether the car is under outstanding finance and whether the fines or penalties have been paid for. The third thing is to check the condition of the suspension, the wheel alignment and the treading of the tyres. Then, let the dealer certify the car for its engine condition and mileage.