Inspections and Tests for Used Cars

Should you be considering a used car, you are going to have to check out the general state of the car. A vehicle that has not been well maintained could mean a whole lot of problems in time.

Should you be buying privately, used cars are normally ‘sold as seen’, so scrutinize everything carefully.

  1. Check vehicle history to ensure the car is what the paperwork claims.
  2. Check out tyre condition, that is, tread depth as well as side-wall damage. A tyre with uneven wear could be a sign of incorrectly aligned wheels.
  3. The steering wheel ought to move smoothly with each lock without vibrating or making odd noises.
  4. With a fully depressed clutch, the gears ought to engage smoothly and with ease without grinding. A very stiff or weak clutch pedal can be a sign of old, incompetent components.
  5. The engine ought to run and rev smoothly and evenly. Carry out a check of the oil dipstick as well as the inside of the oil filler cap. Should you discover brown sludge, walk the other way; the engine has been damaged and needs expensive repairs carried out on it.
  6. Make sure that the exhaust does not give off lots of blue smoke upon revving the engine as this signifies internal engine wear.
  7. Check for rust on the body of the car and underneath. Peruse the exhaust system. Does it appear to be in need of replacement?
  8. Should the car have an extremely clean engine bay, be suspicious. Has it been deliberately cleaned or is there something to hide?
  9. Once you are under the bonnet, can you see signs of flaking paint or rust around the panel joints on the car front. This may denote that repairs have been carried out after crash damage.
  10. Does the wear on the interior of the car match the mileage on the odometer? A low-mileage car, along with much worn seats and pedals, means the mileage could have been clocked.
  11. Check that the doors open and shut fine and check rubber seals for signs or paint, which is yet another sign of crash-damage repairs.
  12. Check that the side panels and bodywork of the car align smoothly. Be on the look out for wavy panels or cars which have uneven gaps between panels.
  13. When you take the car on a test drive, check the brakes for responsiveness as well as their ability to stop when traveling at some speed.
  14. Ensure everything is in good working condition, like electronic components, windows, seats and the sunroof.