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Buying a used car is always a risky venture. But there are things that you can do to lessen that risk. Here’s an essential 25 point check list that will help you to get it right first time.
Exterior
Look at the general condition of the outside of the car. Check inside for indications of heavy use. Specifically look for the following:
(1) Body Rust: check the large body panels, the inner wings and the sills.
(2) Color Matching: Varying color shades on a panel indicate that the car has been in an accident.
(3) Dampers: bounce the car at each corner. If it bounces more than twice you will have problems with the dampers.
(4) Tyre Tread: Check for uneven wear
(5) Door Alignment: If doors do not align exactly with body panels this could indicate an accident.
(6) Lights: Check that lenses are not cracked.
(7) Mileage: If the mileage is much higher than an average of 10,000 miles for each year, this may indicate that the car has been used as a fleet vehicle.
(8) Driver’s Seat: A sagging driver’s seat along with worn foot pedals are indicative of a high mileage. If the odometer doesn’t indicate this, it has probably been wound back.
Checking Under the Car
If you are buying the car from a garage ask them to place the car on a lift. Otherwise, use a mat and torch.
(9) Check for oil leaks from the rear axle.
(10) Check all brake pipes for signs of rust, accident damage or fraying.
(11) Check the muffler for rust holes or loose fitting.
(12) Check for leaks from the oil sump and the clutch housing
(13) Make sure that all of the under body sealants are undamaged.
Under The Bonnet
Look for signs that the car has been recently serviced. The air filter should be clean and the fan belt free from cracks and is correctly tensioned.
(14) Check that the brake fluid level is up to the max level and is clean
(15) Check the electrolyte level in the battery. Look also for white corrosion at the terminals.
(16) Check the engine bay for rust.
(17) Check the level of the oil and it’s condition. If it feels gritty you may be in for problems.
(18) Check the air filter. It shouldn’t be clogged with dirt.
The Controls
(19) Check that the instruments are all properly lit.
(20) Check for signs of slack and excessive play in the steering wheel
(21) Check to see if the generator light goes out soon after the engine starts – it should.
(22) The oil pressure light should also go out soon after the engine starts.
(23) Check that the temperature gauge goes quickly to the warm zone. If it runs too cold or too hot you are in for problems.
(24) Get a friend to check that all the lights are working as you activate them.
(25) Apply the hand-brake. It should lock fully well before the lever reaches the end of it’s track.
So, how does your prospective vehicle check out? Is it a gem or a lemon? After following this 25 point check list you are in a much better position to find out.
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