Buying a used car can be a great way to save money, but there are many factors to consider when buying one. What and where to check when acquiring a used car is a commonly asked question. There are a lot of things you need to consider when buying a used car, and that’s what we’ll discuss today. Firstly here are lists of the most prudent factors and ways by which you Inspect a used car with limited technical knowledge.
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Hints: Take your time when checking a used car, because there are quite a lot of things you should be conscious of — from the documents and VIN number, exterior condition, interior condition, mechanicals, driving experience, and even performing diagnostic scans, and detecting mileage tampering. We will explain how to conduct each check and provide you with a top tip for a superb consumer-grade diagnostic and maintenance solution that you can keep using with your newly-acquired car.
What to Check When Buying a Used Car — Start with the Document Check
It’s always best to check the paperwork when determining what to look for when purchasing a used car. Start with the registration documents and the certificates of roadworthiness. Verify that all paperwork is up to date, taxes have been paid, and, most critically, that distinctive identifiers like the VIN number match what is on the vehicle. Please read our post on VIN numbers and how to check them if you have any questions.
What to Check When Buying a Used Car — Check the Exterior Condition
If a car is displayed in a dark garage you won’t have a clear view of it, it is advised to view it during the day and request that the owner moves it to sunlight to have a better view. Features to consider are the paint, rubber weather seals and beadings, integrity and functionality of each lamp, the state of the windshield and window lenses, the rims, and the trend of the tires should all be inspected. This is a wonderful way to tell how a car has been driven because if the tires are severely worn and the alloy wheels are scratched, you can be sure that the inside of the car isn’t much better either.
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refusal of either of these is a cause for concern.
Pay great attention to how the panels are aligned, especially if anything seems strange to you or if there are uneven gaps between the doors, hood, trunk lid, and body. It could be that the headlamps don’t seem properly installed, or the car is not sitting straight on level ground. Examine the paintwork on the adjacent panels, to determine if it’s been repainted following an accident.
What to Check When Buying a Used Car — Check the Interior Condition
The interior should be a major consideration when purchasing a used car because it is where you will spend the majority of your time. Looks like what? Focusing on the wear on the steering wheel and pedals is one approach to determine whether an automobile has possibly seen mileage tampering. For instance, it’s extremely improbable that a 40,000-mile automobile would have a clutch or brake pedal with a rubber pedal cover that is severely worn down and a steering wheel rim that clearly displays wear.
Check the footwell carpets for wetness or indications of water damage by pulling back the carpets. There are a lot of flood-damaged vehicles available, not restored to seem brand-new on the outside, any water that has accumulated in the carpets and footwells will leave noticeable evidence.
Operate every single interior gadget and electronic convenience that you can. This entails testing every power window, every power seat, every power door mirror, every infotainment and sound system, and every trip computer, and making sure that all gauges function. It also involves operating the HVAC system in both cold and warm modes to make sure that both operate efficiently. Look for dead pixels or other malfunctions on digital screens, such as lines and artefacts. A competent detailer may make a car look brand-new and shiny, but if many of its features don’t work, it won’t be much use.
What to Check When Buying a Used Car — Perform a Rudimentary Mechanicals Check
Since not everyone is capable of doing this, it’s best to go used car shopping with an experienced friend or trustworthy mechanic who understands what to look for. It can at least help you identify some problems, such as hose and wire damage in the engine bay, sagging suspension, oil leaks, worn-out clutches, and probable engine problems that are audible when the engine is started. However, it is not a replacement for a thorough status report.
What to Check When Buying a Used Car — Test Drive Time
The test drive is crucial, so if a seller declines, it’s a huge warning sign. Don’t rush to conclude a test drive early; instead, take your time and put the vehicle through as many different circumstances as you can. We mean to drive it as an ordinary person would, not on a rally stage or to test the top speed.
See how it handles city streets, uneven roads, and the performance on the highway. Instead of hammering it through turns and burning rubber, give it a good workout by also exploring the higher rev regions of the engine. Recall inspecting the brakes in a safe location when purchasing a used car to make sure the vehicle stops straight and true.
Have a dependable mechanic or knowledgeable friend ride in the back seat with you throughout the test drive to help you identify any unwelcome noises, vibrations, hesitations, or performance difficulties. Make it clear that you need the seller’s business so they can attest to any problems you find and not accuse you of fabricating them.
What to Check When Buying a Used Car — Diagnostic Scans
Modern automobiles are essentially computers on wheels, and they have a single interface called the OBD2 interface that enables their computer systems to be questioned and faults investigated. You might believe that such tools are only used in specialised workshops, but there are also reasonably priced consumer-grade options available. These practical tools are a crucial component of enhancing the things to look for when purchasing a used car.
Carly, a two-part solution that will run you less than $100, is our top option among these. The best part is that you can keep using Carly as your go-to maintenance and diagnostics tool for years to come. The Carly Universal OBD Scanner is an accessory that plugs into the OBD2 port of any vehicle and wirelessly connects to the Carly app, which is already installed on your smartphone! The Carly app, which is available for Android and iOS, enables you to carry out diagnostic scans, participate in the vehicle setting customization through coding, carry out maintenance activities, and more. Even a complete beginner can quickly understand how to use Carly because of its exceptional user-friendliness.
What to Check When Buying a Used Car — What about Mileage Tampering?
Mileage tampering is a common form of fraud in the used car market, where the seller alters the mileage reading of the vehicle to make it appear as if it has been driven less than it actually has. This is usually done to increase the value of the car and make it more attractive to potential buyers. In Nigeria, mileage tampering is a serious issue, and it can be difficult to detect without a proper inspection.
If you are buying a used car in Nigeria, it is essential to check the vehicle’s mileage using a trusted odometer reading service to ensure that the mileage is accurate. You can also check the car’s service history and maintenance records to verify the mileage reading. If there are any inconsistencies or discrepancies in the odometer reading or service records, it is advisable to walk away from the deal.
Mileage tampering is a significant problem that used car buyers confront globally, so having a reliable system like Carly to identify it offers tremendous peace of mind.
Why you must Inspection is important When Buying a Used Car in Nigeria
Inspecting a used car before buying it is essential, especially in Nigeria where there is a high prevalence of car fraud and accidents. Here are some reasons why inspection is important when buying a used car in Nigeria:
- Safety: A thorough inspection of the used car can help you identify any potential safety issues that could compromise your safety on the road. The inspection can identify issues such as worn-out tires, faulty brakes, damaged steering components, and other critical parts that could cause accidents.
- Avoiding Scams: Inspection can help you detect any fraudulent activity by the seller, such as hiding accident damage, odometer tampering, and other hidden issues that could affect the car’s value and performance.
- Negotiating Power: If you find any issues during the inspection, you can use this information to negotiate a better price with the seller. This can save you money in the long run by ensuring that you don’t pay more than the car is worth.
- Peace of Mind: Buying a used car can be a stressful experience, but an inspection can give you peace of mind that you are making the right decision. By knowing the condition of the car, you can avoid unexpected repair costs and enjoy driving your car without worrying about potential issues.
Inspection is crucial when buying a used car in Nigeria to ensure your safety, avoid scams, negotiate a fair price, and give you peace of mind.
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