Used Car Checklist

Many people opt to buy a used car, especially if it is their first car. Others buy it because it is the only option they have. New cars can be very expensive and they depreciate very quickly in value as well. Used cars can be a good investment if chosen carefully. There is nothing wrong with buying a used car that has been maintained well and is still in running condition. However, purchasing a used car is no less than a gamble. It can be a great experience if you get exactly what you were looking for at a reasonable price. It can also turn into a nightmare if you are clueless about how to go about the purchase. You might land in hot water if you are not aware of what to look for and what to look out for. Do not let your used car turn into a white elephant. This article on used car checklist will offer you useful information in case you want to buy a used car.

Checklist For Buying A Used Car

Outstanding Finance
Outstanding finance is a serious risk faced by used car buyers as many cars that undergo a history check are found to have payment dues on them. If the used car has outstanding finance at the time of purchase, neither will you legally own it nor will you be protected by the ‘Sale of Goods Act’.

Test Drive
Before you pay, take the car for a test drive for at least fifteen minutes. Make sure the accelerator, steering wheel, gear knob, windows, etc work well. Conduct a running brake test which will confirm the braking prowess of the car. Also remember to peek and have a look at the bottom of the car to see if there is any buildup of rust or rusted car parts.

Documents
It is essential that you scan all the related documents before buying the used car. You must compare the VIN number listed against that of the car and check that the VIN plate of the car has not been tampered with. Also, it is but natural for you to smell a rat if you notice that the car has changed hands numerous times. Spending some money to procure history reports of the car can save you a lot of money in the future. It can reveal whether the car was caught in a flood, had the odometer rolled back, and if the car has a salvage title.

Exterior
A good time to inspect the vehicle is in natural light where you can see the minutest of parts clearly. Once you are satisfied with the running of the car, you must check its exterior as well. The tire tread must be at least half of its original state and the tires must not show uneven wear and tear. The vehicle’s oil must not be gooey as it suggests lack of maintenance. Uneven or discolored panels or bonnets suggest previous body work like re-spray or replacements.

Leak Inspection
Check the ground where the car has been sitting. In case you spot water, oil or coolant leakage, it can very well be a sign of repairs that the car is in need of. Always look at the bottom of the vehicle to make sure that it is the car in question that is the source of the leak.