How To Buy A Second-Hand CAR

A ‘pre-loved’ car can be a great buy if you know what to look out for – here are some smart tips to help you out

A second-hand or used car can turn out to be a fantastic find and serve you well on the road. But many of us worry that we’ll overlook some problems and get stuck with a rust-bucket. Here are a few tips to smoothen the journey.

Budget & Needs
First, decide on your basic needs. Do you need the car for business or just to run about town? Can your budget meet the demands of servicing that kind of car? As well as the car costs, work out what you can comfortably pay in installments, maintenance costs, annual road tax, insurance premiums and petrol.

Do Your Homework
After you have set your sights on a model or make, it is time to get a good idea of the market value of that particular model of used car. Refer to the classified sections in the papers or in motor trading magazines. Then start comparing prices. Remember to check the model year for any recalls or consumer concerns.

Car Scouting
Should you buy from a car dealer or direct from a seller? The latter usually costs less. But keep in mind that private sales often do not involve reconditioning by the owner - the car is sold “ as you see it”.

On the other hand, dealers can offer a wider variety of models and makes. They can also reduce administrative hassles by arranging for your car’s insurance and finance. The cars in dealerships tend to be in reasonably good condition as they can afford to fix the car up before selling it.

If you want to buy directly from a private seller, first, ring him/her up to find out the vehicle’s age, specifications, mileage and service records. From there, make an appointment to see the car. For safety reasons, get the seller to come to you. Never meet at his or her place, or worse, at a half way point.

Testing, Testing…..
Before you buy a car, inspect it and take a test-drive. Bring along a friend who has some experience in inspecting a use car. Don’t rush the test – do it properly as you need to see the car’s true personality.

The Walk – Around
EXTERIOR
Take a stroll around the car. Look meticulously at the bodywork for rust, dents, chips or discolored paintwork on a particular area. Check the undercarriage in the condition of different sections. A freshly painted section in an otherwise moderately rusty car can be a clue that part of the car was repaired. Also look for rust on the exhaust pipes.

* Check tyres for wear and tear.
Inset a 10sen coin into the tyre’s groove (the side with the flower must face you,
upside down). If part of the number “10” is covered by the tyre’s tread, the tread is
enough. If you can see the word “sen”, the tyre must be replaced.
* Check for uneven tyre wear.
If the wear is uneven, it’s likely the car has ben in an accident and/or is out of
alignment.
* Open the hood of the car.
Is the engine clean or are there signs of leaking oil or other fluids?
* Check the fan belts and timing belts for cracks and obvious wear.
Pull out the oil dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag or tissue, and reinsert and remove it. Is
the level correct? Is the oil dark and dirty? Both are signs that the engine is not cared
for properly.
* Check that the engine and chassis numbers are not tampered with.
The former is found on the engine itself while the latter is found on the body panel in
the engine bay.


INTERIOR
Before cranking up the ignition, take note of the basics:

* Can you get in and out easily?
Ease of access should not be an issue.
* Can you sit comfortably in the car?
Check that the steering wheel and seats allow for ample adjustments so that you can
find a comfortable driving position.
* Can you see clearly?
Ensure that there are minimal problems with vision from any blind spots.
*Are the controls well-placed?
All commonly-used controls should be conveniently located, so that they do not interfere with driving concentration.

The Drive-Around

Once you’re satisfied with the external and interior inspections, it’s time to start the car. It should start easily and continue running smoothly. Test all accessories to ensure they are in working order. Get your friend to inspect the signal lights, headlights and brake lights.

Have a good feel of the car. Ask yourself if the steering and pedals are too light or heavy for you. In both manual and automatic cars, note how smooth the gear changes are. There shouldn’t be excessive jerks or grinds when shifting gears.

On the test-drive, it is good to stick to familiar roads – if you’re too busy following directions, it’s hard to notice how the car drives and whether you’re happy with it. The test- drove should take in different driving conditions, like highways and residential streets, to gauge the car’s performance.

Take the car uphill, around corners, and over rough surfaces to check out its handling abilities. In a controlled setting like a vacant parking lot, put the car through braking tests, it means trouble. Also remember to attempt parking the car to determine maneuverability and the existence of any blind spots.

Satisfied? What Next?
If you’re happy with the car, don’t just hand over a cheque. Negotiate for the best deal. Virtually all dealers are able to give you a discount as they need your sale. If you’re still unhappy with the price, there is always another car around the corner.

If you’ve decided to buy the car, be sure to check the vehicle documentation to ensure the seller is the registered owner of the care. Happy shopping.

USED CAR BUYER’S CHECKLIST
When inspecting and road-testing a used cark take note of the following precautions:
> Always inspect the car in daylight. Any defects in the bodywork show up better.
> Take a friend along. He or she can listen for rattles or unusual sounds while you focus
on driving, and also act as a buffer against an overbearing salesperson.
> Inspect tyres for wear. Don’t forget to check out the spare tyre as well.
> Check engine oil for proper level and colour.
> Check coolant and radiator for leaks or corrosion.
> Check interior for visibility, comfort, size and cleanliness.
> Check all electronically operated items, like power windows, central locking, wipers,
external and internal lights and radio.
> Check the rear view mirror after a hard acceleration. Look for smoke or other signs of
hard wear or damage.
> After the drive, inspect the engine and under the car for leaks, odours or smoke.