The checklists you need, to make sure you don’t get swindled
Buying a used car can be pretty stressful, because you want a safe and reliable car that won’t give you hassles in the long-run. And you’re not a mechanic, so how can you tell if you’re getting a good deal or not?
To help you find the car of your dreams and avoid being swindled out of your hard-earned cash, here are 7 super essential checklists that you can use to vet any options that strike your fancy.
Checklist 1: Important documents and details
- The V5C registration document: Use this document to check that the seller is the registered owner and that the number plate, VIN, engine number, and colour match the V5C. Without this document, you won’t be able to tax the car and you must just look carefully to see that there aren’t any spelling errors and there is a watermark.
- The VIN number: Make sure the VIN plate hasn’t been tampered with, that the number on glass/lights matches the VIN plate, and there are no scratches to remove etched-in marks.
- Current MOT: This is especially necessary for a car older than 3 years, proving that it has passed certain safety and structural requirements.
Checklist 2: Mileage details
- Consistency: Check that the mileage and age on service records, MOT documents, and other documents are consistent.
Checklist 3: Evidence of an accident
- General appearance: Inconsistent gaps between panels, mismatched colours, or an uneven paint finish across the car could indicate extensive repairs.
- A closer look: Check for traces of paint spray on handles, window seals, or plastic mouldings, and the appearance of welding under the bonnet or in the boot.
Checklist 4: Safety factors
- The tyres: Check the tread and wear of the tyres to see if you will have to replace the tyres soon after buying the car, if there’s a spare wheel or tyre inflator/sealant kit and if these are in good condition.
- Inside: Make sure the seatbelts function properly and aren’t in poor condition (fraying etc.), if the airbags are fitted, if the warning lights operate as in the manual, and if all lights and windscreen wipers/washers work correctly.
- Other features: Look to see that the jack and other tools are present and if the locks work (including the remote control and central locking).
Checklist 5: The test drive
- Keys: Sounds obvious, but check that you have the right keys.
- Brakes: See if the brakes make a funny noise, take too much effort to work, pull the car to 1 side when used, and if the handbrake is effective.
- ABS: If the car has ABS, look to see if the warning light goes out after the engine has started.
- Lights: See if each of the lights in and outside the car operate normally.
- Minor controls: Ensure these work properly, such as heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, sound system, navigation, etc.
- Steering: As you drive, check if you can feel any steering vibration or pull to 1 side as you go.
- Windows: Check that all the windows, including the sunroof, open and close normally.
Checklist 6: The engine
- Cold: Turn the engine on from cold and check for abnormal noises, if the oil warning light goes on, and for any signs of excessive visible exhaust emissions.
- Clutch: A noise when you press the pedal or a high biting point could indicate that repairs will be needed.
- Oil: Check that there aren’t signs of sludge on the underside of the oil filler cap (indicating poor servicing) and that the oil level is right.
- Cam belt: Check if the cam belt has been replaced according to the service schedule.
The final check: the right car insurance.
Just because your car is second-hand doesn’t mean that car insurance is unnecessary. Accidents happen, thieves take chances, and potholes abound. These are just 3 reasons why car insurance is worth investigating. After all, you don’t want to spend all this time doing your homework to find the car of your dreams only to have it stolen from right outside your local grocery store with no means of being able to replace it.
It’s important to shop around and get quotes from top insurers, like King Price. The royal insurers offer different levels of car insurance, from third party only to their 5 star comprehensive option. And if you choose their comprehensive option, your premiums will decrease every single month (no catch, just pure savings) in line with the depreciating value of your car.
If you want to get cover for the first time or are considering changing your insurance to King Price to get their royal touch in your life, then click here for a quote, call their sales team on 0860 50 50 50, or send an email to [email protected]