Searching ‘used car for sale’ contains an element of risk. Although buying a pre-owned vehicle is a great way to get a quality vehicle at a lower cost, you’ll want to ensure you’re spending your money on a car that’s in good condition and hasn’t been in any major accidents or undergone major repairs.
For the ‘man on the street’ who’s looking for a quality used car for sale, some questions first need to be answered regarding the vehicle’s history and backstory:
- Was this car in a major accident?
- Has this vehicle undergone extensive repairs?
- Are there any latent manufacturer or mechanical issues with this car?
- If repairs were undertaken, is there a valid warranty?
Blindly making an offer on a used car at first glance, or because the salesperson’s talk is convincing, is shortsighted. Forewarned is forearmed, and as the buyer of a second-hand vehicle, you have every right to ask questions and undertake your own inspection.
Carefully inspecting a used car before purchasing is crucial to assess its mechanical condition, uncover safety issues, and identify hidden damage. This not only highlights any potential repairs needed but also aids in verifying the car’s ownership history, negotiating a fair price and avoiding overpaying for a vehicle that requires extensive maintenance.
Ultimately, a thorough inspection provides peace of mind by reducing the risk of unexpected problems and ensuring a well-informed decision.
Here’s a detailed inspection guide to help you determine the history of any used car for sale before making a purchase:
#1 Carefully examine the paintwork
It’s worth noting, upfront, that any car over 3-4 years old is likely to have some marks, scratches or paint chips. If there aren’t any, you can deduce that some remedial paintwork has been undertaken.
Get up close and personal and be on the lookout for:
- Colour consistency: Check if the colour matches across all panels. Variations could indicate that certain parts have been repainted.
- Paint texture: Run your hand across different panels to feel for any roughness, which might suggest repaints or bodywork.
- Overspraying: Paint on non-painted parts like chrome trims, rubber seals or glass is a glaring indication of a (careless) repaint job.
#2 Examine the wheels
The condition of the wheels can provide valuable insights into the car’s history:
- Mismatched wheels: Different brands or styles of wheels can indicate replacements due to damage.
- Scrapes or dents: Check for scratches, dents, or bends on the rims. (This could suggest the car was in an accident or hit a pothole).
#3 Check the bodywork
Take a walk around the car for a thorough inspection of the body to ascertain signs of previous damage or repairs (and don’t forget to look underneath):
- Panel gaps: Uneven gaps between panels may indicate poor alignment due to previous collisions.
- Rust or corrosion: Look for rust spots, especially around the wheel wells, under the doors, or on the trunk lid, which could indicate previous damage.
- Dents and scratches: While some wear is normal, numerous dents or deep scratches may suggest past accidents.
#4 Pop the bonnet
The underside of the bonnet and the engine can provide clues about the car’s maintenance history and potential issues:
- Fluid levels: Check oil and coolant levels. Abnormal levels of dirty fluids might indicate neglect.
- Leaks: Look for any signs of leaks around the engine block or underneath the car.
- Unusual sounds or smells: Start the engine and listen for unusual noises or smells. These could indicate underlying problems.
- Paintwork: If the underside of the bonnet is a slightly different colour to the rest of the car, it is a likely indication that a respray has been done at some point.
#5 Review maintenance records
You have a right to insist on inspecting maintenance records and receipts. A well-documented service history will indicate regular maintenance and care. (Tread carefully if these cannot be provided and if the dealer cannot issue a DEKRA roadworthy certificate).
#6 Consider a professional inspection
If you’re unsure about inspecting the car yourself, consider hiring a professional mechanic or inspection service. They can provide a detailed report on the car’s condition and history by assessing the overall condition of the car, including the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension. This ensures that you’re aware of any potential issues or repairs needed.
Once you drive off the used car showroom floor, the car is now solely your responsibility. So be wise. Ask the questions. Do the checklist inspection. Then, if you are still happy and all the boxes are ticked, go ahead and sign on the dotted line.
#7 Trust Weelee when buying a used car for sale
The search for a used car for sale requires some onsite strategic sleuthing and detective work. At Weelee, we have done that for you. Our DEKRA-approved inventory of quality used cars for sale means that any vehicle you purchase from us is roadworthy and ready to hit the road running.