Buying a used car should be a straightforward transaction. But if you have little or no mechanical knowledge and are easily persuaded, the used car market can be infested with sharks eager to relieve you of your hard earned cash.
To help save you from unwanted pain, we have come up with a simple checklist to safeguard you against buying a lemon. Here is what to be aware of:
Know what you are looking for
Before you even think of going for a test drive, you need to have a sound idea of what you are in the market for. Start by setting a realistic budget, bearing in mind estimated running costs, like registration, insurance, fuel, servicing and repairs. Next, have a poke around online and create a
shortlist of cars that you feel suits your budget and needs. Research various online forums about each car in your short list and find a balance of good reviews for a car that fits your price guide. Once you’ve narrowed it down, it is time to have a closer look.
shortlist of cars that you feel suits your budget and needs. Research various online forums about each car in your short list and find a balance of good reviews for a car that fits your price guide. Once you’ve narrowed it down, it is time to have a closer look.
Leave your bias at the door
If you find the car you have your heart set on but as soon as you take it for a spin it doesn’t feel right, it is important to trust your instincts. Even if it is the exact model you are after and at the right price, if it feels like a lemon it most likely is. Have the confidence to move on and say: “no thank you”. Be honest with your appraisal and go with your gut.
Make a checklist
This list will be quite extensive if you are not certain what car you want. Your list should include important factors like fuel economy, space, comfort and safety rating. To narrow things down further, include factors such as interior and exterior wear and tear, braking performance, tyre condition, service history, stereo quality and whatever else you value in a car.
Now set a benchmark
With your checklist you’ll be able to compare vehicles easier. Scrap from your list any cars that you doubt and have a column to write notes of your observations after your test drive, like: “slight vibration in steering column when driving at speed,” or, “clunk in the front wheel when turning left”.
Pre-drive test
Before you even start the car there are several things to look for: run your eye along either side of the car looking for any imperfections or odd lumps, then look inside for the same. If there are any bumps, lumps or colours inside the door panels that do not match with the outside, this should sound alarm bells that the car has been repainted and was most likely in a previous crash.
Under the bonnet
Pop the bonnet and check the fluid levels and cleanliness of water and oil. Both should be sitting just under full when the car is cold. Look for any excess oil that has been splashed around, as well as any obvious fluid leaks , worn hoses or belts (i.e. perished rubber).
Tyre check
Drop the bonnet and run your eyes south to the tyres; they can tell you a lot. If they are bald you will obviously have to replace them but it is also a sign of laziness or potentially poor finances with the previous owner, which could be of concern when considering the car’s maintenance record. If the tyre’s wear is uneven, you can presume worn suspension parts, another cost to figure in.
Start it up
It is now time to start the engine. Give it a decent rev and make sure you look out for any signs of smoke coming out of the tailpipe- it is not ideal. Also listen for any strain to start and any clunking or undue rattles.
Get out on the road
If the car has passed the test so far, it is time to take it on the road. You’ll want to encounter a roundabout or winding stretch of road where you can accelerate hard after negotiating tight corners. When you accelerate hard, listen for engine strain and watch for smoke in the rearview mirror as neither of these are good signs. With corners, listen out for clunks and rattles which could indicate worn joints. Do some smoother turns to feel for flat spots or odd sensations in the steering as this is another warning sign. Find a smooth spot where you can brake hard; if the car doesn’t veer to either side nor shudder, you are in luck.
Check the extras
If all this checks out well you may be on to a winner. Finally you will want to test all the extras. Fire up the stereo, the electric windows and all of the other car’s bells and whistles. Make sure everything is fully operative as even the simplest faults may require expensive repairs. Also ensure there is no outstanding finance on the vehicle and that it is registered. If you are still not 100 per cent sure about the car, then get a second opinion. A professional evaluation can be worth its weight in gold if you’ve missed something and will generally only set you back under $200. Happy hunting.
