A good quality second hand car can be tricky to come across.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy used car, you’ll need to know a few tried and tested ways to ensure that you don’t end up paying for a faulty vehicle. To help you find a used car that serves you well for years to come, we’ve outlined everything you need to look out for in the process.
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Find a used car specialist
One of the best ways to make sure you end up with a good quality second hand car is to go straight to a trusted dealership. Respectable dealers only trade cars they’re happy to sell, and you’ll be able to get quick answers to your questions, too.
It might be tempting to find a cheap deal on a second-hand car website, but you should work with caution if you take this approach. Not all sellers are genuine vehicle owners, and it’s important to be aware of the risks of scams, including fake online car dealerships.
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Inspect the bodywork
When you first see the car, take a good look at the bodywork. You should immediately ask the dealer for more information if you see any of the following:
- Wonky or misaligned panels
- Mismatched paint on bumpers and panels
- Small scratches and dents
Even though some cosmetic damage is expected, deeper scratches to paintwork could cause corrosion. If you’re using your savings or looking at car loans to pay for a used vehicle, you’ll need to be proactive in trying to avoid inherited issues.
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Check wheels and tyres
Scratches and other superficial damage to wheels shouldn’t be a concern. However, if you notice that the rims are cracked or appear bent, a serious problem could be lurking underneath.
If the car you’re viewing also has little to no tread on its tyres, it’s natural to assume that it perhaps hasn’t been looked after or properly maintained.
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Ask to see the service history
Likewise, steer clear if a car dealer or a private seller can’t show you the vehicle’s service history.
While a full service history is preferred, a mostly complete part-history might suffice if you have clear evidence that the car has been well maintained. Make sure you check the car’s records for vehicle tax, MOT, and insurance, too.
On your visit to view the car, ask to see the vehicle logbook. From there, you’ll be able to determine the past reliability of the car along with any past modifications, too.
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Go for a test-drive
Lastly, you’ll only get the true feel of a second-hand car if you take it on a test drive.
All reputable dealerships will allow you to do this without hesitation, and from there, you’ll be able to feel how it is to drive and figure out if it’s right for you – or if it’s worth your money.