If you are looking to purchase a car then buying second hand can save you a lot of money
, even if the car is only a couple of years old. In fact, studies have found that the value of a car can decrease by up to 40% after the first year it was bought new! There are some amazing bargains to be found when purchasing a used car but you need to be wary of any potential scams or areas for potential costly repairs further down the line. Here are some top tips for when you're viewing a used car.
Scams hopefully you wont encounter any of these but it is important to know what you could be faced with. Clocking is when the mileage is turned back on the clock. You can check that the mileage corresponds roughly with the age of the car and any external wear and tear from long drives such as chips on the bonnet from stones during motorway driving. Sometimes cars are cloned meaning their identity has been stolen from another identical vehicle. It is important to check the V5C registration document carefully before making a purchase. Lastly a cut-and-shut is when two damaged vehicles that have been written off are illegally welded together. Unfortunately these can be difficult to spot.
Research before going to view a car it is a good idea spend some time searching through classified ads so you know roughly what you should be paying for the car you are interested in. Some car models have common faults that you can look out for when you go to view the vehicle. Always arrange your viewing during a dry day when you can see everything clearly.
Documents the V5C document shows who the registered keeper is and the details of any previous keepers. If you have any doubts you could contact a previous keeper who does not have a vested interest in the sale to ask them about the car mileage and service history. Cars that are more than three years old should have a series of MOT certificates with the recorded mileage for each year. You should also check that the cam belt was replaced as and when recommended.
Test drive before taking a vehicle for a test drive you must check that you are covered by your insurer. Check that the engine (bonnet) is cold before you start and listen out for rattles from the suspension. Check the steering, brakes, clutch and gears. A clutch that only bites at the top could be on its way out.