Buying a used car

If you are looking to buy a used car, you should check the condition of the vehicle thoroughly before committing to the purchase, as a lack of thoroughness now could lead to a lot of expensive repairs further down the line. Here are some of the things to look out for.

Take a look inside the car, in particular for any standing water or stains, as these may be the result of a leak, which can be expensive to fix. Check all of the controls, switches, and buttons in turn to see that they all work the way they are supposed to, and make sure that all the lights and displays are functioning as they should.

1. Have a good look at the paintwork on the exterior of the vehicle, especially on the underside panels, which are particularly prone to rust, dents, and scratches. The problem with rust is that once it has started, it can spread fairly rapidly, so it is important to head off these problems at the pass, preferably by buying a car which is completely rust free.

2. Look out for signs of extra layers of paint, or areas where the finish is of a different consistency, as this could be a sign that the vehicle has been involved in an accident. Also check the metalwork on the inside of the boot and bonnet for signs of damage and/or shoddy repair work.

3. Check that the engine has plenty of clean oil, and that the coolant is topped up, clean, and brightly coloured. The engine itself is likely to be quite dirty, but this is alright as long as rust has not set in.

4. When an engine is running at a reasonable temperature, there should be no visible smoke coming out of the exhaust, so turn it on and check this out before you go any further. Where there is smoke, there is usually a mechanical problem which could be expensive to fix.

5. If the car seems in good enough condition up to this point, then you might want to take it for a test drive. Check that the steering, brakes, and gear mechanism are smooth and responsive, and that the car does not veer to one side when you loosen your grip on the wheel.

Although this set of checks will certainly suffice for a cheaper car, if you are spending a bit more money then it could be worth your while having the car checked over by a qualified, independent mechanic to make sure all is well before you splash the cash. While this may cost a couple of hundred pounds, it could end up saving you substantially more in future repair bills.

Come to Kwik Fit Insurance for a car insurance quote and we’ll get you one in double-quick time.

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