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Used Car Inspection – Look beyond the Face
Used car trading is a huge business in India. In fact most first time drivers go for used cars rather than new cars. It is also preferred by first time buyer as it does not involve large investment of money at the beginning of the driving stint.
But being first time drivers many have little knowledge of what technical facts to look for in the vehicle before buying it. Most Indian car buyers decide on the make, model of the car and the budget they can afford to buy the car. If a buyer is armed with the knowledge of the factors that will determine a good buy, he/she will benefit immensely from it.
But being first time drivers many have little knowledge of what technical facts to look for in the vehicle before buying it. Most Indian car buyers decide on the make, model of the car and the budget they can afford to buy the car. If a buyer is armed with the knowledge of the factors that will determine a good buy, he/she will benefit immensely from it.
You can follow the tips listed below before buying a used car:
Documents
The first thing to do when you approach a prospective seller is to ask for the papers. Check the documents carefully, particularly the registration books and the tax papers. If the seller offer you a duplicate copy of the registration books, get a photocopy of it and get its verified with the RTO. You might just avoid buying a stolen or a fake car. The RTO will charge fees and the verification procedure take time, but it is better to be cautions than to fall victim to criminal elements. Go for the verification even if the book shows that the car is registered in another state and check if the road tax has been paid. In case the seller fails to show the payment receipts, deduct the amount from the overall price of the car.
Technical Inspection
Get the used car inspected by an independent expert. If you are at a dealer’s showroom, get your mechanic to survey the car. If the mechanic’s report states that repair estimate is too high, don’t go for the car. If the car requires minor repairs then get a statement from dealer and deduct the cost from overall price of the car.
Body construction
Look for scratches and rust on the body. The rust is usually visible on the back of fenders, lights, bumpers on splash panel, under door and under trunk carpeting. Even blister in paint are visible. Check if the car has been painted freshly as attempt to mask possible problem in the body. Loose bumpers or crack could indicate that the car was involved in an accident.
Tires
Check if the wheel alignment is in harmony. Signs of wear on the front tires indicate damage in suspension.
Doors and Windows
Verify if the doors close and open easily without any mechanical defects. Also operate the windows to check if it functions smoothly. Any problem in operating these parts indicate that the car was badly maintained and you can use the fact to bargain for a lower price.
Tailpipe
Black and soot filled tailpipe may indicate that the rings and valves have worn out. It also indicates that it requires extensive repair before the car can be made fully functional.
Oil
Notice if the oil has turned white or if white bubbles are visible on the top layer. Does the radiator fluid carry rust? Check if the transmission fluid smells rancid. Find out the oil leakages under the engine. If you notice any of these if means that the car needs repair.
Electrical wiring and brakes
Check if the headlights, taillights and indicator signals are in perfect condition. Test the brakes and brake fluid. This is important as it could make a difference between life and death.
Upholstery
Inspect the upholstery for wear and tear out signs. Look under the floor mats and seat covers for hard stains and dirt. Deduct the amount from the trading price.
Buying a used car requires careful inspection. The external appearance may look deceptive. It is best to get a thorough check up before finalizing the deal.
Buying a used car requires careful inspection. The external appearance may look deceptive. It is best to get a thorough check up before finalizing the deal.
