Choosing the right Used Car
Second-hand cars are becoming more and more a necessity. The used car market is expanding with each passing year. In recent years, the world’s huge economic problems, as a consequence of the pandemic that erupted in 2020, have led to a huge collapse in the demand and supply of new cars. The market shrank sharply and prices went up as a direct result of rising inflation and volatility in fuel prices. The military conflict in Ukraine also has a direct effect on the car market. Problems with logistics and the withdrawal of major carmakers from Russia have dealt a shock to most developed economies in Europe and around the world. These problems are even more pronounced in developing countries, which are struggling to cope with the spread of the crisis.
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That is why nowadays we are seeing an increasing demand for quality used cars. Used cars not only have a lower price but also provide a quick opportunity to get a car if you need one. But the market for used cars is huge and we can easily get lost in it. Buying a used car is a very difficult task that can take some time. Knowledge and skills are required to be able to choose the right car for you. This includes extensive knowledge of car brands, technical knowledge, and skills for quick orientation in the current market situation. If you do not have such knowledge, you can always contact car dealers and used car dealerships. There is of course an option to buy a car directly from the owner. But then there are always a lot of risks. If you are a beginner when choosing a used car, there is always the possibility of being deceived and having a car with serious technical malfunctions. Used cars always hide some problems under the hood or on the chassis. There are a bunch of technical issues that the seller can keep quiet about. Finally, even though you have saved a lot of money when buying a used car, you may find yourself in a situation where you will have to make repairs, which will certainly cost you dearly.
In this article, we will try to give you valuable advice on how to avoid various troubles when buying a used car. What is necessary and important to watch before proceeding with the deal, so as not to be deceived. We hope that this article will be useful to you and will help you choose the car you want.
What to start with when buying a used car
Budget is always the first step. It is necessary to determine the amount you can spend to buy a used car. Add another 5-10% to it, because used cars often need additional investment. Sometimes the first costs may come in just a few months, and in other cases, the car will need money on the first turn. “First-hand” cars are proven cases with a “pure” legal history and no hidden problems. Therefore, you need to know everything about the technical condition of the used car that we intend to buy. A small budget can always deceive us and buy a car with huge problems. Finally, the money spent on the car can be doubled after a few days in the car service for major repairs. Always watch out for hidden problems that may arise later. This will save you a lot of annoyances and hours over the hood of the car.
The choice of model is extremely important. Take into account not only personal preferences but also the technical characteristics, the experience of other owners, and the liquidity of the car, taken from the second-hand car market. Don’t let your emotions make you make a reckless purchase that you will later regret. The prospective buyer must make the choice of car, based on its technical condition and “legal purity”. Make sure you have enough time to thoroughly research the market. Find out which car brands and models are currently the busiest on the used car market. Compare prices and seek opinions from various sources and individuals. As we said earlier, do not be enslaved to brands, but choose a practical and economical car that will both fit into your budget and not worry you later.
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What to look for when looking at a used car?
Buying a used car starts with questions to the seller. What to ask so as not to waste your time?
Ask when the car was bought, what year it was manufactured under the TCP, and how many owners it had. You do not need to rely on the seller to be crystal clear with you, but this will cut off some of the liars. The best option is to draw conclusions during the inspection: if you are lied to immediately, what will happen next.
Mileage: The truth: the less – the better. Pay attention to the details: the worn and torn steering wheel and the driver’s door handle, the worn mat under the pedals and the general view of the cabin will clearly show you that the car has been driven more than it was standing. Think logically: after two years in the town, cars are rarely offered with 3,000 miles, unless they are a “seasonal” supercar. For a car with polished armor from frequent driving, the mileage is definitely not 5 thousand, and probably not 50.
Features of operation: We need to look at where the vehicle has been driven because after thousands of kilometers on bad roads, there is less left of the car than necessary. Reagents are sprayed in large quantities on the roads, and they do not spare the lacquer coating of the paint. It will not be possible to check for sure where the car was driven everywhere, but for several years in traffic jams and chemistry on the streets of Sofia, you need to carefully check the condition of the cabin.
Repairs: It is important to understand what has been repaired and for what reason. Awareness will allow you to pay attention to the important nuances during the personal test drive. Of course, it is in the seller’s interest to present the car in its best light, so you need to look for and find the shortcomings of the car. Attention – on the painted parts, the fallen paint of the body fasteners (which means they have been removed for something), the unnatural shine, the poorly placed interior elements, the suspended ceiling, and the replaced elements on the dashboard are just tricks. If possible – take the service history of the car from the official dealer.
What to pay attention to with special importance
Technical passport: Pay attention to the date of registration and the year of issue. You should also check the compliance of the body number under the hood and in the cabin, engine number, etc.
Service book: Not necessarily, but if there are regular notes for passing maintenance, then this is a plus in favor of the purchase. Attention to your own car – this is a guarantee (not a guarantee!) For its good condition.
Cleanliness of the cabin: Dirt on the body hides the defects in the paint. Defects in the paint are poorly visible in the rain.
The distances must be the same width along their entire length. If the size between the elements of the body “floats”, then most likely the part is removed and there are gaps in its reverse installation.
The paint coating: Many copies can be recognized at this point. Some are sure that it is almost impossible to determine by eye the well-painted detail. However, others believe that the original painting is not obvious at first glance. Maybe the truth is somewhere in the middle, think of that. Pay attention to the strange gloss of the varnish, the sharp transitions between the paints, the clearly inhomogeneous shagreen, and the differences in colors, especially at different angles. Before using a caliper, find out the usual thickness of the paint coating for the specific brand.
The space under the lid: A clean bike should warn you – the easiest way to hide oil stains, indicating that repairs are required. Stains from rust and just the bare metal of the elements on the body should be an alarming indication for you.
Corrosion: Most often, rust forms in the following places: wheel arches, sills, places under the rubber seals and plastic decorative elements, the lower edge of the trunk lid, etc.
Towbar – the towbar of the trailer: It is better not to have him. Especially if you are looking for a car with off-road capabilities. It is not very useful to carry heavy loads with a trailer attached to the suspension, as it wears out faster. The above does not apply in cases where the “hook” is not an option, but a fixed part of the machine.
Salon: Cracks, scratches, and abrasions on the seats, door trim, and dashboard do not add value to the price of the car. And they help, at least indirectly, to compare the mileage with the real possibilities. It is unlikely that the shiny steering wheel corresponds to several tens of kilometers traveled, as well as worn door handles. But everything has its nuances. Some cars have poor quality steering wheel leather and it wears out particularly quickly. Other models have a “brand” disease in the form of scratching plastic: it will look worn out after only a few months of working with the car. Keep this in mind – read the reviews of the owners, indicating the weaknesses of the car model.
The floor under the insoles: There should be no water or other liquids – their presence indicates a breach in the tightness of the seals or a damaged air conditioning system.
The wheels must not have played: To check this, you need to lift the car on a hoist or lift it with a jack, lock the steering wheel and then, using force, check for play in the vertical and horizontal planes.
Hinge and steering knuckle covers: Be sure to check the hinge covers for grease and leaks – just press with your finger.
Wheel disks – There should be no dents or cracks.
Tires – Uneven wear indicates suspension problems or defects in body geometry.
Shock absorbers: To check them, it is necessary to apply a force perpendicular to the horizontal plane to the respective wing, and then release it: 3 shakes must be formed after the pressure – lifting, lowering, and raising.
Brake system cylinders and hoses – No leaks are allowed!!!
Braking mechanisms: Make sure there is no excessive wear. This requires visual inspection and measurement of the thickness of the disc and friction pads. The optimal parameters depend on the car model.
Butter: It is recommended to check the engine for oil leaks, as well as the oil itself for the presence of wearing particles and bubbles in it.
Cooling system: Check the cooling system for leaks, and also check the elasticity of the rubber hoses.
In a burning state: Test all the indicators on the dashboard. It is necessary to turn the ignition on and off several times and check it several times. Then start the engine for 10-20 seconds, switch off and switch on the ignition without starting the engine – the emergency oil pressure indicator should not be active. In case the light comes on after a very short period of time, the condition of the engine may be much compromised and defected.
When starting a cold engine: Unscrew the cooling system cap and make sure there are no air bubbles. Then you need to unscrew the oil cap and make sure that no gases come out. It is recommended that the running engine be checked for leaks of working fluids.
The sound: Metal knocks and uneven revolutions indicate a malfunction in the engine.
Exhaust gas color: When the engine is idling, the gases are almost colorless, and when you press the accelerator pedal, they are pale bluish. Blue, black and thick white indicate a malfunction.
Shift gears: On the go, check the gearbox for operability – there should be no external noise or vibration. The lever should not play, and the gears should be easily shifted.
The brakes: Side noises, the car swerving to the side, and too much braking distance are all reasons to check.
Management: You have to go on a flat section of the road and continue without holding the steering wheel. If the car spontaneously starts to change its trajectory, there are probably problems with the steering wheel, body geometry, or suspension. If you do not have the desire, skills, or time to evaluate the car yourself, then you can ask for help from a service center or garage. However, it must be said that it is not worth saving when inspecting the car. Checking in a good service (better specialized) will help you save money in the future. Pass the car, the owner of which refuses to be inspected by masters under the pretext of lack of time or something else.
Who sells used cars?
Continuing the topic of how to choose a used car, we must mention the categories of sellers:
Private persons: These are the owners of used cars. They often know more about the car than car dealers. Do not rely on revelations, but most often from such people you can get the most complete history of the car.
Resellers: Those who resell cars. Ideally, they conduct a small test with the elimination of the main shortcomings of the condition to achieve maximum cost. The disadvantages of this type of purchase are many. Such sellers will not tell you the truth about the car, and if they do, it will be common talk and more often – does not have much to do with reality.
Official dealers: Used cars appear in the range of official car dealerships thanks to the Trade-In trade scheme, in which the buyer of a new car offers an old one to compensate for the price of the first one. An important advantage when buying from an authorized dealer is the quality and safety – the cars are fully maintained and repaired by qualified professionals using original spare parts, consumables, and high-tech equipment. Another big plus – self-respecting car dealerships shape the car for themselves. In the case of resellers and dealers, the previous owner is respected as the last owner according to documents. In case of problems, they cannot be held accountable.
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