Whatever the mileage of a vehicle, its purchase is always a real pleasure. We want to find ourselves quickly behind the wheel. But watch out for the traps. And even if the purchase to a “pro” (against which it is easier to appeal) requires less vigilance than if it is an individual, always remain suspicious and attentive. And, remember, it’s better to miss a bargain than to make a bad one.
The vehicle’s file
When you buy a used car, you must search for the life of the vehicle. If it’s a “first hand”, it probably will not be too much trouble. The owner will probably show you the completed maintenance booklet. However, it will not be easy to get parts that tell the life of the vehicle if it has changed several times owner. In this case, do not leave anything to chance and peel the slightest invoice.
The maintenance book
Thanks to him, you will know if the revisions were scrupulously carried out at the periods recommended by the manufacturer. You will know basic controls and you will also know if mechanical operations of importance were realized. Example: replacing parts like the timing belt. If the seller is unable to present you the notebook, distrust. The vehicle may not have received the care necessary for its proper functioning and longevity. If it is a “pro”, it can reassure you by offering a guarantee.
The bills
They give an idea of the maintenance that has been provided to the car through the replacement of wearing parts (tires, brake pads, exhaust line, suspensions, etc.). Take the names of the garages. All the better if it’s still the same establishment and part of the brand network. The vehicle will probably have been the subject of more careful care than if it had been deposited in various specialized centers.
If you find yourself in front of a professional seller, you will know a little more. It will clearly indicate the various operations already carried out and will eventually list the mechanical work that would be desirable in the near future.
The manufacturer’s instructions
It is not a detail. This logbook (user booklet), a true manual of the vehicle, is essential to understand all its features. For example, you can find the number of liters of fuel remaining in the tank when the light signal indicates that you are on the reserve.
The static exam
This review is critical in the purchase process. If you are not an expert, do not hesitate to bring a friend who knows the mechanics well. His advice will be useful. You must inspect your future car from every angle: exterior and interior. These checks must be carried out in daylight. Refuse an appointment at 8 pm on a winter evening. In the dark and in the rain, scratches and defects will not be detectable.
If you buy at a “pro”, you will at least be sure to see the vehicle in broad daylight. Moreover, the professional engages his brand and the reputation of his establishment by exhibiting used cars on his premises. He can not afford to present a model in bad condition. It will have been prepared beforehand.
Inspection points referenced below can avoid falling on a car “trapped” and save some money. Indeed, whether it is a “pro” or an individual, the seller will understand that the transaction will not be that easy to conclude if you find some imperfections. A damaged seal, a stained seat, and you can always try to claim a small discount.
The exterior
A new paint: it is possible that the seller honestly wanted to make an effort to get rid of his car quickly. But beware, a coat of ceremonies can reveal an accident and a change to marble. Be wary if doors or hood are not properly aligned. It can be a clue. The sheet metal must be smooth, without traces of blows or blisters due to rust. Remember that straightening a sheet will cost you a few hundred euros.
Windows: they must go down and up smoothly, and come hang perfectly against the joints. Watch out for future cold showers!
Rust: Today’s used cars no longer have important rust spots. The bodies are more and more resistant. But still look at the interior faces of the doors, the window surrounds, the sills, the wing passages and the floor of the passenger compartment and the trunk. Any burst of paint may foreshadow the birth of rust spots.
Gaskets: Check that door, hatch cover or trunk rubbers are in good condition. If the vehicle is equipped with a sunroof, also inspect its seams.
Tires: Beware, it is mandatory that they are the same brand and identical size on the same axle. Then check their level of wear. Of course, there should be no hernia or tear on the side. The depth of the sculptures must be consistent. A little trick always works. When you insert a euro coin into a sculpture, the silver circle should not appear. In addition, uneven wear shows a defect in parallelism or inflation at erroneous values.
By shaking the front wheels in the horizontal axis, it is also possible to realize if there is a play in the direction. The whole of this examination must be thorough. Take your time: it’s about your safety. A tire in poor condition may burst and cause an accident. If you have doubts and want to change, tell the seller and bring this item into the negotiation.
The interior
Counter: Check that the numbers are correctly aligned. Failing that, it may mean that it has been “revised” downwards using a screwdriver. Another tip of Caradisiac to flush out the scam: make sure that the mileage indicated is not lower than the label of the last oil squeezed on the sump.
The covers: The presence of covers is a double-edged sword. It can be considered as an advantage because your cockpit will be protected. But we can also think that they are there to hide holes or burns of cigarettes. Feel free to remove them to check the condition of the seat fabrics. If this review is not conclusive, think about it. This is not a reason not to buy the car, but it is a reason to ask for a small discount.
The floor mats: it is not a question of being satisfied with the cleanliness of its elements. The seller will have necessarily cleaned them. It is the humidity that must be tracked. Lift them up and see if you see any signs of sealing problems.
Onboard controls: it would be too stupid to buy an opportunity that the backup light does not work. Even so, the car can be a good deal. But we do not want to do work immediately on a vehicle that we just bought. So, even if these checks seem simplistic, make sure all the controls are working correctly: lights, lights (reversing, position, stop, flashing). Then check the heating, warnings, demisting, windshield wipers, etc. The indicators on the instrument panel should come on when you turn on the ignition. On your way, also test the car radio and, if necessary, his command driving.
The air conditioning: after having activated the compressor, it is noted that it started up at a slight deceleration of the engine speed. The cold must be evacuated from the aerators after a few seconds. If the cold does not come, two solutions: it must either recharge the refrigerant gas (80 to 100 €) or, and it is more annoying because much more expensive, replace the air conditioning compressor (at least 600 €).
The spare wheel: maybe do you think this check is useless? You never know: make sure you’re there anyway.
Trailer Hitch: Few vehicles have one, but beware if this is the case. The car may have had to make great efforts to tow a heavy caravan. The clutch and the engine could have suffered.
Engine
Oil leaks: When stopped, the traces of oozing are easily identifiable. But do not panic. It is not disturbing to see on an engine: none can be perfectly clean. However, if it is a leak, be suspicious. A leak is when there is a dripping drip and a stain under the car after a few hours of parking.
Four scenarios are possible:
- It could be a leak of a seal-spi placed near the pulley, opposite side to the gearbox, It is boring, but not very serious: it is possible to carry out a repair for a amount between 150 and 500 euros.
- The seal-spi located near the clutch and the gearbox may also be the cause of the leak. In this case, the problem is more serious. It will often cost you more than 1,000 euros.
- The rocker arm gasket is involved. It’s nothing. It must be changed. Cost: about 50 euros.
- The camshaft seal is to be replaced. This leakage can cause the replacement of the timing belt, which will cost several hundred euros.
As can be seen, an oil leak does not necessarily indicate a disturbing failure. It depends on the type of breakdown. But it is very difficult to identify it. At best, leaning under the car, you will see traces of oil. But, failing to be a professional mechanic, you will not be able to detect the origin.
It is best not to dwell too much on the vehicle you may be buying if you notice oil spills. The burned oil also emits a characteristic odor. If you feel it, do not buy.
And, remember that these tips are especially valid for cars sold by individuals. For those garages, the guarantees offered ensure a priori that you will not encounter this kind of nasty surprise (even if it happens, alas …).
Battery terminals: they must not be covered with a whitish and dry substance. This index reflects a low level of maintenance of the car and may prefigure a problem at startup.
Hoses: These rubber hoses which ensure the passage of liquids necessary for the proper functioning of the engine must be completely sealed. No trace of leakage or sagging should appear. They must also not be swollen under the action of too much pressure. If they are cracked, it is a sign of wear or aging, which means that a replacement is expected sooner or later.
The radiator: if you detect leaks of whitish liquid on the engine, it means that there are leaks. And so frequent fluid upgrades may scour the radiator tubes. It will therefore cool the engine less well.
The test drive: essential
You must not buy a car without trying it on the road. With a professional, you will always get satisfaction: no dealer will refuse you this test. On the other hand, you can fall on an individual who will not give you this opportunity, citing a risk of insurance or the fear of being stolen his vehicle. In this case, no hesitation, go your way.
Noise: Start the engine and listen. Is the engine running round? Do not you hear curious rattling noises? Distrust, if you hear the sound of knocking. Important internal games are to be feared and may in the short term lead to breakage of parts. A piston pin that has play may last for some time, but not a crank pin. To hear the slamming at one of the wheels is a bad sign. Gimbals or suspension arms may be in poor condition.
The engine noise must be regular. You must not suddenly hear a high-pitched whistle, for example. If so, stay alert. It can be a banal air intake if the noise fades above the idle. It can also be the traditional whistling of a belt. This is not disturbing. More serious: a bearing (also called roller) is perhaps seizing. Be careful, the timing belt may then release causing irreparable damage (valves and pistons) in the engine.
The clutch: a simple method to test it. Apply the handbrake and engage the third gear then release the clutch. If the car stalls, it’s a good sign. Otherwise, consider replacing the clutch disc. This repair can cost up to 1,500 euros.
The gearbox: make a route to pass all speeds. Once engaged, they must not jump or crack when they change.
Keeping course: in a straight line, let go of the steering wheel to just touch it with your fingers. The car should not pull to the right or to the left. If so, several explanations for this: a problem of parallelism, a game in the direction or a bad straightening at the marble. In short, serious reasons to worry.
Braking: brake in a straight line after noticing that you were not being followed. The car must stay in the axis of the road.
Exhaust fumes: the blue color reflects the wear of an engine that consumes too much oil. The white smoke indicates the presence of water vapor and suggests that the head gasket is tired. Black smoke is less of a concern: the engine is incorrectly adjusted or dirty.
Tip: You can also ask the seller to drive the car for you. This will reveal possible bad driving habits that may involve premature wear of certain parts.
Call an auto expert
If you do not feel comfortable doing these checks yourself, be aware that there are professionals offering expert services to sellers or buyers. Following a thorough inspection of the vehicle, a complete report will be submitted that will allow a transaction with confidence. Some even include a legal guarantee in case of a problem.
Regarding fares, still count between 150 € and 250 € depending on the location of the expertise and service: the expert can also help you determine the market value of the vehicle and thus assist you in the negotiation.
Conclusion
Prepare your checklist up front and take your time to review the vehicle: checking all of these points is essential to avoid bad business and scams. If the owner is reluctant to let you do your inspection, do not dwell.
Finally, note that to reassure buyers, some car ad sites like La Centrale offer a mechanical warranty covering the buyer in case of failure after the purchase.
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