In this post the Motorcheck top tips when buying a used car are set out. The list is not to be read as a definitive list but our view on main areas to consider and what to look out for when buying a user car
Top 10 Tips when buying a used car:
1) Don’t get emotionally attached and let common sense prevail
2) Do your research and set your budget before viewing the car
3) Write down a list of questions – bring them with you if necessary
4) Bring someone with you – it would help if they know a little about cars
5) Don’t view a car in the dark or when it’s raining
6) Don’t meet the seller in a carpark – Do meet them at their address
7) Don’t pay cash and get a receipt signed by the seller
8) Perform a test drive thorough physical check on the car and look out for tell-tale signs
9) Check the documentation that comes with the car
10) Perform an online car check into the background of the car – check for mileage, previous write-offs, finance, is the car imported from the UK etc.
In Detail:
1) Don’t get emotionally attached
Cars are an emotionally charged purchase. People do silly things and forget all about the hard questions they should be asking if they become emotionally attached to the car before buying it. Their emotional brain kicks in and the logical brain becomes disconnected. Sometimes people think the deal is so good the fear of somehow losing out can also take over and drive people to make rash decisions. So it’s important to keep the emotions in check and let common sense prevail, trust your instincts and if it seems too good to be it probably is.
2) Do your research and set your budget before viewing the car
Browse the online classified sites and have a look at all of the choices. Hone in on the particular make and model you want. Consider whether you want to purchase from a Dealer or Privately. There are different considerations for each. Set your budget and stick to it.
3) Write down a list of questions – bring them with you if necessary
This relates back to the “emotions” taking over when you view a car. Prepare and write down your list of questions before viewing the car and make sure you take time to go through all of them with the seller. It’s a large purchase and you have the right to take your time and ask the pertinent question. If the seller is put off by questioning or acts impatient it’s a bad sign so walk away.
4) Bring someone with you – it would help if they know a little about cars
Not everyone has access to a friendly neighbourhood mechanic to accompany them to a viewing but most people will be able to bring someone along who knows a little about cars. The main point is that you want to bring someone who can act as a buffer and can bring you back down to earth when the emotions kick in. It also helps if the seller is engaging one of you in conversation the other can get on with the serious business of a thorough inspection of the car and its documentation.
5) Don’t view a car in the dark or when it’s raining
It seems quite obvious but it’s worth reiterating. You should never view a car in the dark or when it’s raining simply because the conditions may obscure any subtle damage or wear and tear that might otherwise stand out.
6) Don’t meet the seller in a carpark
Lots of people get caught out by meeting private sellers in carparks, falling in love with the car on the spot, handing over cash and then if something goes wrong later they have absolutely no contact details or recourse to the seller. If a seller does not want to meet at their home or place of work ask yourself why. You should also verify the identity of the seller matches the name and address of the owner on the logbook (vehicle licensing certificate)
7) Don’t pay cash and get a receipt signed by the seller
If you pay in cash and something goes wrong later and you need to prove that you paid someone for the vehicle you will be unable to do so. If you pay cash there is absolutely no paper trail for the transaction. If you must pay by cash make sure you verify the identity of the seller and get them to sign the receipt for the cash you hand over. It is also helpful to have a declaration on the receipt from the seller for a number of key items such as good title, warranted mileage etc.
8) Perform a test drive and thorough physical check on the car
Get behind the wheel and take it for a test drive listening for any rattles or strange noises. Make sure the clutch and gear action is smooth and the brakes feel ok. On the drive make sure all the instrumentation is working. Give the vehicle a thorough once over in good light.
• Check internally for: Abnormal wear and tear on the carpet mats, steering wheel, gear leaver and door handles.
• Check externally for: panels that don’t line up, overspray around the engine block, in the boot or on the rubbers. Check that the headlamps are the same make, check that all four tyres are the same brand and size, check the spare in the boot. Check all the fluid levels and balances and check the lights and warning signals etc.
9) Check the documentation that comes with the car
Firstly ask to see the service book. You are looking for a fully stamped service history showing who performed the service, the data and the mileage at the time of service.
Secondly ask for the current and any historical NCT certificates. These will also show the mileage reading taken at the time of the test.
Finally, ask to see the vehicle licensing certificate (VLC), also known as the logbook. If possible verify that the identity of the seller matches the person named on the logbook. Check the VIN printed on the logbook against the physical VIN on the car.
10) Perform an online car check into the background of the car
Using Motorcheck.ie or other similar websites you can purchase a car history check for around €20. You will get an instant report on screen about the history of the car from official databases. Items that are checked and displayed on the report include mileage, previous write-offs, finance and whether the car has been imported from the UK. It will also include other information such as the NCT history, number of owners and dates of sale, taxation history, warranty info etc.