Helping You Buy A Used Car

Check the tires for uneven wear, if the tires are worn more on one-side than the other its an indication that the car might have been in an accident and the chassis is twisted. It can even be the tracking or wheel balancing. Either way it isn't a good sign.

Drive the car, (with the radio off) and check for any knocks or weird noises. Check the steering for vibration, or pulling to one side, its an indication again that the car might have been in an accident and the chassis is twisted. Make certain you drive the car in all gears to check the gearbox.

Try a 3 point turn in the car, which would check the reverse gear, and if you put the steering on full lock you'll be able to check the wheel bearings and steering rack (your looking for clunking sounds or creaking).

When the engine is now hot check the oil, if its milky there's water getting in somewhere, which could suggest a head gasket. (very Costly). The oil must be filled to between the 2 marks on the dipstick. If the oil is brand new beware, not many people would change the oil on a car the day before they sell it unless they are trying to hide something. Also check the water reservoir for signs of oil, not a good sign.

Lastly, check the paperwork. Ensure the registration document is in the sellers name. They might be a trader trying to pose as a private seller. Check the MOT to make sure its current. Check the service history to ensure it matches the vehicle being offered. Even you might want to check the engine and chassis number to see if it suits what is on the registration document. You might find that information on a small metal plate located under the bonnet. If the plate is missing be suspicious.

It's even a good idea to get the car HPI checked. This will tell you if the car has been stolen, been in an accident, or is on finance. It costs around £40 but well worth it.

If you follow these rules when buying a used car you won't go far wrong. If you can't be bothered to go through the hassle, then purchase your car from a trader, he or she would have already done all these checks to cover himself before he or she purchases the car. I would not buy a car without doing these checks first. The very first thing is that you should never buy a used car in the rain. the rain makes the body work look better, also there's the chance that you'll miss out on something while rushing to get out of the rain ASAP. Stand at the front, or the back of the car, and look along the body-line. When the light reflects on the sides of the car you'll be able to see if there are any damages to the body or if any of the panels have been replaced. You can come to know if the used car has been touched up by looking around the window rubbers for over sprays.

Check the gaps between the panels to make certain they're even on both sides of the car. used cars, used cars in doha, buy used cars