7 things you have to look out for before buying a used car

1. Know the car’s history inside out

The fewer owners a car has had, the better. A car that’s had many owners might mean trouble down the line. On top of that, ask to see the service history to check how well the car has been maintained. A sketchy or incomplete service book can be another sign of problems.

Also, look at the specific make and model as a whole. See if there are any common quirks other drivers have found or specific things that start giving trouble after hitting certain kilometres. You can look at forums like Reddit or just do a simple Google search!

2. Checking the car’s identity is a must

Make sure the car you’re looking at isn’t hiding a murky past. Is it stolen? Has it been in major accidents? Check the registration documents thoroughly. Remember, places like the South African Insurance Association (SAIA) have an online tool for people wanting to check the history of a car they want to buy. It will query a car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) against the insurance industry’s vehicle salvage database (VSB) telling you all kinds of useful things like, for example, whether it has ever been written off.

3. Where you buy matters more than you think

Don’t just focus on the car – who you buy it from matters a lot too. Do a bit of snooping online to see what others say about the dealership. A reputable dealer will often have vehicle history reports and maintenance records, offer clear pricing and terms, and show some sort of high service standards.

4. Give the car a really good look

When you first approach the car, take a step back to get a holistic view. Look for any mismatched paint, which could mean it’s gone for repairs following an accident. Check for rust, especially around wheel wells, under doors, and on the roof. Issues like this can be expensive to repair and may lead to serious problems down the line. Don’t forget to look at the condition of the tyres. Uneven wear on the tyres often points to alignment or suspension issues. Also, look at the tread, it could indicate when they were last replaced.

5. The same goes for the inside of the car – look at everything with a fine-tooth comb

Now, dive into the car’s interior. Any funky smells or stubborn stains? These can be a nightmare to get rid of. Check for any unusual wear and tear. Make sure all electronics like the air conditioning, radio, and power windows work properly. These repairs can be expensive and shouldn’t be ignored no matter how keen you are on the car. Make sure everything that’s supposed to click, slide, or whirl does so without fuss.

6. Take the car for a good test drive; not just a spin around the block

During the drive, pay attention to how the car starts and idles. Any strange noises when starting the car can be a sign of problems. Check how the car performs under different conditions; it should accelerate smoothly without shaking, and you shouldn’t have to push too hard on the brakes to get it to stop. Listen for any unusual engine or brake noises, and feel for vibrations that could tell you that there are some issues with the wheel bearings or alignment. Here’s a detailed list of what to look out for when test-driving a car.

7. Get a mechanic’s seal of approval

One of the most critical steps in buying a used car is the pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic. This might cost you upfront, but it can save you from buying a car with hidden problems that could cost you much more in the future. Make sure the mechanic checks for signs of major internal damage, problems with the transmission, and the state of the brakes and suspension.