Do you plan on buying a used car for more convenient and comfortable travel?
In mid-2020, franchised car dealers sold over 1.2 million used cars and trucks. It was the highest recorded monthly total since 2007. While the initial craze over isolation during the pandemic is over, many people still want to buy a car.
In this guide, we’ve got a used car checklist to help ease your journey as a car buyer. We’ve also included a few used car buying tips and tricks in the article. Read on to learn what you need to ask a used car seller and how you can tell if a used car is good.
1. Ask About the Reasons Behind the Sale
The first entry in this used car checklist is to learn why the owner is selling the car. It’s always a good thing to understand the reason behind the desire to sell the car. The seller's motive can tell you a lot about how much they use or take care of the car.
For example, the seller may need cash to afford his and his wife’s first child's birth. Some people like to sell their cars to buy a bigger or better one. The seller may be providing for a bigger family now, so he or she may need an SUV rather than a small coupe.
While you’re talking to the car owner, observe the honesty behind the answers. Some people will fidget or change the subject. If you see signs of unease or deception, start looking for other red flags.
The car owner may only be trying to cut his losses with a bad car. If you happen to make a deal with a person who isn’t forthcoming with their motivations, don’t be shocked. The seller may end up passing their car troubles, headaches, and empty wallets to you.
2. Talk About the Car’s History With the Seller
After you ask the seller about their reasons for selling the car, you can now talk about the vehicle. Get to know about the car through its owner or seller. Asking about the car will give you valuable information to look up online.
Ask about the car’s mileage and age. Learning the car’s age can give you an idea of its value. The car's mileage can tell you how much the owner used the car.
Don’t forget to ask about other details, like paperwork and warranties. Even some used cars are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. This is always a good thing in case of any repairs or replacements the car may need later.
Check the car’s unique Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN. Every manufactured car has its VIN in various parts. You can find it at the base of the windscreen, under the bonnet, or stamped under the carpet by the driver’s seat.
Each country that manufactures cars has different VIN codes. Also, check that the VIN stamped onto the car matches the VIN in the V5C registration document.
3. Always Check With the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Through the DVLA, check the car’s logbook and its past owners. The car logbook is a red document, and it must match the V5C registration certificate. Otherwise, report the car to the DVLA as soon as you can.
Some people refer to the DVLA check as reg check, car MOT check, or HPI check. Checking the car’s records will show you any information that the seller isn’t sharing with you. Use it to learn if you’re buying a car that got stolen, written off, or has outstanding finance.
In 2019, the cost of vehicle theft reached $6.4 billion at a rate of 219.9 per 100,000. Even if you didn’t know about it, the punishment for buying a stolen car is that it’ll get impounded.
You may even go to jail, and all the money and time you invested in buying that car will go to waste.
To make sure you have enough time to do all these checks, don’t rush to make the sale. After you see the car, tell the seller that you need a few days to think about the offer. It’s always better you’re sure about the history of your car.
4. Inspect the Exterior of the Car
The next step in buying a used car checklist is the inspection. Take a look at the tires or boots of the car. Ensure you see all sides of each tire and that every tire is the same.
Next, inspect each body panel and roof for scratches, dents, and rust. You can let go of minor flaws like light scratches, but rust is a different problem. Don’t forget to check the car's metal logo for rusty nooks.
Open and close each door, the hood, and the trunk to make sure they all work. Check the lines of the fenders and doors. Make sure everything on the body is in the correct alignment.
Get in and try to check that every light works. Have a mechanic confirm that all the lights work. Check that the lenses and reflectors are all clear of fog and cracks.
Check the glass on the vehicle for any cracks or pocked areas. Cracks in the windshields can have costly repairs if you leave them. You can use any imperfections you find on the car as a bargaining tool later on.
5. Check the Car Interior
After you check the outside of the car, it’s time to inspect the interior. Remove the floor mats and check under the carpet. Note the Ford VIN you find there, as well as wet spots.
When you first open the door, the odor of the car can affect its quality. Any moldy or acrid smell can be difficult to get rid of. Also, if you smell must or mildew, it can point to water leaks.
Sit on all the car seats to see if there are problems. Check the upholstery for tears. Try out all the seat adjustments to check that they all work well.
When buying a used car, you also need to make sure that the roof is in good shape. Inspect the headliner and roof trip for sags.
Check for water leaks and ill-fitting doors or windows. If the car comes with a moonroof or sunroof, make sure it opens and closes well, and if it seals shut.
Don’t forget to turn on the sound system to see if it works. Turn the heater and AC on to see how hot or warm it gets. Check that all the other instruments and controls are working.
6. Look Under the Hood and the Car
The next item in our “what to look for when buying a used car” checklist is to check under the car. One way to check the car for under-the-hood problems is to look at where it’s often parked. If you see stains on the garage floor or driveway, the car may have problems underneath.
It can mean that the owner didn’t keep it from damages caused by rodents. You can learn more about how to protect your car from rodents here.
Next, check the engine under the hood. Check all the fluid levels and the colors and odors. Nothing should smell burnt. Transmission fluids must be pinkish or red, and engine oils must be dark brown.
Check that all the hoses and belts are in good condition. It’s normal to see dust and dirt, but you need to be concerned if you see oil splatter and corrosion. Look out for rubber hoses that are hard, cracked, and mushy.
7. Go for a Test Drive
You’re done inspecting and scanning the used car. Now, it’s time for you to take it for a test drive. For this step in the used car inspection checklist, pay extra close attention with your ears.
Let the car cool down before you turn it on. Observe how fast its temperature rises. Check if the temperature stays consistent after a period or while you use it to drive around.
If the temperature gets too high while you’re using the car, that’s a bad sign. If the car’s temperature takes more time to warm up, that’s fine. It’s better to have a cool car than one that heats up fast.
Keep the radio off while you do the test drive. You have time to check how well it functions later. Right now, listen for any troubling clicks or other sounds from the engine as it heats up.
If you don’t listen to the car before you buy it, you’ll only hear and learn about these noises later after you buy it. If the seller is sitting in the front passenger seat, ask them to be quiet. Some people will try to drown out any noises that the car makes.
8. Know Your Rights as a Car Buyer
In the US, consumer laws will protect you from fraudulent car sellers. For example, some private sellers can’t sell their vehicles legally. When you’re buying a car from a private seller, you have the right to know if the sale is legal.
You also have the right to make sure that the car matches its description. As a buyer, you must report any mismatching documentations and VINs. As we mentioned earlier, if you choose to buy a stolen car, you can end up going to jail and losing the car.
You have the right to know if the car is roadworthy and safe to drive. The seller must inform you of it for your safety. If it’s not roadworthy, then you and the seller must agree that you’re buying it for scrap.
Once you pay for the car, you should get the necessary documents. That includes the certificate of title, bill of sale, and odometer mileage disclosure form. If a seller doesn’t have a title, stop thinking about buying the car.
Tips and Tricks When Buying a Used Car
You can avoid buying from a fraudulent seller by doing a few things. First, request that the seller let you view the car on their property. Avoid meeting the seller at a location that’s convenient for both of you.
A big red flag is when a private seller insists on bringing the car to you or meeting at a mutual location. Once the viewing occurs, write down the address. This is a way to ensure that you know where the seller lives in case you find out that the car got stolen.
Don’t be shy when you’re inspecting a used car. You want to make sure that everything works. However, since you’re buying a used car, there’s a high likelihood that the vehicle has a problem or two.
With that said, set realistic expectations on the available cars for sale. It’s quite rare for a person to sell a car before it develops a minor or major issue, but it can happen. If you want to check how problematic a model is, call your local parts shop and ask which parts people often buy for the model.
Another tip when buying cars is to bring someone who knows cars better than you. A lot of first-time car buyers make the mistake of thinking they can tell when a car is good or not. If you’re not motor savvy, ask for help from a friend or family member who can tell you if a car is worth it.
Buying a Used Car Checklist
That ends our post on the used car checklist. Did you learn a lot of useful things from this guide? Check out our blog to learn more about vehicle maintenance and sales.
If you have questions, you can get in touch with us through our contact page.
