FINANCE FOCUSED
KEYWORD-USED CARS WARRINGTON
Purchasing a new car is an exciting moment for many people, but there are certain things to keep in mind, especially if it is used. Nobody wants any unpleasant surprises in the future, or to feel tricked out of their money and so, dissatisfied. This is why RIX is here to offer you some advice and ideas for ways to spot alterations in the bodywork to double-checking the electrics.
Viewing a used car - what should I check?
Bodywork
All used cars will show signs of wear and tear, but is it consistent with the age and mileage?
Always inspect the vehicle in daylight so that you can compare panels to ensure they are all uniform. If it has been painted, this is a warning sign that it has been in an accident or is rusting, indicating that it is on its way out.
Tires
Having low tread or splits in the tires could lead to a serious accident. Tires are very important and if you’re spending a considerable amount on a vehicle, if the tires are worn, you’re looking at shelling out some extra cash pretty quickly to replace them. Our recommendation is to look at the tyres, turn them all the way out and run your hand over the outside both ways to ensure it is even. If it’s feathered at all or is ‘cupped’, this means there is a bad alignment, bad suspension or again, the vehicle could have been in an accident.
Also note the legal requirement for tread depth is 1.6mm, so if they’re below 3mm you’ll need to factor in the eventuality they’ll need changing soon.
Under the bonnet
Transmission Fluid-
There are a few things to check here. First and foremost check the transmission fluid. If you’re unsure what type of fluid your car uses, as this can vary from car to car, check the owner's manual. You need to look for nice red fluid that isn’t low, and that doesn't have a strange burnt smell. If the colour is more brown, this indicates the fluid will need to be replaced shortly or if it is black then this is a serious cause for concern. Any of this can mean that your transmission's internal components are damaged.
Engine Oil-
Ensure that it isn’t low by any means, as this means the car hasn’t been well maintained. You always want to look out for any bad smell and check around the car for oil leaks as well.
Brake Fluid-
With this you can actually tell how worn your brakes are by how much fluid is left in your reservoir. If your brakes are worn, it means your pistons are coming out further and consequently the fluid will be lower. However, if it’s full, this is a good sign that your brakes are in good shape.
General Condition-
Check the timing belt or chain and look at the aluminum parts for any corrosion or rust.
AntiFreeze-
Always check this when the vehicle has cooled down to ensure there is no oil or any other substance/material in there and it looks nice and green/pink depending on the product used.
Electrics
Check the windows work, heater, air conditioning, horn, lights, wipers, turn signals and make sure there are no odd noises such as ticks, or knocks. People often forget these little things.
Glass
Are there any chips, or worse, cracks in the windscreen? If this is in the drivers eyeline this is an instant MOT failure. Also check the front and rear lights.
Spare wheel
Does the vehicle come with a spare wheel and all the accessories along with it? Ensure you check the condition of the tire too.
Upholstery
Look out for any marks or stains or other aesthetic issues that don’t match what you'd expect from the age of the car. Also ensure you check the seatbelts are all safe and working correctly.
Documents
Last, but by no means least, is one of the most important things to check; documents. Does the vehicle have an up to date MOT and service history? Vehicle history is also important to check if it’s been stolen or in an accident. Also, a V5C and an owners manual should be present.
So there we have it. A comprehensive guide of what you need to look out for when buying a used car.
If you're looking for a used car in Warrington, RIX ensures that all used vehicles are thoroughly inspected and of the best quality before being given to our consumers. All are HPI tested and thoroughly inspected to ensure you get a vehicle of the greatest quality.
You can browse all our used cars here.