It’s vital to know what to look for when buying a used car. If you don’t make the right checks and look through the documents carefully, you could make a costly mistake.
Here are few things to look out for…
The V5C
The logbook, also known as the V5C, is crucial since it identifies the registered owner of the vehicle. If you're buying a car privately and the person selling it isn't the same as the person on the V5C, you should be suspicious. The V5C will inform you of the car's Vehicle Identification Number as well as proving that the seller has the right to sell it (VIN). Check that this matches the VIN of the car, which is normally located around the bottom of the windscreen. If the two numbers don't match, the logbook you're looking at isn't for the car you're interested in. So politely excuse yourself and leave. If everything checks out and you decide to purchase the vehicle, the former owner should give you the green "new keeper" slip from the logbook. They should also provide your information to the DVLA, who will issue a new V5C to you. Within three to five days, you should have it.
MOT
An MOT is required every year for any used car between the ages of three and forty. The MOT certificate verifies that the vehicle is safe and roadworthy.
It's critical to check for a used car that has a current MOT. It shouldn't be on the road without one. It's simple to do so by going to the gov. uk website. This will reveal whether the vehicle has an MOT, when it was last tested, and when the certificate will expire. It'll also tell you about past tests and why any of them failed. You can also see if there are any open safety recalls that need to be addressed.
Service history
The manufacturer establishes a service schedule for all vehicles. Service is usually required once a year, though this varies according to the make and model.
Check the service book to see if the automobile has been serviced on schedule, as a careful owner will not miss services. One or two missed services aren't the ends of the world if you're buying a car that's been on the road for a long time, but they should be reflected in the asking price. If you can find one, buying a second-hand car with a full-service history is always a good idea for peace of mind.
Car’s History check
Whenever buying a used it is crucial to check the car’s history. There are lots of online websites. check that the car hasn’t been written off, stolen and that there’s no outstanding finance owed on it.
Inspect the car
Once the documentation is in order, you may focus on the car itself. When purchasing a used car, you are not seeking perfection, but rather a vehicle that is in decent condition given its age and mileage. You should inspect every aspect of the vehicle as thoroughly as possible. Here are a few essential things to keep an eye out for:
• Are the alloy wheels scuffed or dented?
• Is there enough tread on your tires?
• Is there rust, dents, or evidence of poor-quality repairs on the bodywork?
• Is it possible to start the engine for the first time?
• Is there enough oil to keep the engine protected?
• Electrical: Do all of the switches function properly?
Test drive
Now to the final part – the test drive!
There are many things to consider when taking a test drive. You have to be sure that you are comfortable driving the car, while also keeping an eye out for any faults.
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