Warning Signs To Look Out for When Buying a Used Car

Shopping for a used car can be a tremendously rewarding process. You’ll be able to save money, choose from a wide selection of vehicles, and avoid the depreciation that comes with buying new. On the other hand, shopping in this way does come with a degree of risk. Here, we’ll take a look at how this risk can be minimised, with the help of a little vigilance.

There are a number of things to watch out for.

Inconsistent or Missing Vehicle History

Before you buy any used car, you should cast a critical eye on its history. Make sure that you understand exactly what it’s been through over the course of its time on the road. Paperwork, including service receipts and MOT certificates, should ideally be made available. There are also online services that might allow you to perform an MOT history check using the vehicle’s registration number.

If the history you’re looking at looks suspicious, then it might be that it’s been tampered with. Looking at many different car histories will provide you with an idea of what to look for, which is a good reason to shop around before settling on a purchase.

Signs of Clocking or Mileage Discrepancies

One important determinant of a used car’s value is the mileage reported by the odometer. However, odometers can be tampered with fairly easily by an unscrupulous seller. So, don’t take the odometer’s reading as gospel. Check for inconsistencies between the service record and what’s reported, and consider the wear in the interior. Test-driving many different cars will give you an idea of what to look for. If you think that the vehicle or the seller is suspicious, then it’s probably better to err on the side of caution and walk away from the transaction.

Evidence of Accident Damage or Poor Repairs

Sometimes, evidence of a vehicle’s history can be uncovered by a close inspection of the exterior. If panels seem to be mismatched, or poorly welded together in the wrong places, then you can take it as evidence that the car has been repaired after having suffered a significant collision. This can make the car unsafe to drive, as well as bring down the resale value.

Vague or Pushy Sellers

If you feel that you’re being pressured into buying a given car, then it could be that the seller has something to hide. The same conclusion might be drawn about sellers who are evasive, or unwilling to provide complete answers to your questions. A car is a significant asset, and buying one requires a significant outlay. Don’t allow yourself to be fobbed off, and remember: if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.