If you are buying a car for the first time, then the initial nervousness is justified. And top of it, if you are looking to buy a used car the confusion and nervousness doubles. The used car market in India has increased exponentially over the last few years. Also, with trusted brands entering the used cars market, the apprehensions of buying a used car have reduced. However, it is always better to double check the car condition before you actually zero down on a car.
Checking the Exteriors
The first thing that can be checked easily is the car’s paint. You can check the entire car for any waviness in the paint. Also, you can run your fingers along the edges of panels, for any roughness that indicate wear and tear.
You can now check the trunk of the car for any rust or water entry through cracks and holes. If there is any wear and tear in the trunk of the car, it indicates the usage of the car.
The tires of the car should show signs of even wearing and also look for bad alignment. If the wearing isn’t even, then the bad alignment can be a big problem. The bad alignment can be caused due to wear and tear of suspension components.
Check the saddle that holds the top of the radiator, is either welded or bolted in. However in the case of replacement or repair, there can be scratch marks on the same. If you see any such marks, then it is advisable not to buy the car.
You can insert your finger in the exhaust. If you happen to observe any greasy grime, then there is some leakage problem with the car. The exhaust system needs to function correctly, in order to make sure the car runs smoothly.
Check for any dents, damage or rust under the hood of the car. Also, check the radiator hoses for softness alongside checking the hoses and belts for damage.
Checking the Interiors
You can check the seat and upholstery for any tears, stains or rips. Also, you can check whether the previous owner has used a cover for the seats so that you can be rest assured that the actual company-fitted seat cover and upholstery are not damaged.
Start the engine of the car and switch on the air conditioner. You can change the various modes of the car’s air conditioner and check whether there is a change in the air flow; depending on the mode chosen.
Checking the odometer is a routine check that most buyers don’t forget. However, it is important to note the kilometers driven in a year. The car’s wear and tear are defined by the age of the car (time) and mileage.
If you are going for a high-end car, then you must also check the electrical warnings. You can create the conditions that set the warnings off and then check the corresponding warnings. You can also verify the car for all the sensor warnings, parking light warnings, and the like. Also, make sure to check the music installation by inserting a CD or connecting your phone to the system.
Test Drive
No matter how many checks one carries out, the buyer isn’t satisfied unless and until he/she test drives the car. You can drive the car at a steady speed and check for any vibrations or strange sounds. Also, you can drive a bit faster and try applying full brakes (make sure the pressure is enough not to slide). While driving, you can check for the wheel alignment as well. Also, make sure to change the gears at regular intervals and also vary the speeds, to check any squeaking noise or vibrations caused due to such sudden actions.
Last but not the least, you must ask the dealer to show the maintenance history of the car alongside the insurance documents, to ensure that the car wasn’t repaired a lot of times.