18 Ways to Check a Used Car Before Buying
If you intend to buy a used car, it's good to know how to check its condition. This is very important so you can get a car of good quality and don't have to spend a lot of money on repairs.
Do not let it, the original intention of wanting to have a vehicle at an affordable price is in vain because you are not careful when looking at the car.
No need to worry, 101 Garage has summarized a complete guide on how to check used cars, including checking used flooded cars.
Check the Engine and Exterior
The first thing that is very important when you want to know the condition of your target used car is to check the condition of the car engine and you can also check the condition of the exterior.
There are a number of things you should check regarding car engines, here's choosing a used car before buying.
1. Check the car engine
In the engine room components, you can find out if the car has ever been overhauled. The way to check a car engine is, you can open the hood and then check around the engine bay.
If it turns out that the car's paint is relatively new and there are no signs that the engine compartment has ever been painted, then it can be said that the car's engine has never been removed.
As is known, usually lowering the engine is done if the car has experienced a collision or has been in a flood, and other causes.
2. Check for oil or gasoline seepage
Next, you can see in more detail the engine room to make sure there are no oil or fuel leaks. Because, if the car is in a well-maintained condition, it is certain that there will be no leaks in the engine or hoses.
For that, you have to observe one by one part of the car engine, including the seepage of oil and other fluids. They also make sure that the bolts and nuts do not have deformed ends.
Also check the color of the engine oil because usually the characteristics of a used car are flooded, namely the oil has been mixed with water. If the oil color is whitish brown, then that is usually an indication of flood water entering the engine.
3. Machine vibration
Still, on the hood, you can also pay attention to the vibration of the engine. When turned on, if you find vibrations that are unnatural and out of tune, it could be a sign that the car is not in good condition.
Unnatural vibrations indicate that the engine is experiencing engine mounting and a choked electrical system.
4. Try the car starter
The following way to check the condition of a used car engine is to try to turn it on. When the starter is cold, a healthy car starts right away without stuttering.
If it turns out that the car is stuck when it is inspected, there is a possibility that the car battery has a problem or even that it is rarely serviced regularly. This makes the engine performance stagnant because there is dirt that clogs.
5. Pay attention to the indicators and speedometer
To ensure the condition of the engine is still in good condition can also be seen from the indicator light and speedometer. You can try turning it on and then pay attention to every indicator light on the dashboard.
If something lights up, it could be a sign something is wrong.
Then, try to slowly gas and release. Check the decrease in the RPM needle located on the side of the speedometer. If the RPM needle goes up and down steadily, then the car is in good health.
6. Engine sound
Machines that are still good tend to sound smooth and constant without thumping gas when turning on electrical components such as audio and air conditioning. You can listen to see if any unusual sounds are coming from the machine.
Then, the sound of a car engine can also identify a used car submerged in flood. Cars that are not repaired after being flooded are usually rougher and tougher.
Also, listen to whether there is a scraping sound of iron plates to a knocking sound from inside the engine when it is gassed.
7. Muffler and exhaust gases
You can switch to muffler and exhaust gas. Usually, a problematic car can be identified when there is abnormal gas coming out of the exhaust.
However, if you see water droplets on the exhaust, this is normal and does not indicate a car engine problem.
It's best to avoid buying a used car with a damaged muffler, such as a dent or crack. Because this is a sign of severe damage. Unless you really want to fix it.
8. Check tires, one way to check used cars
The main thing you need to check on the exterior is the car's tires. Drive the car on a flat surface and pay attention to the details of the tires. Is tire wear even.
If the wear is on one side or uneven, this is a sign the tires are not straight.
When the tires are not straight, then the suspension or steering is also a problem. In fact, uneven tire wear can also indicate frame damage which will affect the car's performance and can be dangerous when driving.
9. Pay attention to the car body
On the car body, you can see if there are dents, rust, scratches on the car paint, or serious car scratches.
Watch the side from end to end, and make sure there are no waves on the surface.
If there are waves on the surface, then the car was repainted with bad paint. Even though this part does not affect engine performance, its physical appearance can affect the selling price to make it cheaper.
10. See the condition of the baggage
Checking luggage is no less important when buying a used car. This is because this will affect the ability of the trunk to accommodate goods according to the car's capacity.
The trick is you can open the trunk, holes, cracks, gaps, and details of the trunk. Check that there is no rust or water damage, to any signs of wear and tear on the trunk. Also, check whether the trunk can be opened and closed easily?
11. Look under the car
Don't hesitate to check under the car to ensure the quality of the used car you are about to buy. Look at the fenders, are there any scratches?
The reason is, these scratches are a sign that the fender has been replaced or readjusted, which is probably done because the car has experienced a collision.
See if there is damage and rust on the frame as this indicates wear and tear. You can use this as an excuse to negotiate a lower price. The reason is, if there is rust or small holes, it can make the exhaust system leak in the future. This of course requires expensive service fees.
Check the Car's Interior
Then you can try to get into the car interior. There are several things that must be considered in this interior, including:
12. The condition of the car cabin
The car cabin is the driver's and passenger's seating area. Inhaling the aroma of the cabin can also be a way to check used cars that are flooded.
Cars that have been submerged in a flood tend to emit an unpleasant odor in the cabin, such as a musty and pungent odor. You can also see if there is excessive use of cabin odor substances, such as the smell of coffee.
Next, inspect the seat and fabric or leather upholstery for wear, tears, stains, or other damage. When used, make sure the car seat can be adjusted and functions properly.
13. The car air conditioner works well
Try turning on the car's AC to see its condition. You can test the temperature by changing the fan settings to too high and low. The goal is to find out whether the fan can function properly. Also, check if the freon is problematic or leaking.
Also, ask the seller when the freon was last filled. Generally, freon must be filled every 2 to 3 years. Knowing this, you can find out when to fill in the next freon.
14. Check the function of the available electronic devices
Available features, especially electronic devices, cannot be left alone. If the car has a computer embedded, pay attention to the warning when it is turned on. You can use a computer code reader to check for errors.
Also make sure the indicator lights, screen, and digital screen to display the rear camera or music player, everything is working properly.
Moreover, this electronic device is very vulnerable to water when exposed to floods. Similarly, notice that the Electric Power Steering (EPS) indicator light on the dash does not come on. EPS is an electrical component that is prone to damage if the car is submerged in a flood.
Check Used Car with Test Drive
The next very important way to check the condition of a used car is to do a test drive. Apart from checking comfort and safety while driving, you can also check it during a test drive.
15. The check was checked during a test drive
The test drive process can find out the overall condition of the car easily, by checking several components, such as:
- Feel the character of the steering wheel, feel the vibration, or feel the steering wheel being pulled to one side, then you can be sure there is a problem with the car.
- The instrument panel on the dashboard, starting from the engine temperature indicator, car battery condition, and oil pressure to overall engine condition. If you notice problems with the indicators on the instrument panel, this could be a sign of a problem.
- When you do a test drive and you hear certain sounds or vibrations that are not normal, then it's time to consider choosing another car.
- Stop for a moment and check if there are any leaks such as lubricants or other liquids.
- Try all the light and electrical features from wipers to audio. Make sure it can still function properly.
Check Documents and Tapers
Documents are also important things that must be considered. There are several used car documents that must be available, including:
16. Completeness of car documents
Documents that you should check when buying a used car include:
- Book the vehicle owner
- Motor Vehicle Certificate
- Tax sheet to find out when car tax is due. Make sure the car you are going to buy is not expired.
- An invoice or proof of purchase is provided to the dealers when they receive the unit from the factory. The car purchase invoice contains information on the engine number, frame, dealer selling price, and name of the first buyer.
17. Ask for a receipt
If you intend to buy a used car at a used car exchange, then don't forget to ask for a purchase receipt with a stamp of 10,000. Receipt for the purchase of a used car is very important if you intend to resell the car at a later date.
18. Checking All Possibilities
Buying a used car does require precision and patience so you don't choose the wrong one or even suffer a loss. So, besides knowing how to check a used car, there are some tips on buying a used car and checking it, including:
- Check service history: Check the service history (service record) of the car you are going to buy so that you can clearly see whether the car is regularly maintained or not. It is better to choose a car that has a service history using an official repair shop because in addition to guaranteeing the condition of the car to be purchased, carrying out routine maintenance can ensure the authenticity of the car's odometer.
- Don't be tempted by a very low price: Cars that are sold at very cheap prices are highly discouraged. Because, usually this car has problems, such as having experienced a flood or had an accident. Remember, there are forms of goods. For this reason, it is important for prospective used car buyers to find out information on the market price of the car they want to buy in order to get the right price according to the conditions.
- Consider hiring a mechanic or someone who is automotive savvy: If you are unfamiliar with automotive, there's nothing wrong with bringing in an expert mechanic, a used car check service provider, or a friend who understands so you don't get fooled. The goal is to find out the advantages and disadvantages of the used car you are looking for. Invite them for a test drive and listen carefully to their suggestions. If they confirm the car is in good condition, you can proceed with the transaction process.
- Do not be too hasty to make a transaction: Used car buyers are sometimes impatient and tend to rush in looking for their target car, even though what is good is to search patiently and thoroughly. This is so that buyers get used cars that are healthy and primed. Because buying a used car takes time to compare in terms of quality, price, and more. Don't rush to lose money because the car you bought is in unhealthy condition.
- Don't forget to protect your favorite used car with the best car insurance. Choose car insurance that suits your needs.
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