If you are planning to buy a used car but don’t know where to begin, then our checklist is just what you need. We know that buying a car is a big investment and choosing the right vehicle is particularly important especially when you opt for a used one. That’s why we have curated this exhaustive list of things you need to do before you buy a used car.
When you’re looking to buy a used car the first thing you need to check is the vehicle’s condition. What is your first impression of seeing it? Does its appearance instill confidence that it will perform efficiently? Thoroughly inspect the exterior and interior of the vehicle.
Make sure you inspect the interior of the vehicle. Check all the electronic equipment to ensure everything is in working condition. This must include the lights, air conditioning, dashboard, entertainment system, etc. Keep an eye out for water damage to the interior. Any mold or fungal growth can be evidence of the car having been in a flood
The exterior of a vehicle tells you a lot about the vehicle’s condition and its driver. An exterior free of dents, scratches, peeling paint, etc. generally gives the impression of a car that it is well cared for by its owner and in good condition. Conversely, a damaged and worn exterior is not a pleasant sight and indicates that the car has not been cared for by its owner. If you see signs of rust and wear it could also indicate past accidents, apart from neglect. In such cases, it would be best to look elsewhere for your used car.
A vehicle’s odometer gives you its mileage reading. Used cars can be categorized into high-mileage and low-mileage vehicles. Vehicles that have been driven for over 1,60,000 km are generally regarded as high mileage vehicles while those driven for less are low mileage vehicles. Generally, the possibility of wear and tear in high-mileage used cars is more than in low-mileage used cars. Hence, high-mileage used cars will also be prone to more frequent breakdowns and accidents, requiring more repairs and maintenance in the long run. When thinking about mileage another factor to consider is the pricing. High-mileage vehicles will generally cost less than low-mileage vehicles, but you will end up spending more on repairs and maintenance.
Vehicle history reports are now available online in most countries. So ensure you obtain the vehicle identification number and download a copy of its history report. This will give you an overview of the vehicle’s condition and maintenance. It will indicate whether the vehicle has been in any accidents or collisions. It can also tell you whether the vehicle has received regular service and maintenance. A vehicle history report helps you decide whether you should be buying a particular car or not
A car with a dirty engine bay indicates neglect by its owner. In all probability, it has not been receiving regular service and maintenance. So it is good to stay away from such vehicles.
Test all the lights of the car to see if they are in working condition. The headlights and taillights are of particular importance since it is illegal to drive with only one functioning headlight or with nonfunctioning headlights. You could be fined for driving with a headlight that is not functioning or is damaged. Hence, it is best that you spot the issue before you buy the car so you can use it when negotiating the price
Once you have satisfied yourself with all the mechanical and structural aspects of the used car, ensure you take it for a test drive before you decide to invest your money in it. Taking the car on a test drive will ensure you get a feel of how it handles and whether you are comfortable driving it. You will also be able to notice any problems such as unusual sounds, shakes, or rattles coming from the engine or brakes. Check all the lights on the dashboard. See if the check engine light is turned on. Pay attention to the responsiveness of the brakes. All these issues are critically important when you drive a car.
Ensure you view the car documents before finalizing the deal. The car owner should be able to provide you with all the necessary documents for transferring the vehicle to your name
Ask for the maintenance records and go through them to understand the car’s history and the kind of care and maintenance it has received. A well-maintained car will have numerous maintenance records, and the owner will not have any problem providing you with the same. Records are a testament to the car’s reliability and how efficiently it is likely to perform in the future.
Verify the vehicle’s registration documents to see if they are genuine and whether the seller’s details match. The registration documents will confirm the legitimacy of the car and ensure you receive proper ownership rights.
Examine the insurance documents for the car and any claims that may have been placed due to accidents. See if there are any outstanding claims. This will help you assess any potential future costs and problems that may arise with the car. Also, confirm that the car does not have any existing mortgage or loan on it, to avoid financial and legal complications during the transfer.
We are Auto Level, a top-rated new & used car dealership in the UAE dealing with GCC and non-GCC cars. Whether you are looking for used luxury cars or new cars we have them all. Audi, BMW, Hyundai, and Chevrolet are just a few of the brands you can explore with us. We maintain consistently high testing standards for all our cars to ensure reliability and superior performance.
Experience a hassle-free used car buying experience with us. Schedule a test drive today by calling 80053835!
