What to pay attention to when buying a used car?

Buying a used car can be advantageous in many ways, but there is always an inherent risk in not being the first owner. To reduce these risks, here are some tips to keep an eye on your purchase.

Starting by analyzing the exterior of the car, the most important thing is to pay attention to whether there are any spots with rust or that provide conditions for rust to form. Rust occurs when metal comes into contact with moisture and the most common spots on the car are where there are deep scratches, missing paint, bubbles or dents. It's also important to notice if there are differences in the color of the paint, traces of paint on the rubbers or decorative elements, bumpers, grilles and ill-fitting headlights, as this could be a sign of repairs. Pay attention to these aspects and check the car in plenty of natural light.

• The rubbers on the doors, windows and windshield wipers must not be cracked or dried out, otherwise they will need to be replaced. Also check that the rear-view mirrors are securely fixed.

• Inside the car, it's essential to check that all the equipment works, inspect the radio, turn signals, headlights, windows and all the extras. The general condition of the seats and upholstery is also very important, so examine everything and remove the carpets to find out how the car's floor coverings are.

• Keep all your senses alert while checking the car, there are smells that are difficult to get rid of, such as the smell of the car.

• A car's gearbox should be free of play and the lever should be in good condition, as should the steering wheel, turn it and check that the wheels are moving in the same way without play. As for the pedals, these can indicate high mileage on the car if they are badly worn or replaced and you should inspect the brake by pressing for 20 seconds, if it doesn't maintain the initial pressure it is a sign of leaks in the circuit.

• If you don't want a fine when you take your car home, pay attention to the tread on the tires, which should be more than 1.6 millimeters. In addition, if you notice uneven wear on the tires, it could be a sign of faulty suspension, geometry, balance or poor pressure.

• When you open the hood, look for signs of rust on the components, cracks in the pipes or bulges in the clamps, if you find any of these points it's a bad sign. Check the quantity and color of the engine oil, as well as the coolant; if there is rust or oil, the head gasket may be sealing badly.

• The engine is the most important part of the car and also one of the hardest to spot at first glance. If it's too clean, it could indicate an attempt to hide leaks, while if it's too dirty, it indicates poor maintenance.

• Don't forget to check that the car has the reflective vest, triangle and spare wheel or repair kit. If the car has a spare wheel, check the air pressure and, in the case of a repair kit, pay attention to single-use items such as the sealing liquid or the pump.

• The risks of buying a used car do exist, but remember that an honest, helpful and experienced seller can make the whole process easier. Maintain communication with the seller and if you suspect any untruths, investigate. To make the process easier and simpler, book a visit to Benecar, where the vehicles undergo a quality check and are guaranteed.

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Source: DECO PROTESTE

Translated with DeepL.com