Tips & Advice for Inspecting a Used Car

Buying a used car can be the fastest, simplest and cheapest way to your perfect car.

You don't need to be a mechanic to inspect a used car, but there are a few golden rules.
• Get a car history check to establish if the car has any outstanding finance, has been stolen or written off
• Examine the car's documents -- logbook, service history and previous MOT certificates -- to spot if the car has been clocked
• Check the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at the base of the windscreen, under the bonnet and stamped into the chassis under the carpet beside the driver's seat for signs of tampering, and make sure they match the VIN recorded in the logbook
• Look for rust, mismatched paint and uneven gaps between body panels
• Make sure all the car's features work
• By reading key documents including the V5C (logbook), service history and MOT certificates then checking key points around the car, you will be able to quickly assess if the vehicle you are viewing is as described in its advert

The test drive is your chance to asses every aspect of the car, from how it feels on the road, to making sure all its equipment works correctly.
• Always take a test drive of at least 15 minutes and on different types of road
• Arrange suitable insurance cover before you drive the car
• Start the car when the engine is cold, and check for excessive smoke and unusual noises
• Check the gears, brakes, steering and suspension work as they should, with no unusual noises and vibrations

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• buying car
• car advice
• cars
• inspecting car
• test drive
• car viewings

[autotraderuk]

Glad to be of service! :D

[doddzeee]

Lol at 2:00 when he hits his head HA

[sacteacher]

Its mostly common sense but to hear from reliable source gives you more confidence

[smoverstreet1]

Isn't that Jason Dawe from the first season of the new Top Gear (2002)?

[pow1983]

@fightinside1 Good luck selling it, sounds like you'll get more for giving it to scrap!

[fightinside1]

my current vehicle has some of the problems that you mention in this video, like vibrations in the steering wheel, and rumbling when i go up hills. it has 250,000 miles on it. i think it's time for me to buy a new car :P

[LPWWE06]

Hi! my 2001 Focus has the "not returning seatbelt" problem on the passanger side.

How do I fix it?

The car made 120,000 miles

Thanks :)

[TheUnreaI]

@kolumvia09 Mcdonalds lol America.

[MrChrisb0000]

After bending down to check under the bonnet, try not to smack you head on the way back up or you may find yourself looking like a right pratt, thanks for watching.

[turtlemonvh]

@tinderinc - good point. That point is standard in most state required safety inspections in the US.

[turtlemonvh]

Great tips and excellent video. Even after looking at it yourself, it's probably a good idea to bring it by a mechanic to have it checked out. OnPoint Inspection provides a form for you to use to make sure all the essentials are covered in an inspection.

[wowerman]

also you should check all fluids,and leaks,tyres and steering wheel play,when accelerating and breaking if car pulls to side of the road,hoses and cables,all dash lights if come on and off like abs,airbag,fluids lights,exhaust corrosion,battery condition and its voltage,ask seller to you start engine being cold,make sure it is not getting overheated

[kolumvia09]

Under the bonnet lol British