Buying A Second-Hand Car
For most of us, a car is one of the most significant assets we will ever own. Yet the exorbitant prices of new cars make second-hand vehicles the only realistic option for most of us. The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) offers the following tips for consumers planning to buy a second-hand car. Follow them carefully to ensure that you get good value for money and don’t get ripped off.
Always shop around and don’t settle for the first car that comes along. Consult car buyer’s guides and the classified sections of your local newspapers and online to get an idea of a fair price for the make and model of the vehicle you’re interested in. Always check out prospective vehicles in full daylight, take it for a test drive and, if you are not mechanically minded, take along someone who can take a look under the bonnet and give you an informed opinion on the state of the engine.
Under The Hood
- When looking at the engine be on the lookout for lots of obvious dirt as well as gunk around the battery terminals. This could be an indication that the engine has not been well maintained.
- Start the car and listen carefully for knocking sounds coming from the engine. This could signify problems.
- Blue or black smoke coming from the exhaust is a bad sign.
- The water in the radiator should be clean and free of oil.
- Don’t forget to check the dipstick and oil filter caps. The presence of a cream white substance could be and indication that water is getting into the oil system.
- If there is too little oil on the dipstick when you remove it this could be a sign that that the vehicle has not been given the amount of tender loving care it deserves.
On The Body
While it is impossible to keep a car completely free of small dents and scratches that are simply a sign of wear and tear, you don’t want to purchase a vehicle that has been involved in a serious accident.
- Mismatched paint work on the body of the car could be sign of respraying that may have taken place after an accident.
- Peeling paint work is another no-no as this will invariably lead to rusting.
- Check that gaps between body panels are evenly spaced and equal in width.
- Unevenly worn tyres may be an indication that the wheels are not balanced, the suspension is suspect or the shock absorbers are worn.
