May 19, 2008

With the warm summer winds blowing through your car windows you may be thinking of a new car.  Spring is the time of rebirth so with the passing of spring into summer there’s every chance that your eye will be wandering to a new model.  If this is the case there is every chance that you’ll be looking at a used model in which case you’ll be confronted with the minefield that buying a second hand car represents.  There are always stories of buying a turkey from someone and as it’s likely to be an expensive mistake you’ll want to insulate yourself from that possibility as much as you can. 

The RAC has put together a guide of things to look for when viewing a new car, to try and minimise the chances of being parted with good money for a bad car.  It makes sense that you’d get rid of your car before it needs any great amount of work doing to it so even the most honourable seller may be passing on a vehicle that is going to need some work done on it, but that’s always part of buying a used car.  If you are buying privately there are a number of precautions that you can take to avoid being ripped off.

 “Buying a used car can be both an exciting and a stressful experience, and whether you are buying from a dealer, auction or private seller, you need to make sure you are not buying a car with potentially expensive or even dangerous faults,” explains Nicola Johnson, Manager of RAC Inspections.

“Take time to assess your dream car.  This will help you spot the tell tale warning signs of potential problems.  The bodywork, electrical components and especially the engine can be daunting for the inexperienced eye, but only by properly checking these can you ensure you are make the right purchase decision”

The RAC offer a vehicle history check service which will give you the chance to validate any claims being made by the seller, and check for any bad history, crashes, write offs or mileage fraud.

The RAC recommend the following check list

1. Do your research
2. Pick a good time and location 
3. Check the bodywork
4. Test the electrics
5. Look under the bonnet
6. Check the tyres
7. Inspect the interior
8. Take it for a test drive
9. Don’t get emotionally attached
10. Get the vehicle mechanically checked and make sure you complete an RAC Car Data Check

You can view a more detailed list in our guide to buying a second hand car

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