Top 7 Ways to Check for Used Car Before Buying in 2024 – All You Need to Know

Do you plan on buying a car soon? By selecting a used model, you will have the choice of saving money and finding a vehicle that suits your needs from a wide range of market options available to you. You can experience the best engineering and smoother driving experience for a fraction of the price if you’re eyeing up a used VW car or another reputable manufacturer.

Nevertheless, many risks are associated with buying a used car. Before finalizing your vehicle purchase, it would be a good idea to conduct thorough checks to ensure you are purchasing a safe and reliable vehicle. So please don’t delay; I’ve prepared a complete guide for newbies who want to buy a used car that looks best on the road and provides the finest fuel average in 2024. Please look over the detailed instructions and make your mind swift;

History of Vehicles 

A comprehensive vehicle history check is essential for making an informed choice when buying a vehicle. Here are a few key points:

Vehicle History Reports: Vehicle history reports provide detailed information about a vehicle’s past, such as accidents, repairs, odometer problems, recalls, theft, and ownership history. It is possible to obtain these reports by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into official sources such as the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Importance of VIN: Running a vehicle history check is crucial to ensure the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is correct. You’ll typically find your VIN on the dashboard, the driver’s door, and the title, registration, and insurance documents. 

Data Sources: To provide accurate and reliable information about a vehicle’s history, vehicle history reports combine data from government, non-government, and auto industry sources. 

A vehicle inspection report includes information about its specifications, safety ratings, market value, warranty/recalls, title records, and odometer readings.

Used car buyers can use VIN checks and vehicle history reports to gain valuable insight into a vehicle’s history, allowing them to avoid potential risks associated with undisclosed problems. But if you’re buying privately, you can get information from the DVLA and other online portals if the owner doesn’t have it to hand.

Essential checks to make when buying a used car

The following are some key areas to consider when buying a used car, but here’s the overview.

Engine: Inspect your car for any leaks, oil levels, head gaskets, and exhaust smoke to identify any problem areas.

Gearbox and clutch: Observe how smooth the gear change is, listen to where the clutch biting point is, and feel how soft it is.

Bodywork: It is helpful to use a torch underneath and on the outside.

Wheels and tires: Each tyre is graded according to its tread depth, rubber condition, and how it is made.

Interior: It is important to thoroughly inspect the boot, the dash (for the mileage and warning lights), and the electronic systems.

Test drive: Make sure you check everything you want to check here; take your time.

Documents: In addition, the V5C is available, as is the service history and the MOT (although these can now be accessed online).

Check The Car Engine

When considering purchasing a used car, it is essential to inspect the engine thoroughly. The engine is the heart of any car, and a faulty or worn-out engine can significantly impact its performance and reliability. By conducting a thorough examination of the engine, you can gain a better understanding of its condition and make an informed purchasing decision. Here are some steps to help you check the car engine in a used car:

Start the Car: Before examining the engine, ensure the car is started and warmed up. This will make inspecting the various components easier and checking for any potential issues. Start by visually inspecting the engine. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as corrosion, leaks, or loose components. Check for fluid leaks, such as oil or coolant, which could indicate a leak or potential mechanical problems.

Check Fluid Levels: Next, check the engine’s fluid levels. This includes engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and other relevant fluids. Please ensure they are at the correct levels and within the acceptable range.

Listen for Abnormal Noises: While the vehicle is running, listen for any unusual noises from the engine. Everyday noises to watch out for include knocking or tapping, whiny sounds, or strange vibrations. These noises can indicate potential problems with the engine or other components. Check the engine oil level using a dipstick. The oil should be within the acceptable range and not dirty or contaminated. If the engine oil is low or dirty, it may indicate an issue with its lubrication system.

Examine the Belts and Hoses: Inspect the belts and hoses for any signs of wear or damage. Look for cracked, frayed, or loose hoses and worn-out or slipped belts. These components are essential for engine performance; failure can lead to severe problems. Test the cooling system by letting the engine idle and checking for proper operating temperature. The coolant should be at the correct level, and the coolant temperature should be within the normal range. If the engine is overheating or cooling fans are not functioning correctly, it may be a problem with the cooling system.

Check GearBox and Clutch

It’s more complicated than it seems to check your clutch and gearbox. However, driving these components gives the most valuable information, not visual inspections. There are both automatic and manual gearboxes. A gearbox’s functionality may also vary depending on its type.

All gearboxes should be checked to ensure they engage smoothly and quietly. There may be a problem here that needs attention. It is crucial to consider the clutch biting point in a manual car. Upon releasing the pedal, the car should begin to move. If the biting point is too far down, indicating that the vehicle requires significant force to engage the clutch, it may require an adjustment or a replacement.

Another indicator of potential gearbox issues is the ease with which you can shift gears. Any resistance or grinding noises during gear changes can indicate a problem. These noises can indicate worn gear synchronizers, damaged gear teeth, or other mechanical issues. It is essential to address these problems promptly to prevent further damage and ensure smooth gear shifting.

You can feel more of your gearbox and clutch than you see. You can identify any potential issues by observing the smoothness and quietness of gear engagement. Catching these problems early on can help prevent more expensive repairs in the future.

Check Body Work

You can check a car’s bodywork quickly while looking at it. It’s about looking for signs that the model might have been in an accident, like repainting or replacing parts. Door dents and dings are common in car parks, and a chipped front could mean a lot of motorway driving. Make sure door seals aren’t leaking, and check panel gaps.

You should check the car’s outside, underneath, and inside as much as possible. It’s okay to have old repairs as long as they are done correctly. The past of the car can even be uncovered. All metal body panels should be checked for rust. If left untreated, rust starts bubbling under the paint, which can force the paint off and eventually rust through. Rust can start from stone chips and scratches.

Water, salt, road grime, and grit can all contribute to rust in wheelchairs, especially the edges of the lips. Be sure to check the car’s sills, too.

In addition to crash damage, you should look for poor repairs. The body panels should be of uniform color, and the rubber seals, plastic trim, and glass should be free of overspray in bright daylight.

Examine the gaps between panels. There should be a uniform gap thickness all around the car. Otherwise, there’s likely been a replacement panel, or it’s had a big shunt to destabilize the chassis. Low-speed shunts often occur at the front and rear of the car. Open the boot carpet. Ensure the panels below are straight. The underside of the bonnet might be bent from a previous crash.

Check Wheels & Tires

In addition, a further external check should be performed to ensure that any used car you buy already has a good set of tires. Consider negotiating a price discount if it does not, as it is expensive to replace rubber in this case. If it has a spare wheel, be sure to check it and all four wheels. Ensure that each of the wheels has no signs of damage. 

Wheels bent or with large dents in the rims will have to be repaired or replaced if they are bent or have large dents in the rims caused by kerbstones. Kerbstone grazes are common and are not generally a serious issue. The tires should also be checked as well. It is essential to ensure they are free of any cuts, splits, gouges, or bulges; if you see any, they need to be replaced. Throughout the whole circumference of the tire, there should be a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth. 

There is a possibility that unbalanced tire wear – for example, tires that are wearing unevenly on one side can be a sign that you need to adjust the suspension or the wheels. The problem can be caused by a crash or simply hitting a pothole at speed, but it must be fixed regardless of what caused it. Having excessively worn tires around the middle or both sides would indicate that the tires have been consistently under or overinflated and need to be replaced. 

Check Car Interior

Examining the interior may be possible to determine whether a car’s mileage is genuine. If the interior of the vehicle has 20,000 miles on the clock, then it should be almost like new – if it is worn and worn out, especially the steering wheel, seat bases, and side bolsters, then you might be buying a car from someone who is hiding something from you. 

A sagging roof liner can indicate that the upholstery has holes drilled in it or rips or tears in it, as well as drilled holes in the dashboard. If a smoker owns a car, the seats will likely be prone to burns as well. If you like the vehicle’s condition and don’t need any repairs, you can give the seller some money to help cover the costs.

In addition to checking the lights, ventilation system (or air conditioner), and all-electric features, such as the windows, sunroof, radio, and central locking, ensuring all the equipment works is more critical. If anything needs to be repaired, you should plan for it in your budget. 

Test Drive

After the visual checks have been completed, the next step is to take the car for a test drive to see how the car performs. In my experience, many buyers need to take advantage of this option, which is a must if you want the best deal possible. 

You can take a test drive with any good dealer, and they will be happy to accompany you. In addition, you should try the vehicle at different speeds and listen out for any annoying rattles due to the engine noise. In addition, ensure that the brakes and clutch are functioning correctly and responsive.

Check Documents 

In the world of used cars, receipts for work done are the holy grail. By doing so, you will be able to check the history of the work completed and the parts fitted to the car. Additionally, you can compare the mileage displayed on the dashboard to the actual mileage. A service book is a valuable document, too, as you can see who has serviced the car and when.