What Should You Do Or Look For When Buying A Used Car?

Buying a used car can be an exciting yet daunting experience. With so many vehicles on the market, making an informed decision is crucial to avoid future headaches. Several key factors must be considered whether you’re buying from a dealer, a private seller, or at an auction. 

This guide will help you understand what to look for when buying a used car, ensuring you get the best deal without compromising quality.

Let’s Get Straight to the Point

When buying a used car, thoroughly research its history report, set a realistic budget, and use a checklist to inspect key areas like the engine, tyres, and lights. Take the car for a test drive to check performance and inspect the VIN for registration accuracy. 

You can buy from a dealer (warranty included), a private seller (usually cheaper), or an auction (potential savings but higher risk). Always get a mechanic to inspect the car before buying to avoid hidden issues.

Things to Do Before Purchasing a Used Car

Preparing yourself with the right knowledge before you begin your car hunt is essential. Here are some steps you should take before making any decisions:

1. Research the Car’s History

A car’s past can reveal a lot about its future. Always request a vehicle history report using the car’s VIN. This report will detail previous accidents, repair history, and ownership changes. 

In Australia, services like PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) or NRMA’s online Vehicle History report are handy tools for checking any outstanding debts or whether the car has been written off.

2. Set a Budget and Stick to It

Buying a used car can be tempting, with all the available options. Set a realistic budget, including the purchase price, potential registration fees, insurance, and ongoing maintenance costs. Stick to your pre-set budget to avoid overspending.

3. Create a Used Car Buyer’s Checklist

Create a buyer’s checklist to ensure you don’t miss any critical details. This checklist should include everything from engine condition to seatbelt functionality. Keep it handy while inspecting each car.

What to Look for When Inspecting a Used Car

A thorough inspection is necessary once you’ve found a used car you’re interested in. Here’s a breakdown of key areas you need to assess before committing to a purchase:

1. Check the Engine Condition

The engine is the heart of any car. When inspecting a used car, check that the engine idles and drives smoothly. Use the dipstick to check the oil levels. 

Ideally, the oil should be a honey colour. Black oil is common for diesel engines. Don’t forget to check the service records to see if the car has been regularly maintained.

Warning Signs:

• White, creamy liquid inside the oil filler cap could indicate engine problems.
• Excessive engine noise or knocking may signal wear and tear.

2. Inspect the Tyres

All tyres, including the spare, should be in good condition with even wear. Uneven tread wear may indicate issues with steering alignment or suspension problems. 

Tread depth indicators should not exceed legal limits, which in Australia is a minimum tread depth of 1.5mm.

3. Review the Lights and Dashboard Warnings

Ensure all exterior and interior lights, including indicators, taillights, brake lights, and headlights, are working correctly. Check for any warning lights on the dashboard that might indicate mechanical or electronic faults.

4. Test the Car’s Interior

The car’s interior can tell you a lot about how well it has been maintained. Inspect the upholstery for tears, stains, or foul odours, and ensure that the air conditioning, heating, and radio are in working order. Clean, well-kept interiors are often a sign of a well-maintained vehicle.

5. Inspect the Car’s Bodywork

Take a good look at the exterior of the vehicle. Check for:

• Rust spots, particularly around the wheel arches and doors.
• Dents or scratches that might indicate a previous accident.
• Hail damage or signs of extensive repairs. Ensure the paintwork is even, and there are no crooked or mismatched panels.

Test Drive and Performance Check

1. Take It for a Spin

A test drive is one of the most important steps when buying a used car. Pay attention to how the car handles, brakes, and accelerates. 

Listen for unusual sounds and test it on different road surfaces to assess their overall performance.

Key Areas to Focus On:

• Brakes: Ensure the car stops smoothly and doesn’t pull to one side.
• Steering: The steering wheel should feel responsive and steady.
• Transmission: Both automatic and manual transmissions should shift smoothly without jerking or hesitation.

2. Inspect Under the Car

Remember to look underneath the vehicle. Check for fluid leaks and any visible damage to the exhaust system or suspension. 

Also, look for oil leaks or rust patches, which could lead to expensive repairs.

Verify Registration and VIN Number

Before purchasing, verify that the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the number on the registration documents. 

Double-check the build and compliance dates to ensure you know exactly when the car was manufactured and met Australian safety standards.

Where Should You Buy a Used Car?

There are different ways to purchase a used car in Australia, each with advantages and risks.

1. Buying from a Dealer

In most states, used cars under ten years old and with a mileage of less than 160,000 km come with a statutory warranty when bought from a licensed dealer. 

Dealers also offer a guaranteed title, meaning you’re assured there are no outstanding debts on the car.

Advantages:

• Guaranteed title
• Statutory warranty
• Hassle-free trade-in options

Disadvantages:

• Generally more expensive than private sales
• Limited room for negotiation on price

2. Buying from a Private Seller

Private sales are often cheaper than buying from a dealer. However, you won’t receive the same protections or warranties. Make sure to run a PPSR check to ensure the car is debt-free.

Advantages:

• Often more affordable
• You may learn more about the car’s history directly from the seller.

Disadvantages:

• No statutory warranty
• Higher risk of buying a lemon

3. Buying at Auction

Auctions can be a great way to score a bargain, but come with risks. Be sure to inspect the car beforehand and set a budget limit that you don’t exceed.

Advantages:

• Potential to buy at a lower price
• Wide range of cars available

Disadvantages:

• No chance for a test drive
• Vehicles sold as-is, with no warranty

Conclusion

Buying a used car requires careful planning and diligent inspection. 

By following these guidelines—researching the vehicle’s history, setting a clear budget, and thoroughly inspecting the car—you’ll be better positioned to make an informed decision.

Remember, it’s always worth getting a mechanic to inspect the car before finalising the purchase. This extra step could save you from buying a vehicle with hidden problems. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Used Cars

1. Why should I check a used car’s history before buying it?

Before purchasing a used car, always request a vehicle history report using the car’s VIN.

This report reveals critical information, such as accidents, previous owners, and whether the car has any outstanding debts or has been written off.

Services like the PPSR and NRMA’s Vehicle History Report are useful in Australia.

2. What are the key areas to inspect when evaluating a used car?

When inspecting a used car, focus on the engine condition, tyre wear, lights and dashboard warnings, the car’s bodywork, and the interior’s condition.

Take the car for a test drive to evaluate performance, including the brakes, steering, and transmission.

3. Is taking a used car for a test drive necessary before buying it?

A test drive is essential to assess how the car handles, brakes, and accelerates.

It helps detect any unusual sounds or handling issues and gives you a sense of the car’s overall performance on various road surfaces.

4. What are the differences between buying from a dealer, private seller, and auction?

• Dealers offer statutory warranties and guaranteed titles but are generally more expensive.
• Private sellers are often cheaper, but there’s no statutory warranty, and you take more risk.
• Auctions can offer bargains, but vehicles are sold as-is without warranties or test drives.

5. Why is it important to have a mechanic inspect a used car before buying it?

Having a mechanic inspect the car ensures that hidden problems, such as engine issues or rust, are uncovered before you purchase it.

This step can prevent costly repairs and ensure that you’re investing wisely.