Buying a car on a budget
18/08/09
Tips on what to look out for when buying a cheap, used car
The pitfalls of buying a cheap used car
Potential car buyers may need some help in making a decision, particularly if they are on a tight budget. Here are a few tips buying a cheap used car.
Sort through the various listings of private ads until you find a car that you are interested in. Phone the number and ask a general question about the car that is being sold, rather than the specific model. You will know it is a dealer if they ask you which car you are enquiring about. If so, decide if you prefer a dealer as opposed to a private seller.
Private vehicle sellers will normally ask you to come around to their address. Be wary of them if they insist on meeting you elsewhere. It may simply mean they are a trader or it may mean they have ulterior motives. Whatever happens, be careful and have someone with you at all times.
The owner should have the car's paperwork and be ready to show it to you. You will want to check the MOT, the VIN numbers, and the registration certificate, which should be in the seller's name.
What to check for
Buying a cheap car can turn out costly unless you make a few, basic checks; some of which are outlined here.
You want all the paperwork to tally up with the car. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should correspond with the one stamped on the metal VIN plate. This should be under the bonnet or at the base of the windscreen. All cars older than three years should have an annual MOT certificate.
It would be ideal to test the engine when it is still cold. It's possible the seller will try and warm the engine up before you arrive, and you should run a hand over the bonnet to see if this is the case. A sound engine will switch on immediately and not cause many problems. Any smoke or noise from the exhaust is a red flag as it could mean the exhaust has a hole in it somewhere.
A car with a recent catalytic converter fitting should have a MOT. If there is none, you want to get an emissions check done, as you will pay up to .900 for a replacement catalytic converter.
Rattling and knocking sounds coming from the bonnet are also a bad sign because your budget car can quickly turn out to be a money pit.
After going for a test drive, ask the owner to take the cap off the oil filter and check if it is in good condition. The owner should be able to tell you how often the cam-belt has been changed and provide proof thereof. A noisy engine could signal that the clutch is failing, which means more maintenance.
Other things to consider are the following:
Fluids
Check all the car's fluid levels: power steering oil, normal oil, and the level of water in the radiator or expansion tank. Be wary of spotless, clean engines . a seller can invest a rather modest sum of money on an engine clean that will disguise a whole range of problems.
Brakes
Use the test drive to stamp on the brakes when the car is at a reasonable speed and when road conditions permit. If the car pulls up straight and fast, it is in good condition, however, if it makes a grinding noise, it may mean the pads are worn out. This is not only costly to fix but dangerous as well.
Test not only the brakes, but also the handbrakes to see if it will support a car on a hill.
Suspension
The car should glide over bumps, so to speak, and not wallow or float, which means the shock absorbers are faulty, again leading to expensive bills.
Gearbox
Even in a cheap car, you should be able to switch gears comfortably enough, with no whining noises emanating from the gearbox.
Lights
Test the lights, including the brake lights, to see if they are working well enough. If not, there could be an electrical fault.
Tyres
The tyre's tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the width of tyre over the full circumference. Check for any sidewall damage as well as uneven wear, which will mean suspension or steering trouble. Is there a spare wheel? If so, check if it is in a good condition.
Mileage
As a rule, the cheaper a car the more likely it is to have a high mileage. The mileage might not be a true reflection on how much the car has traveled. .Clocking. is a very real concern to potential car buyers, therefore it is a good idea to ask for old MOT certificates for a history of the accumulated mileage over time.
Check if the car's inside is dirty and neglected. This is a good way to test the seller's veracity if he claims the car has a low mileage.
Bodywork
An all-over body check may reveal irregularities in the colour or in the car's panels. These may be minor or they may indicate your car is the result of two cars being welded together. Rust can put a big dent into your pocket so be on the lookout for it in the sills, the floor pan or at the top of the suspension's strut towers.
Take advantage of an HPI Check for only £5 through the RAC. This means you will be in a better position to spot the following danger signs:
- Written off
Every year, nearly half a million cars that were involved in accidents are deemed too badly damaged to repair safely. These selfsame cars find their way back onto UK roads. Now, you have the means to find out if the car you are interested in is as good a buy as you thought it was.
- Stolen vehicle check
With nearly 30 vehicles stolen every day, you may end up being an unsuspecting buyer and face the risk of having to return the car to the original owner.
- Outstanding finance
This is surely the biggest risk a potential car buyer faces, especially with 24 percent of all cars with an HPI check are still involved in an outstanding finance agreement.
- Cloned
Some stolen vehicles are cloned to take on the identity of a legitimately owned vehicle. This poses problems for the legitimate owner, as these cars will have the exact same details.
- Clocked
Five percent of all cars checked against the HPI National Mileage Register of more than 85 million readings, shows their mileage is incorrect.