Buying a second-hand car is always a risky activity for any buyer. But thanks to innovations in design, manufacturing, build quality and metallurgy, you can even expect vehicles with high mileage to be in good working condition for years to come.
It is important to perform your due diligence if you are planning to buy a second-hand car. Insights from a skilled auto mechanic in Sydney will be important in your buying journey. You will need to be very thorough in evaluating various aspects of a vehicle. From the engine, braking system, sensors down to the smallest details, you need to be careful before handing your hard-earned cash.
If you’re going to do the vetting process all by yourself, here are pointers that you need to follow:
- Arrange a Visual Inspection
Schedule a visual inspection. Do not forget to take a closer look at a car’s aesthetic elements. You want to buy a car that doesn’t look too worn or may need major repairs or replacements after purchase. The last thing you want is to go over your budget, so it’s best to take your time during visual inspection. Check the overall condition of parts, including the upholstery, gas pedal, brake pedal, carpeting, headliner, and many more.
- Check Tool Inclusions
Make sure that essential fixtures or tools are intact. The car should include a user manual, spare tyres, and tyre components. Newer models are usually outfitted with tow hooks that screw into the vehicle, so make sure that this is included with your purchase.
- Take a Closer Look at Body
Apart from obvious flaws and indentations, it is important to ensure that the colour is consistent throughout the entire vehicle. If you spot colour mismatch or an orange peel, this may mean that the vehicle has suffered from collision damage in the past. Looking for irregularities in the sheet metal is crucial, too. Finally, check the bottom end of each body panel for rust and corrosion.
- Tyre Check
Check the front tyres to determine the presence of uneven wear and alignment issues. It is also recommended to run your hands along the tyre treads to check for the presence of sawtooth contours and irregularities that may be potentially caused by suspension issues.
- Check Under the Hood
The quality of motor oil under the hood can give you an idea whether a second-hand car received proper care and maintenance from its previous owner. Ideally, motor oil is honey-coloured or translucent. If the dipstick reveals a black, sour-smelling fluid, this signifies that the vehicle was poorly maintained.
You’re already under the hood, so might as well check for any signs of leaking coil or coolant. Shiny new parts under the hood means that it has undergone recent replacements. This can be a good thing since you don’t need to spend extra on repairs and replacements if you decide to push through with the purchase.
- Check the Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid should be red and translucent. Transmission fluid featuring a darker shade and carries a burnt smell can only mean that the engine has been running hard, overheated, and poorly maintained.
- Don’t Forget to Take It for a Test Drive
Independent car dealers and used dealerships allow test drives, so take advantage of this as much as you can. While driving, listen for signs of potential issues. If you hear clunks when you place the transition ion gear or left off glass, this may be indicative of motor mount, kCV joint, or U-joint issues.
- Drive on a Highway
If possible, drive on a highway, so you can have a clear idea of its overall feel. Do you feel vibrations at higher speeds? How is the handling? If you notice poor handling and vibrations in the steering wheel, the vehicle may be dealing with a tyre imbalance problem.
Experts also recommend taking notes on the shifts when you decrease and increase your speed. The shifts should be smooth. If you feel any jerk or hesitation, you may need to seek repairs to resolve broken transmission issues.
- Check the braking system
Look for a safe place where you can perform a hard stop. Does the car stop in a straight line or does it tend to pull on one side? Do you feel pulsations when you hit the brake? Your safety on the road is of utmost importance, so make sure that you purchase a second-hand car with an excellent working braking system.
If you’re planning to get yourself a used vehicle and need an inspection before purchase, visit HP Automotive. Our team of skilled auto mechanics in Sydney will be more than happy to provide you with a comprehensive car inspection that will help you make a wise purchasing decision in the end. To schedule an appointment or additional enquiries, please call us on +61 2 9979 8372 today.