6 important details to check when buying a used car

Used cars can save buyers a lot of money compared to buying a new car. However, buying a used car for inexperienced people is like playing a game of chance.

Understanding this, an expert in the field of used cars named Dorry Potter, in the UK, has "tipped off" users with the following 6 details to check when buying a used car.

Check for dents and scratches

Dorry Potter said: "Checking for dents and scratches on the body of the car is very important when buying a used car. These marks will help the buyer assess the car's collision history." In addition, detecting dents and scratches will also help the car buyer balance future repair costs.

One of the important places to check when inspecting a used car is the front and rear windshield. Cracks and scratches not only affect the aesthetics of the car but also pose a danger in traffic situations.

Dorry also instructs used car buyers to check the gaps between adjacent positions such as the hood, front bumper, door position, etc. If the gaps are uneven or have deviations, it shows that the position may have been replaced and is no longer original from the manufacturer. Furthermore, carefully checking the door seals and seams will also help car buyers determine whether the car has been in a serious collision on the outside.

Pay attention to the car paint

Car paint is very important, not only showing color but also protecting the metal surface, avoiding direct contact with corrosive environments.

"The paint on the car should be even and not off-color," says Dorry Potter. Off-color paint indicates that the area has been stripped and repainted for some reason. The expert also recommends that people viewing used cars use the flashlight on their phones to closely examine the paint surface, looking for large scratches or signs of off-color.

If you see bubbles on the paint surface, it is likely a sign of rust under the paint or the area has been repainted but the cleaning process before painting was not done properly.

Check tire wear

Dorry says checking the tread wear will help assess the mileage the car has covered in the past. Used car buyers should check the tread depth on the wheels and make sure it is at least 1.6mm.

The condition of the tires when observed with the naked eye also provides the used car buyer with a relative view of the car's maintenance and use. Signs such as cuts on the tire surface and the aging of the rubber also assess the operation and maintenance of the previous car owner.

It's also important to test drive a used car before you buy it. "Negotiate a test drive before you buy," Dorry advises, "to determine if the tire pressure is correct compared to the actual number and to identify any unusual tire problems."

In addition, for experts with experience in buying used cars, looking at tire wear can also determine how far the car has traveled. From there, it is possible to conclude whether the car has been rewinded or not.

Check the car lighting system

The car's lighting system is very important when participating in traffic, especially when it's dark. The brake lights on the car are an important part to help others know and reduce speed, avoiding collisions. Therefore, you should carefully check the brake lights to see if they are working properly before buying a used car.

Dorry Potter said: "For many users, fog lights may be meaningless and rarely used, but if you drive in foggy conditions, then you will see the value of fog lights."

Not only in the UK, in Vietnam, cars are also required to have a stable brake light and fog light system. If these systems are damaged and the driver does not replace them in time, he or she may be fined up to 400,000 VND.

Check the gearbox

The gearbox is an important part that helps the car move, so checking the gearbox when buying a used car is also very important. Dorry Potter said: "There are many problems with the gearbox such as overheating and burning smell. Buyers should check and drain the gearbox oil, then replace it with new oil." This should be done as soon as signs are detected to avoid damage to the internal parts of the gearbox.

In addition, used car buyers may also hear strange noises coming from the gearbox. This is also a sign that the car's gearbox is having problems and should consider not buying that car.

Not only the gearbox, but also the parts related to the operation of the car such as the engine, chassis, suspension, steering, etc. are very important. You should consider not buying a used car with problems in the above parts.

Interior Check

Used car experts advise buyers to check the interior of the car for any unusual signs. If a used car buyer is unlucky enough to smell a musty smell, it means the car may have been flooded, the leather and fabric seats have not been cleaned effectively, and the air conditioning system is moldy.

In addition, interior details such as leather, plastic panels, metal panels, wood, etc. also need to be carefully checked. This helps buyers assess the level of maintenance of the previous owner's car. Thereby, it is possible to negotiate and bargain on the selling price to reduce costs when buying a car.