Purchasing a used car can save you a lot of money. However, there are risks involved as well. A significant amount of care needs to be taken to ensure that you have made the right purchase and will not bother you with any repairs in the future.
Our comprehensive guide offers all the advice you need to help you buy with certainty and get the right deal. The following tips will cover every step of the car buying process: choosing where to buy, what to check, handling negotiations, and your buyer rights.
Where do you buy a used car?
* Used Car Lots: There are many choices available around used car lots. However, recovered thefts and rusted hulks end up here. The advantage is that you can buy vehicles close to the wholesale price.
* Government Auctions: Low-option, dirt-cheap, and typically well worn are available here.
* Dealer auction
* New Car Dealerships
Off-Road Vehicle Condition
The condition of a vehicle has a lot to do with the price, as does its year of manufacture and the number of miles on the clock. If you are buying from a valued dealership, they will not offer inferior vehicles for sale.
The interior condition should be excellent on any vehicle less than 5 years old. Always make sure to fully inspect the bodywork, especially underneath. Any imperfections or issues should be pointed out to the seller.
Mechanical noises
To an untrained ear, the typical combustion sound of a diesel engine may sound like a mechanical problem. However, diagnosing or knowing engine noises can be a daunting responsibility, even for skilled mechanics. However, there should be no objection to having the engine inspected and listened to by a third party if the seller has nothing to hide. If you’re feeling doubtful about the mechanical soundness of the engine, insist on having it inspected by trained mechanics.
No smoke on start-up
In addition to the idea that the engine must start with no trouble at all, excessive smoke from diesel and white, black, or blue smoke from a petrol engine invariably mean trouble.
Worn rings, leaking diesel injectors, worn valve stem seals, a blown turbocharger, worn cylinders, leaking valves, and other issues are costly repairs. Ensure that these issues are absent when buying a used vehicle.
Service record
Although a lack of service records is not a sign of poor maintenance, a decent service record proves proper servicing. Service records should contain invoices and work orders for all maintenance work and all other types of repair that the seller has had performed on the vehicle.
4WD vehicles need a lot of maintenance. Suppose the car is more than a few years old and the record doesn’t contain proof of at least brake repairs and replacements, regular oil changes, wheel-bearing service and replacement, and the like. In that case, chances are the vehicle is not as reliable as the seller is making it out to be.
Oil leaks
Although modern engines are comparatively leakproof, oil leaks occur and can possibly cause engine failure if left unfixed. However, some engines accumulate a patina of oil vapor, grime, and dust. This is actually normal, but what is unusual is for the engine in a used 4×4 car to have the appearance of having just been installed. If the engine seems to be too clean compared to the rest of the vehicle, chances are the seller is trying to hide serious oil leaks.
Tires
It’s worth getting down on your knees and inspecting them properly. How much tread have they got? They need 1.6mm as a legal minimum, so if they are below 3mm, you’ll have to constituent in the cost of changing them soon. While budget brand tires might not be a significant concern on a cheap car. If you’re spending more money, especially on a performance car, you’ll want four matching premium tires.
Battery condition
It might be too much to expect a used 4×4 car to sport a new battery. However, the installed battery should start the vehicle smoothly, and the case must not have cracks, bulges, or other defects. There should also be no signs of acid buildup around the poles or signs that the seller has recently removed this accumulation. The acid buildup is a sign of microscopic cracks in the casing around the poles. If electrolytes can get out, water and other contaminants can get in.
Seat belts
Seat belts are another good indicator of the general condition of used 4 × 4 vehicles. Few experienced off-road drivers don’t use their seat belts; hence, the more wear on the seat belts, the more the car was driven in challenging conditions. Carefully compare the condition of the carpets, seats, and seat belts with other cars with similar mileages and histories. There should be some similarity between the interior of the used 4×4 vehicle and its purported mileage.
Warning lights
Ask the seller for the user manual for the used vehicle, or get one online. Maximize this manual to turn on everything for which the manual shows a warning light; pay distinct attention to the lights indicating the engagement of 4WD mode, low range, and all safety systems. For example, a warning light that does not light up may mean a lot more than a blown bulb: the bulb may be fine; the problem might be that a complete safety-critical system does not work.
How many miles has it done?
When you get behind the wheel, take a look at how many miles are on the clock. A 4WD is a sturdy vehicle, so it’s built to withstand the rigors of the road, but anything with more than 100,000 miles on the clock is seemingly just going to be more trouble than it’s worth.
Breakdowns and part replacement will be expensive. You can always talk to the person you’re buying from to see what the service history is like, but only an immaculate history with regular servicing would indicate a used 4×4 worth investing in.
Inspect the Exterior Thoroughly
Take a good look at the exterior of the 4×4, including the doors. It’s seemingly not uncommon to find the odd bump or scratch on a 4×4 that has been put through its paces. However, you’ll want to guarantee doors are appropriately shut or that big accidents haven’t been papered over with a bit of paint. It’s essential to know if a vehicle has been in an accident to determine if it has been carefully and adequately restored.
Our Verdict to Buying Used 4×4
