What to look out for when buying a car?

March 16, 2023
Advice and tips

Buying a car can be one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. Since a car can be a large financial investment, it is important to be aware of a few things when purchasing one. In this article, we will focus on the main factors to consider when choosing a car and what to look out for when buying a car.

So what should you look out for when buying a car?

There were, there weren't, car dealerships for nine years.

The history of the vehicle is the first and one of the most important factors that you should pay attention to when buying a car. If you decide to buy a used car, it is important to find out who the previous owner was and how the vehicle was maintained and serviced. There are several ways to obtain information about the history of the vehicle, for example: checking the service book, checking the MOT history, checking with verifiers such as Cebia or CarVertical.

What about the mechanical condition? In top condition?

Another important factor when buying a car is its mechanical condition. You should look out for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or rusted parts. It is important that the engine, transmission, brakes and other parts are working properly and without any problems. If you are not sure whether the vehicle is working properly, it is better to have the vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic. If you do not have one at hand, you can use our car inspection before purchase.

What should you look out for when it comes to car equipment? Everything!

Vehicle equipment is another factor that you should pay attention to when buying a car. You should check whether all the equipment and functions of the vehicle are in good condition and functional. You can also focus on the wear and tear of individual interior parts. Don't be afraid to test every button and knob. Study the car's equipment list carefully and check it all. It may not seem like it, but a malfunctioning button on the Superb 3 steering wheel can easily cost five thousand. You must also not forget about equipment that can only be tested from the outside. Remote unlocking, keyless access, electric tailgate, etc.

Body and paint condition

The condition of the body and paint is another factor to consider when buying a car. You should look out for any signs of damage, such as cracks, scratches and scuffs. If these problems are serious, they can lead to bodywork and corrosion problems in the future. It is also important to note whether the paint matches the entire vehicle; if you notice that the shade on one part does not match the others, this is a sign of poor repair. A paint thickness gauge is a good tool for identifying touch-up paint on a car. If you do not have one, you can use our technique, which will measure the paint on the entire car during each inspection.

Monkeys and bananas? Get it?

It is important to pay attention to the financial costs that the vehicle entails when buying a car. In addition to the price of the vehicle itself, other costs need to be taken into account, such as insurance, operating costs and maintenance. It is a good idea to make a budget before buying a car that includes these costs so that you can calculate whether you can afford the car. You know what they say? If you can't afford bananas, don't buy a monkey, and this applies doubly so when it comes to cars. You also always need to factor in the financial amount for the first service. Most used cars simply need some service right after purchase. If you are lucky and have a perfectly filled-out service book, subsequent service can be estimated quite accurately. However, if you buy a car without a service center, you need to factor in more expensive service. For such a car, we always recommend having the timing belt serviced, a complete oil service including the gearbox and an air conditioning service. Of course, don't forget to check the condition of the brakes and tires.

What to look out for when buying a car? How much mileage do you want it to have, boss?

The mileage of a vehicle is also an important factor when buying it. You need to make sure that the mileage of the vehicle corresponds to reality and that the odometer has not been manipulated. There are several ways to verify the correctness of the mileage, such as service records, documents of regular vehicle inspections and verification of the condition of the interior, pedals and gear lever. Verification with verifiers such as Cebia and CarVertical.

What to look out for when buying a car? No, the seller is a friend!

Last but not least, the most important factor when buying a car is the source of the vehicle. If you are buying a used car from a private seller, it can be difficult to verify the history of the vehicle and its condition. On the other hand, if you are buying a car from a reputable dealer, you can expect better service and warranty for the vehicle. If you decide to buy a car from an unknown dealer, it is important to be cautious and carefully check all the factors mentioned above.

Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a car can be stressful and complicated, but carefully considering the above factors can help you find the right vehicle that will meet your needs and benefit you. In any case, it is important to be cautious and pay sufficient attention to all the factors that may affect your decision to buy a car. Before buying, do not forget to thoroughly inspect the car, preferably with the help of a professional. And now you know what to look out for when buying a used car.

Pre-purchase car inspection from Automato. When your mechanic friend can't.

Don't have a professional on hand? No problem! Our experienced technicians will be happy to help you and thoroughly inspect your chosen car. With us, you can be sure that you won't be buying a pig in a poke.

—– Click here for more information about our inspections —–

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