Buying a Used Car? The Insider’s Guide to the Second Hand Car Market

If you’re looking to buy a used car, the key is to know what you’re looking at so that you know what you’re buying. The vehicle that seems like a great deal on the side of the road may not be so if you have to sink a lot of money into repairs. To help better prepare you for your used car search, we’ve listed below some things you should look at.

Engine Oil – Always pull the dipstick to check both oil level and colour. On a petrol vehicle the oil should be a yellowish brown colour; for diesels it will be a dark brown/black. If it looks dirty/ thick that’s an indication of poor maintenance by the car’s owner.

Fluid Leaks – Check the engine compartment and the ground underneath the vehicle for fluid leaks. Look for oil (brown or black stains), water and coolant (white residue), transmission fluid (red/pink) brake fluid (clear but slippery).

Body and Frame – Pay attention to areas of the car where panels do not fit together properly; that can be indicative of a prior crash. Underneath look for excessive rust on the frame that could cause weak spots.

Service Records – It’s never a good idea to buy a used vehicle without a copy or record of all its services. These records give a history of the car’s performance as well as all of the parts would have been replaced.

MOT – Make sure the MOT is valid. Also ask about any advisories that need to be dealt with. If it is a particularly short MOT there may be a reason why the vehicle owner is trying to sell. Ask a lot of questions in such a case.

If you’re not comfortable buying a used vehicle directly from an owner, there is another choice. Fleet Road Garage offers used quality vehicles sold the right way. They inspect and repair all vehicles before offering them for sale, and they provide you with all the paperwork necessary. Stop in and see their used car selection today.