There might come a time when you need to go to the car lot to buy a used car, and I understand that can be a really daunting task. Trying to ascertain if you are getting a good deal or if the dealer is just trying to rip you off, our guide can help you.

Mechanical Condition and safety are significant do not compromise on either

Stolen Vehicles: If you buy a stolen vehicle you have no rights. if you suspect a vehicle you are being offered is stolen let the police know immediately. It only takes a decent person looking for an unrealistic bargain to commit a crime.

Identification Numbers: All legitimate Vehicles have two Main identification numbers; the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the engine number.

Mileage: Low mileage is a good buying point but beware the odometer could have been turn back.

Always view the Car in daylight, preferably when it’s not raining.

Never arrange to meet in a mutual location, such as a petrol station or on a public road, the seller’s premises are best, as this will reduce the risk of buying a stolen Car.

The most reassuringly secure way to make sure that the Car you desire is up to scratch is to get a Professional inspection by a reputable mechanic/engineer.

If the vehicle comes with Air Conditioning, its best you test run it on a very hot day around mid-day and not when its cloudy and about to rain. The ambient temperature affects the performance of Air Conditioning systems, the cooler it is outside the easier you will be deceived the AC works efficiently.

Body
-Are the seams where doors and fenders meet even and straight?

-Are the seams where the bonnet and boot meet the fenders even and straight?

-Does a magnet cling to all steel body panels? (Be sure to test fenders, the lower corners of doors, and rocker panels–the areas below doors. If a magnet doesn’t cling, suspect body filler was used to repair rust or accident damage)

-Are all body panels the same colour?

-Has the car been recently repainted? (Look out for signs of spray paint moldings; also check the edges of the doors, bonnet and boot to be sure they are all the same color. Fresh paint may cover rust that will continue to progress.)

Tyres
-Do all tires have the same amount of tread?

-Are all tyres the same size? (Check tyre size markings on tyre sidewalls)

-Is there a spare tyre, jack, and lug wrench? If the vehicle has locking hubcaps, is there a key for removing them?

-Is the spare tyre inflated (Press hard against the side with your thumb; the tyre should be firm.)

Suspension
-Does the vehicle sit level

-Bounce each corner of the vehicle. Do all corners respond the same? (Corners should only bounce once or twice before stopping.)

-Do you hear a creaking noise when bouncing the vehicle’s corners

Interior
-Is upholstery in good condition? (Look for tears, stains, and burns.)

-Are the dashboard and headliner in good condition?

-Do seats adjust easily?

-Are any windows cranks, door locks, handles, dash controls or similar items missing?

-Do all interior lights and dash bulbs work?

-Does carpet condition match the age of the vehicle?

-Does carpeting smell of mildew or stale water, suggesting moisture underneath (or worse, Flood damage)?

-Check under the dash at the top of the carpet. Are there stains suggesting heater core or air conditioning leakage.

Frame
-Examine inside the boot, wheel wells, and under bonnet. Do you see areas that look like they have been crumpled and straightened?

-Look underneath each side of the vehicle for a row of holes in the frame just inside the vehicle’s outer edge. Do holes appear scratched or recently cleaned? (If so, suspect the frame has been straightened after a crash)

Petrol Cap
-Is there a petrol cap? Does it fit correctly? (If the cap locks, is there a Key?)

Accessories
-Do all accessories such as the heater, air conditioner, audio system, and alarm system, moon roof, operate fully? Test all functions of each

Engine Compartment
-Are there signs of oil fluid leaks?

-Run the engine at full operating temperature. Are there abnormal smells that might be due to leaking fluids on hot engine parts?

Are there unusual noises, such as clattering or metallic sounds, or sharp hissing in the engine compartment when the engine is running? (normal sound is smooth whirring of belts and fan)

-Does anything appear to be missing, does any cable or wires have loose ends? (Look for shiny or clean areas where parts may have been removed.)

Under the Vehicle
-Are there fluid leaks on the underside of the engine and transmission, at axle ends, at brake line connections, or on the ground beneath the vehicle? Green fluid is usually antifreeze; reddish fluid is usually power steering or transmission fluid; dark brown or black fluid is usually oil or brake fluid.

-Are any parts loose, with exception of exhaust parts slung from flexible rubber “donuts”?

-Does anything appear missing, such as bolts, clamps, brackets or cables?

-Are exhaust system parts rusty?

-Are there marks from scrapes, indicating the car has bottomed out on rocks or pavement?

-Examine exhaust when the car is operating at normal temperature. Do you see white smoke? (suggest coolant or water leaking into combustion chamber-bad head gasket or cracked cylinder head)
Blue smoke? (suggests oil leaking into combustion chamber-worn piston rings, valves, cylinders or bad head gasket).
Black or Gray smoke? (suggests incomplete fuel combustion-carburetor, choke, fuel injection or emission system malfunction or low compression due to engine wear) Note, a small amount of steam is normal.

Engine
-Does the engine start easily?

-Does the engine stall at any time?

-Does the engine idle smoothly?

-Does the idle speed seem too slow or too fast?

-Does the engine hesitate or stumble on acceleration?

-Does the engine run smoothly during driving?

-Does the engine seem to lack power?

-If the vehicle has cruise control, do all features work correctly?

-Do engine or other system warning lights appear?

Transmission and clutch
-Is automatic shifting smooth?

-On a manual-shift vehicle, is take off smooth?

-On a manual-shift vehicle, accelerate hard in a high gear (third or fourth) or while going uphill. If engine rpm rises without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, the clutch could be slipping. It may need to be adjusted or replaced.

-On a manual shift vehicle, try shifting to a lower gear when going slowly. Does the transmission shift easily, without grinding?

4-wheel Drive
-Engage 4-wheel drive only on soft surfaces unless the owner’s manual specifically says the feature can be used on all surfaces. On a suitable surface, test-drive the vehicle in forward and reverse with 4-wheel drive engaged. Does the vehicle shift smoothly in both directions?

-Turn tight corners to the right and left. Are there clunking sounds or other noises?

-Do the wheels bind or pull, whether turning or going straight?

Brakes
-Apply the brakes several times at different speeds. Also try sudden stop. Does the vehicle pull to one side when brakes are applied?

-Do brakes stop the vehicle adequately?

-If the vehicle has antilock brakes (ABS), try stopping suddenly. Do the wheels lock? (A pulsing brake pedal is normal)

-Does the parking brake hold firmly and release completely?

Steering
-Does the vehicle pull to one side during normal operation?

-Is steering difficult at any speed?

-Turn sharply in both directions. Do you hear clunking or other noises, or feel rubbing or binding?

-Does the vehicle shake or vibrate while moving? (Take the vehicle up to expressway speed for this test)

-Is the steering wheel centered when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead?

Paper Work
These are vital

-Proof of Ownership Certificate
-Vehicle License
-Certificate of Road Worthiness (MOT)
(VIN and Engine number on the documents must correspond exactly to the VIN number plate and engine number plate on the car.)

In the absence of the above documents, you will require all relevant importation documents to obtain the above documents. Never buy a car without these documents.

These are desirable

-Service records: These will give you a mileage history and show how well the has been maintained. (If you own a brand new car and plan to sell later, keeping you maintenance records can boost your resale value)

-Receipt from previous owner.

Insurance
You are required by law to have adequate insurance cover for your car. Before buying it is sensible to get a few speculative quotes, to see how much insuring your chosen car is going to cost you.

Choose the right type of policy
-Comprehensive cover is the most expensive route, but covers you for damage to your own car and things inside it, even if the accident is your fault. It also covers you for theft.

-Third party cover is the minimum legal requirement. It is much cheaper than comprehensive cover, so make sure you have this at least.

Be sure to look out for our Selling Guide Coming soon, leave a comment below.

Lovely guide.