Purchasing something in a second-hand condition can be a bold risk. After all, ‘second hand’ is essentially a broad umbrella term, referring to anything on a spectrum of ‘works fairly well’ to ‘stay away from this product at all costs’. Then comes the dishonest sellers who stretch and play with the truth, and in the end the whole experience of buying something previously used can be pretty dreadful to say the least.
However, every crisis can be averted with a handy checklist, especially in the case of used cars. After all, some car dealers understand this perfectly, with the AA offering second-hand cars under the fairest of conditions and prices. Of course, if you want it spelled out for you, then here’s a quick rundown of what to include on your second-hand car checklist.
The Test Drive
If you buy a car that explodes on you on day one, then nine times out of ten you had it coming. The test drive is a box on your checklist that demands to be ticked. Take the used ride for a spin and see what’s it made of. Kick the tyres and give the peddles a good stomp to make sure everything is crisp, sharp and in working order. If the engine conks, you’ll know you can walk away without the shame of splashing out for such an experience. Ultimately, you shouldn’t hand over your hard-earned cash until you’ve seen the wheels in action and like what you see.
A Second Opinion
As a famous person once said, two eyes are better than one. You might be savvy in taking a used ride for a lap or two, but there’s much to be gained in hiring a car inspector to work out the kinks. A professional opinion will bolster your chances of securing a good deal, and they will likely delve deeper into areas of the vehicle you hadn’t initially considered. After all, your test drive is about you enjoying the car; it’s level of comfort, it’s quality of handling. A second opinion can hone in on the technical side and be able to tell you for certain whether you’re buying a death trap on wheels.
Car History Check
Of course, some data can’t be found under the bonnet or in the boot, so it’s time to do some detective work by interrogating dealers and researching the makes and models online. Of course, some cars are famous for being flimsy, so it’s your responsibility to brush up on your car awareness. Additionally, decent dealers will have had the used car checked for past owners, potential criminal activity, warranties and insurance history. You don’t want to be accused of stealing a rental vehicle, so make sure you get all the proper paperwork on the legal stuff too! If they refuse to clue you in, refuse to buy the used car – it’s that simple!
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