7 Essential Things to Inspect Before Buying a Used Car

October 25, 2021 11:14 am

Purchasing a used car is much easier on one’s wallet than buying a brand new one. However, if you do not take the time and effort to research your options, it can only complicate things for you, as you have no clue what a used vehicle has been through.

That’s where a thorough assessment or inspection can be helpful to determine not only a car’s roadworthiness but also its estimated value, and save you from repairs and replacements.

With everyone wanting to make a better deal and the nature of inspections being technical and complicated, Pal Auto Garage is here to help you out with 7 essential things to inspect before buying a used car:

 

1. Papers and documents

One of the important things to inspect before buying a used car is verify the authenticity of the vehicle’s registration certificate and its validity. The RC will have the owner’s name and the car’s details such as engine number, chassis number, etc. Make sure that the certificate is original, and then do the necessary process to change it to your name after purchase.

Original purchase invoice, insurance, and service-related invoices are some of the other important documents that should be checked thoroughly while buying a used car.

2. The exterior of the car

Once the authenticity of the vehicle’s papers and documents are verified, you should inspect its exterior which also includes the lights, tires, mirrors, and underbody. Ensure that the car’s undercarriage is free of rust, check the body surface for dents and scratches (which could indicate if the vehicle has been involved in any kind of accident).

Test if the lights – brake lights, headlights, and taillights are functioning properly and also the condition of mirrors, windows, and windshields.

3. Interior of the car

Once you’re done inspecting the exterior of the car, you can move to its interiors and look around checking the front and back seat, upholstery, electronic systems (AC, radio, music system, reverse camera, etc), and its proper functioning.

Turn on the car and make sure to test out all buttons and different functions that the car offers from lights to wipers.

4. Warning lights

While inside the car, also remember to take note of any warning lights that do not go off. Oil light and engine light, which does not turn off could mean that there’s something wrong with the oil pump and engine respectively.

Other such warnings are the battery alert, anti-lock brakes or ABS warning, and the engine temperature warning.

5. Engine and transmission

After thoroughly going through the exterior and interiors of the car, you’re ready to inspect the most important part of any vehicle: the engine. This is a two-stage process: first, turn off the engine, pop the hood and do a visual examination of the engine for any kinds of fluid leaks, corrosion, cracked hoses, and belts.

Afterward, check the fluids by inspecting the level of the oil and transmission fluid and its color as well. Generally, the color of the oil should be light brown and the transmission fluid either pink or red. Ensure that neither are dark or muddy, which could indicate the trapped dirt or damage.

An experienced used car inspection center can give you better idea about the engine condition.

6. Brakes and suspension

Once you have inspected under the hood of the car, take it for a drive in order to check the brakes and suspension. Pulsating brakes and a car that lurch forward could be signs of rotor and suspension problems. A ride that feels bumpier than usual drifts or pulls to the side could also point to the suspension issues of a car.

Lower the window and also be attentive to any noises that you may hear from the car, while it’s in motion.

7. Mileage

A car that is not too old, but with major mileage issues could be a sign of deeper problems.

Mileage tampering is one of the most common practices among many used car dealers and even drivers, and it is therefore important to check the car’s odometer and its functioning properly.

You can also check for any visual discrepancies, alignment of odometer numbers on the instrument cluster, cross-check the mileage with figures found on the maintenance and inspection records, etc.

 

You can take the help of Pal auto garage, the best-used car inspection service center in Dubai to clear all these steps easly. We assured extensively used car inspection with 120+ checkpoints which will cross-verify your car’s conditions and performance to help you with your buying decision. Feel free to get in touch with us at palautogarage