Thingsto watch for when buying a Second-hand Car

• When buying a second hand car there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration.
• FIRST AND FOREMOST BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE MAKE SURE YOU GET THE CARE CHECKED BY REVS AND/OR POLICE.
• Underneath the car
• Tyres (don’t forget the spare)-Uneven wear may indicate worn or misaligned steering or suspension.
• Oil leaks-Check the engine, transmission, axles, brakes, power steering and shock absorbers. A leak in any of these areas could indicate a problem and could possibly be a danger.
• Exhaust system-Fumes or excessive noise may suggest there is a hole or rust in the pipes or the muffler.
• Body of the car
• Rust/accident damage
• Check inside the boot, the floor wells, doors and lower sills for red or other dark stains, dimpled or bubbled paint. Use a soft fridge magnet to check panels for plastic body filler.
• Hail damage-Hail damage makes a car difficult to insure. Check the horizontal panels such as the bonnet, roof and boot lid.
• Panel fitment-Loose panels may indicate accident damage or that the car has been driven over rough roads.
• Doors and boot lid-Catches should close firmly. Rubber seals can perish over time.
• Paint-Look for colour variation, overspraying, dents or ripples.These may indicate that the car has been in an accident.
• Upholstery, trim, carpets-Check for wear and tear.
• Under the hood
• Engine number and VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number)
• The numbers shown on the Certificate of Registration must match the engine and VIN numbers on the car. Be wary of any signs of interference such as scratches, grind marks or drill holes.These may indicate illegal tampering with the numbers and the vehicle.
• A build-up of dirt may suggest poor maintenance or mechanical problems.
• Engine oil-Dirty/thick oil and a build-up of sludge in the engine may suggest poor maintenance. Grey or milky coloured oil may suggest the presence of water, which would indicate serious problems.
• Engine idle-The engine should idle smoothly. Listen for irregular running or any unusual noise such as any knocking or rattling noises.
• Oil fumes-Remove the oil filler cap while the engine is idling. Fumes may signify worn piston rings or cylinders.Thick, black smoke coming from the exhaust can signify problems as well.
• Radiator coolant-Should be clean and brightly coloured. Oil in the coolant may indicate a cracked cylinder-head or a leaky gasket.
• Radiator cooler fins or core tubes-Check for corrosion or damage.
• Battery mounting platform/bracket-Check for acid corrosion.

• Exhaust-Blue smoke indicates oil is burning.
• Engine-Should run smoothly (accelerating, decelerating and cruising) and the water temperature gauge should stay in the safe range. Rattling or knocking could mean incorrect tuning or excessive wear.
• Transmission-Gear changes (manual and automatic) should be smooth, without any rattles or knocking noises. On front-wheel drive vehicles, these noises could indicate worn constant-velocity joints.
• Suspension and bodywork-Listen for rattles when you drive over bumps.
• It is also wise to have the car inspected by a reputable mechanic.