When purchasing a
used carwe will go through several stages: deciding what type of car we want or need, where to look for it, how to check its condition and, finally, its purchase.
Instead of choosing the cars we like the most and then seeing which of them will give us the best service,
we have to do it backwards: see what our needs are and find the car we like best within the needs.
According to Autocasión experts, the first thing we know is the maximum amount we can allocate to the purchase of the car, as this determines the rest of the purchase. If our budget is low but we need a big car, we will have to search among older models. Once we have clarity on our ceiling, we must be strict not to exceed it.
Once we are clear about the type of car we are going to buy, it’s time to start looking for it. The Internet is an excellent tool because it saves us a lot of time and gives us a picture of the whole market.
As explained by Norauto, second-hand vehicles put on the market must have transparent information (the mileage must be offered, the revisions carried out, whether they have been involved in an accident…) and be in perfect safety conditions.
A first point that we must take into account is that the vehicle we are going to buy has everything
your documentation in order, i.e. the circulation permit and the ITV card or technical sheet. In this way it is accredited that the vehicle can drive and has a valid technical inspection. Since 2015, the registration certificates contain two new data: the mileage of the vehicle and the validity of the MOT (if the car is new, the mileage does not appear, but the date on which the MOT must have passed) .
In addition, if there is the slightest doubt, the technical and administrative data of the vehicle can be requested from the General Directorate of Traffic to check whether it is up-to-date with the ITV or when the next revision is due. In addition, this report can verify
the existence of embargoes, bankruptcy proceedings or any other administrative or judicial burden. It is very useful to check that the car is free and you can buy it without any problems. Depending on the amount of information we request, it may be free or incur a cost if it is more detailed.
It is necessary to check that this maintenance has been carried out according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Even if you are not a professional, it is advisable to do an initial visual inspection. Check that there is no significant sheet metal damage and that the tires are in good condition: without wear, cuts, lumps… If they need to be replaced, this will entail an additional cost that must be taken into account when negotiating the price. Also, if there is a major sheet metal damage, it may mean that you have an internal problem that is not noticeable at first glance.
we will too
check both exterior and interior: Good condition of upholstery, gear lever, switches, dashboard, anchors, seat belts… These are important safety and comfort systems. The fault indicators on the panel should go out after a few seconds when the ignition is on.
During the driving test, you should pay attention to any noise, vibration… For example, if you hear a noise when braking, the brake pads may be worn. Likewise, if the brake pedal feels spongy, the brake fluid needs to be replaced.
The ideal is to take the car to a workshop where they can see if the car has any wear or a potential malfunction. If it wasn’t done before you buy it, it must be done immediately afterwards to be covered by the warranty.
Finally, before buying a car, you should consider future expenses.
While the cars run for years They require specific maintenance. For example, the timing belt is usually replaced between 60,000 and 240,000 kilometers, depending on the make and model, or between 5 and 10 years, and usually incurs additional costs that must be taken into account when negotiating the sales price. If the car has a timing chain, this operation is not necessary.
You have to check and
be clear about the warranty offered. If the car was purchased from a dealership or another company dedicated to used vehicles, the minimum warranty provided is 1 year (12 months). Of course, there are many companies that extend this warranty. If the car was bought from a private person, there are 6 months from the delivery of the vehicle to detect hidden defects or defects, that is, malfunctions that are not visible at first glance. For this reason, it is very important to take a thorough look at the car as soon as you buy it to spot these possible flaws.
Source: La Verdad
I am Mary Fitzgerald, a professional journalist and author of the Today Times Live. My specialty is in writing and reporting on technology-related topics. I have spent the last seven years extensively researching and understanding the field of technology so I can properly inform my readers about developments in this ever-evolving world.
