Buying 2nd hand - going to view, test drive, insurance etc

Emma867

Just phoned bank, I wouldn't be able to withdraw said amount 'on the day' anyway so the only option would be a bankers draft. Is this an acceptable means of payment?

Inactive

Emma867 wrote: »

Just phoned bank, I wouldn't be able to withdraw said amount 'on the day' anyway so the only option would be a bankers draft. Is this an acceptable means of payment?

Yes, it is safer than cash for both parties, as long as the seller is happy with it, I would be.

bosseyed

Emma867 wrote: »

Thanks for your help - much appreciated.

I'm trying to remain calm but there is nothing worse than being out of your depth but not in a position where I can take my time.

This week has been a nightmare getting to work with no car, I don't think I can do another week! :rotfl:

Public transport, hate it and all the gimmers on it :rotfl:

I know buying a car can be daunting, but it really isn't as bad as you might be imagining. If you're a mechanic then great, you're pretty much covered to find everything that might be an issue - but most of us only have a very basic knowledge of cars (like me! I just know that if I press the magic pedal I go forwards, and waggling the stick next to me makes it go backwards sometimes) and so can feel a bit out of our depth committing a large amount of cash on something that is often a bit of an unknown quantity.

Just take it as a nice day out, and you happen to be looking at a car whilst there. And just take your time, you can ask the seller to give you some space to check it over and converse with your OH (with no keys for obvious reasons) letting you walk around and come to your own conclusions without being under the watchful eye.

Ultimately, only you can decide what will be an issue for you with the car and depnding on the value of the car some of these may not be applicable, but you can be aware of obvious things. Not a checklist really, but some things to consider that have served me well in the past:

Before you even start it up.

1) Walk around it - is it the right car, the right colour, the right model as advertised?

2) Check the panels and paintwork. Get down low and look along the line of the bodywork - is it buckled, do any of the panels look a different colour? Do the seals around the lights fit, is everything fitted solidly in place, bumpers, wipers etc? Check the tyres for tread and normal smooth wear.

3) Lie on the road (don't worry about being self concious! Who cares eh?) and look in the wheel arches - check for rust, broken bits etc - look at the suspension and drive shaft - check the CV boots (rubber cups just behind the front wheels (assuming front wheel drive) for leaking grease etc. Look under the back at the exhaust etc - is it busted, got dodgy welding everywhere, black feathers falling out the back?

4) Open the car up and check all doors open, pop the bonnet and have a look under (yes even if you're not sure whats under there!)- is the engine warm? A warm engine can mean its just been driven, which may be entirely innocent or may be the seller trying to conceal a cold starting problem). Look at all the fluid levels, are the topped up? Pull out the dipstick, wipe off and reinsert then pull out again - is the oil at the correct level? What colour is it? Old oil is black - not a problem necessarily, but worth nothing a change might be in order. Open the oil filler cap, is the oil on it clean or dirty? Is there any yellow/white deposits which can mean water in the oil? Is the battery clean or is it covered in mineral deposits?

5) Start the car yourself - don't get the seller to do it. Does it start first time? let the enghine idle, don't touch the accelerator just yet. Is the idle smooth or lumpy? Does it sit around the 1000 rpm mark or does it keep dropping below? You want a nice smooth idle really, if you have to touch the accelerator to keep it from stalling, thats not good. Beware of sellers who start the car then stomp on the accelerator

6) If possible when starting the engine, get your OH to watch the exhaust - is there a large plume of smoke? Black is probably ok (especially for diesels), blue means (I think) that oil is burning somewhere. Does it smell of petrol out the exhaust, does any fuel leak out of the exhaust? Bad if it does.

7) Try all the electrics, windows, heaters, switches etc. Do they all work?

8) Assuming you're happy with all that, ask the seller if you can take it for a drive. Some people are trusting, they'll let you go on your own, most will tag along for the ride. Take it slow, enjoy it. Be aware its someone elses property, so be respectful. When driving, keep the stereo off and listen for noises - do the brakes rub (front and back) do they 'swish' (can mean warped discs), try the brakes - do they work! Does the car pull to one side? Tracking is out if it does. Accelerate smoothly, any smoke in the rear view? Hold the car on the clutch - does it slip? Basically does it perform in a way you're happy with?

9) Assuming you're happy with the drive, then paperwork (can always do this first to save you and the seller time if things aren't in order to your satisfaction) Check history, check MOT, V5 - do all the names match? Does the histriy follow sequentially etc? Has it been serviced reguarly - has it been serviced at all!

10) Assuming everything is in order, and you're happy with the car, then make an offer! Start low give yourself some room for manouevre (not too low, don't be rude) and assuming the seller isn't a total pillock you'll probably meet somewhere in the middle. If you can't agree a price, just walk away - there will be other cars. I've had sellers hold out for more money ring me up a couple of days later to accept my offer.

Not a definitive list by any means, I'm not a mechanic - others may be along to correct me in places Good luck anyway, let us know how you go.

Emma867

Great stuff, I will text the seller Friday to make sure the car is still for sale and he would be happy with a bankers draft.

Emma867

bosseyed wrote: »

Public transport, hate it and all the gimmers on it :rotfl:

I know buying a car can be daunting, but it really isn't as bad as you might be imagining. If you're a mechanic then great, you're pretty much covered to find everything that might be an issue - but most of us only have a very basic knowledge of cars (like me! I just know that if I press the magic pedal I go forwards, and waggling the stick next to me makes it go backwards sometimes) and so can feel a bit out of our depth committing a large amount of cash on something that is often a bit of an unknown quantity.

Just take it as a nice day out, and you happen to be looking at a car whilst there. And just take your time, you can ask the seller to give you some space to check it over and converse with your OH (with no keys for obvious reasons) letting you walk around and come to your own conclusions without being under the watchful eye.

Ultimately, only you can decide what will be an issue for you with the car and depnding on the value of the car some of these may not be applicable, but you can be aware of obvious things. Not a checklist really, but some things to consider that have served me well in the past:

Before you even start it up.

1) Walk around it - is it the right car, the right colour, the right model as advertised?

2) Check the panels and paintwork. Get down low and look along the line of the bodywork - is it buckled, do any of the panels look a different colour? Do the seals around the lights fit, is everything fitted solidly in place, bumpers, wipers etc? Check the tyres for tread and normal smooth wear.

3) Lie on the road (don't worry about being self concious! Who cares eh?) and look in the wheel arches - check for rust, broken bits etc - look at the suspension and drive shaft - check the CV boots (rubber cups just behind the front wheels (assuming front wheel drive) for leaking grease etc. Look under the back at the exhaust etc - is it busted, got dodgy welding everywhere, black feathers falling out the back?

4) Open the car up and check all doors open, pop the bonnet and have a look under (yes even if you're not sure whats under there!)- is the engine warm? A warm engine can mean its just been driven, which may be entirely innocent or may be the seller trying to conceal a cold starting problem). Look at all the fluid levels, are the topped up? Pull out the dipstick, wipe off and reinsert then pull out again - is the oil at the correct level? What colour is it? Old oil is black - not a problem necessarily, but worth nothing a change might be in order. Open the oil filler cap, is the oil on it clean or dirty? Is there any yellow/white deposits which can mean water in the oil? Is the battery clean or is it covered in mineral deposits?

5) Start the car yourself - don't get the seller to do it. Does it start first time? let the enghine idle, don't touch the accelerator just yet. Is the idle smooth or lumpy? Does it sit around the 1000 rpm mark or does it keep dropping below? You want a nice smooth idle really, if you have to touch the accelerator to keep it from stalling, thats not good. Beware of sellers who start the car then stomp on the accelerator

6) If possible when starting the engine, get your OH to watch the exhaust - is there a large plume of smoke? Black is probably ok (especially for diesels), blue means (I think) that oil is burning somewhere. Does it smell of petrol out the exhaust, does any fuel leak out of the exhaust? Bad if it does.

7) Try all the electrics, windows, heaters, switches etc. Do they all work?

8) Assuming you're happy with all that, ask the seller if you can take it for a drive. Some people are trusting, they'll let you go on your own, most will tag along for the ride. Take it slow, enjoy it. Be aware its someone elses property, so be respectful. When driving, keep the stereo off and listen for noises - do the brakes rub (front and back) do they 'swish' (can mean warped discs), try the brakes - do they work! Does the car pull to one side? Tracking is out if it does. Accelerate smoothly, any smoke in the rear view? Hold the car on the clutch - does it slip? Basically does it perform in a way you're happy with?

9) Assuming you're happy with the drive, then paperwork (can always do this first to save you and the seller time if things aren't in order to your satisfaction) Check history, check MOT, V5 - do all the names match? Does the histriy follow sequentially etc? Has it been serviced reguarly - has it been serviced at all!

10) Assuming everything is in order, and you're happy with the car, then make an offer! Start low give yourself some room for manouevre (not too low, don't be rude) and assuming the seller isn't a total pillock you'll probably meet somewhere in the middle. If you can't agree a price, just walk away - there will be other cars. I've had sellers hold out for more money ring me up a couple of days later to accept my offer.

Not a definitive list by any means, I'm not a mechanic - others may be along to correct me in places Good luck anyway, let us know how you go.

*hits print*

That's great (and quite amusing) - many thanks :beer:

gordikin

bosseyed you missed :-

11) Book into a local hotel as it still gets dark quite early as you'll need more than 1 day to complete 1-10!:rotfl:

Good list though!

gordikin

I'd also seriously consider doing a HPI check before parting with any money. e.g.for info:-

https://www.mycarcheck.com/

DaveMacD

+1 on the HPI check. My brother does that with all the cars he buys.

Emma867

Just done the basic HPI check - all looks good. :beer:

HannahIOW

Yes definately do a HPI check. I bought a car almost 3 years ago now and went with someone who knew as little about cars as I did. Found out just before christmas last year that it is registered as a Cat C and so is worth no where near what I paid for it still, I won't make that mistake twice!