Things I should watch out for when buying second hand car.

gilbert_and_sullivan

sb is worth listening to but your choice.

Yarisi are everywhere this isn't likely to be the last one for sale, if the sales person realises you have virtually bought the car aleady you'll get nothing thrown in or a paltry allowance on your present car if trading in.

I wouldn't bother with an HPI check from such an established dealer.

brightonman123

any rust?
state of the tyres (low tread? scuffs?) - check the SPARE, too!

steering wheel- should be tight to move.

damp? in boot / footwell, indicates leaks somewhere..

get to any viewing early, before they have a chance to 'warm it up'- have a cold start - does it struggle..?

engine bay- clean(ish) ? battery look oK? check the spark plug covers (inside) for any corossion..

lastly- log book- in seller's name? and same address?
Any servicing/repair bills..?

if ANY of these are missing, or look iffy, walk away.

ironlady2022

gilbert and sullivan: Thanks for your advice but s b has assumed that I have not done my research. I know there are many yaris' around but this one is a really good price for age, mileage and spec...hence I feel it may be sold very quickly.
brightonman123: thank you for your reply, that's just what I'm looking for!

gilbert_and_sullivan

mayling03 wrote: »

gilbert and sullivan: Thanks for your advice but s b has assumed that I have not done my research. I know there are many yaris' around but this one is a really good price for age, mileage and spec...hence I feel it may be sold very quickly.
brightonman123: thank you for your reply, that's just what I'm looking for!

Don't be too hooked up on just price.

Is JCT600 a Toyota dealer?, its years since i went past and can't remember.

The best thing to get with a Toyota is Mr T's Approved Warranty, that is every bit as good as a new car warranty and bears no relation whatsoever to the sort of used warranty normally issued by A N Other dealer, which is good for emergency bog roll and little else.

I'd go so far as to say you could safely buy a Toyota Approved used from any dealer except large inner city ones without bothering to inspect it at all.

patman99

I was going to suggest enquiring when the cambelt was last changed, but I see it is only 2 years old. 13k is nothing for a Yaris. That mileage is only 6,500 a year.
Having said that, make sure to give the service history a quick look.

On test drive -
Check steering on full-lock (both ways) listen for any knocks/rattles as you drive round in a circle (best done in supermarket carpark).

Check wheels. Look for large wheel-balancing weights (fixed to rim). These could be an indication the car has suffered wheel damage by hitting a pothole. Don't worry about small weights as it is normal for a wheel to have at least 1 weight on as the tyres are always a smidgeon out of balance due to manufacturing tolerances.