'Used' car buying... What to look out for?

socks_uk

I'm in the process of buying a car and, because my husband and I know next to nothing about things to look at, I thought I'd ask all the knowledgeable people on here.

I've been looking at cars under my £3000 budget and we are due to view another Skoda Fabia Comfort on Saturday. It's 51 plate (Nov), has done 43,000 miles and the seller says there's no major marks on the bodywork.

Can anyone tell me what to look for under the bonnet?
Should I buy a tyre guage or can you tell they're ok by just looking at them (promise I won't kick them)?
Is there anything I should be looking at the exhaust pipe for?
Anything else I've missed?

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Jill

balsingh

Ask a local mechanic or someone who knows a bit more to go along with you as there are some awful used cars out there. IF this is not possible, you can only really look out for the obvious things:

1. Check that the oil is clean by opening the oil cap and making sure that there is no gunky mixture on the cap.

2. check that the tyre wear is even across the tyres.

3. Look out for excessive smoke too from the exhaust.

4. When driving the car, just look out for unexpected noises, make sure the gearchange is smooth, the car drives straight and the brakes are efficient.

5. Check all the docs and make sure chassis numbers all match up. Check the service history too.

6. Do a HPI check (https://www.hpicheck.co.uk if you want to get conned or https://www.rac.co.uk for the same check at 24.99) to make sure the car doesnt have a history of accidents or any outstanding finance.

Other than that, cant say muh more. Dont make it obvious that you dont know about the car. Do a bit of research about the model (power output, economy, spec) so the seller knows that you have background knowledge.

Hope that helps!!

socks_uk

Thanks for that balsingh,

I'll print off your reply and take it with me on Saturday to remind me.
I owned a brand new Skoda Fabia in 2000 (my ex-husband kept it when we got divorced and still has it) so I know a bit about the difference between classic, comfort, elegance etc. it's just the mechanical side of things and I've read reviews on 'whatcar.com'.

HPI check is a good idea, forgot about that, thanks. I'll get on to that.

Jill

P.S.

Just done the HPI check through RAC and, with the only info I have which is the reg number, it's clear with no outstanding finance etc. I will ring to update the info on Saturday when I'm stood in front of the car.

dnc1781

Fabia owners' reviews:
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/owners-reviews/search.aspx?range=11012
http://www.peachorlemon.co.uk/basic_search.html
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/index.php?url=/carbycar/index.htm
http://www.usedcarexpert.co.uk/cars.aspx?numModel=431

nullogik

Have a good look at the cabin, particularly the wear on the driver's seat, the "shinyness" of the steering wheel & gear knob, and the wear on the pedals.

All these give a good indication about how much use the car has had. See if the wear collaborates with the mileage on the clock.

vansboy

The Honest John link is excellent!

But the FIRST thing, is to look at the owners/sellers...Rough cars & Rough people, usually go together!!

VB

anewman

If you're looking at skodas try https://www.briskoda.co.uk forums. Lots of knowledgeable friendly people who love skodas over there.

force2uk

It can be very hard to know what to look for, but generally make sure the engine first looks clean. This can be a simple but effective measure, swiftly followed by a good spin around the block, never be afraid to rev the engine, you will then get a good measure of how the engine sounds

check out http://www.usedcarreview.net they have actual owner written reviews there

anewman

IMO engine cleanliness doesn't say much about the condition, unless there is some obvious oil leak somewhere. You can always use some degreasant stuff which you put on when the engine is hot. You hose it off then then run the engine to dry it out. Most newish cars have plastic covers over the engines now anyway.

nullogik

anewman wrote: »

IMO engine cleanliness doesn't say much about the condition, unless there is some obvious oil leak somewhere. You can always use some degreasant stuff which you put on when the engine is hot. You hose it off then then run the engine to dry it out. Most newish cars have plastic covers over the engines now anyway.

Would have to agree with "anewman". A petrol station jet washer on the engine bay (not recommended due to electricals) makes a dirty hacked out engine look like new...along with a bit of degreaser.

anewman

nullogik wrote: »

A petrol station jet washer on the engine bay (not recommended due to electricals)

You could use strategically placed plastic bags over electrical equipment. I did a quick hose down inside my bonnet without protecting anything (bit silly I know) trying to avoid wetting any electrical systems. Was impossible, immediately sprayed WD40 on distributor cap and around spark plugs and had no problems starting up and driving around to try dry the thing out though. Everything seems ok still. Might have another go with plastic bags at some point, so hopefully I can spray water everywhere.

Do check for oil leaks though after running the engine. I had an oil leak on my engine rocker cover which was sorted out by tightening the bolts.

Sorry to take thread off topic