What to check after buying a 2nd hand car?

thor

When you buy a 2nd hand car what things should you do as soon as you get it home? I am thinking of tasks like changing the cam belt which is hard to tell from inspection how deterioted it has become. Are there other things you should look out for to prevent damamge from occurring later and that can't be assessed properly before purchase?

mrtg0525

I think you may want to try the motoring board but I'll try to answer this anyway - here's what I do when I buy yet another cheapie:

- Service it, including taking the wheels off to check the brakes properly and all that.
- If necessary, get the cambelt changed
- Drive it and fix up the problems as they turn up

mjr600

The cheapest and best method is simply to get an MOT if it needs one or not, all major components are checked as well as emissions. It compares well if you consider an AA/RAC exam can cost hundreds.

Little_John

Before buying do an HPi check.
After get a full service done to get everything checked out.
Then valeted washed polished and waxed to make it look all nice and shiney.

tomstickland

MOT won't cover cam belt.

Personally I service the vehicle: oil + filter, air filter, inspect plugs, leads, brake fluid. Just generally give the car a look over. I then fix things as they arise.

mjr600

No check will cover the cambelt, it is a service item and even an inspection from a technican won't tell you if it will go or not. An MOT is a thorough check for safety and roadworthy condition.

thor

Thanks for all the tips guys. I 'm looking for a car with a long mot so probably won't want to put it in again if there is over 9 or 10 months left. I know that you can't assume a car is roadworthy from the current mot but I also assume even if I got it done again that won't mean it is guarateed to be ok. I think I may take in a little of everyone's suggestions especially the self service that toms suggested. Or I might get the garage to do it when I take it to get the cam belt changed.

balsingh

in some cars where the cambelt job is a big and expensive one, some people also get the tensioners and the water pump replaced. Saves you paying the labour twice if the water pumps fails later.