6 important details to check when buying a used car.

Buying a used car can save buyers a significant amount of money compared to buying a new one. However, for inexperienced buyers, purchasing a used car is like playing a game of chance.

Understanding this, Dorry Potter, an expert in the used car field in the UK, has shared six details that consumers should check when buying a used car.

Check for dents and scratches.

Dorry Potter stated: "Inspecting dents and scratches on the car body is crucial when buying a used car. These marks will help buyers assess the car's past collision history." Additionally, detecting dents and scratches will help buyers budget for future repairs.

One of the key areas to inspect when checking a used car is the front and rear windshields. Cracks and scratches not only affect the car's aesthetics but also pose a safety hazard in traffic situations.

Dorry also advises used car buyers to check the gaps between adjacent areas such as the hood, front bumper, and door frames. If the gaps are uneven or misaligned, it indicates that the parts may have been replaced and are no longer original from the manufacturer. Furthermore, carefully inspecting the door seals and seams will help buyers determine if the car has been involved in any major external collisions.

Pay attention to the car's paintwork.

The paint on a car is very important, not only for displaying the color but also for protecting the metal surface, preventing direct contact with corrosive environments.

Dorry Potter stated, "The paint on all areas of the car must be uniform, without any color discrepancies." Color mismatches indicate that the paint in that area has been removed and repainted for some reason. The expert also encourages those inspecting used cars to use their phone's flashlight to carefully examine the paint surface, looking for large scratches or areas of color inconsistency.

If you notice bubbles forming on the paint surface, it's likely a sign of rust beneath the paint or that the area has been repainted but the pre-painting cleaning process wasn't thorough.

Check tire wear.

Dorry suggests that checking tire wear helps assess the vehicle's past mileage. Buyers of used cars should check the tread depth on all wheels and ensure that the minimum tread depth is 1.6mm.

Visually inspecting the tires also gives used car buyers a general idea of ​​how the car has been maintained and used. Signs such as cuts on the tire surface and the degree of rubber aging can also indicate how the previous owner operated and maintained the vehicle.

Test driving a used car is also very important before buying. Dorry advises: "Negotiate to test drive the car before buying; this helps determine if the tire pressure is accurate and identify any unusual tire issues."

Furthermore, experienced used car buyers can use tire wear to estimate the vehicle's mileage. This can help determine whether the odometer has been tampered with.

Check the vehicle's lighting system.

The vehicle's lighting system is crucial when driving, especially at night. Brake lights are a vital component that helps other drivers know to slow down and avoid collisions. Therefore, it's essential to thoroughly check the brake lights to ensure they are working properly before buying a used car.

Dorry Potter said: "For many users, fog lights may seem pointless and rarely used, but if you're driving in foggy conditions, that's when you'll see their value."

Not only in the UK, but also in Vietnam, vehicles are required to have fully functional brake lights and fog lights. If these systems malfunction and the driver fails to replace them promptly, they may be fined up to 400,000 VND.

Check the gearbox.

The transmission is a crucial component that enables a vehicle to move, which is why inspecting it when buying a used car is very important. Dorry Potter stated: "Many problems can occur with transmissions, such as overheating and a burning smell. Buyers should inspect and drain the transmission fluid, then replace it with new fluid." This should be done immediately upon detecting any signs of damage to the internal components of the transmission.

Additionally, buyers of used cars may also hear strange noises coming from the gearbox. This is also a sign that the car's gearbox is having problems and should be avoided when deciding not to buy that vehicle.

Not only the gearbox, but all parts related to the operation of a car, such as the engine, chassis, suspension, steering, etc., are very important. You should consider not buying a used car that has problems with these parts.

Interior inspection

Used car experts advise buyers to further inspect the car's interior for any unusual signs. If a buyer of a used car happens to smell a musty odor, it could mean the car has been flooded, the leather or fabric seats were not properly cleaned and maintained, and the air conditioning system is damp and moldy.

In addition, interior details such as leather, plastic trim, metal trim, wood, etc., also need to be carefully inspected. This helps buyers assess the level of care the previous owner took in the car. This allows them to negotiate and bargain on the selling price to reduce costs when purchasing the vehicle.