While the internet has made it easier than ever to find and buy cars, you probably still wouldn’t choose to buy a pre-loved car sight unseen – no matter how good a deal you may be getting.
Rather, you want to see the vehicle in person and take it for a drive, so you can get first-hand experience of what it’s like and whether it meets your needs. It may even pay to call in a professional, who can give you advice on whether the car will last the distance. It may cost a little extra upfront, but it could save you a lot further down the track.
Below are some of the checks and inspections you may want to consider next time you’re looking to buy a pre-loved car.
Inspect the vehicle
One of the first things to do when considering buying a car is to go and have a look at it. NZTA recommends doing this on a sunny day, and make sure the car is parked outside. This will make it easier to notice if there is any damage to the vehicle and give you a better idea of its general condition.
Also, do some basic checks like: are the doors easy to open, what does the interior of the car look and smell like, and are the tyres in good condition?
And, don’t be afraid to pop the hood and have a look at the engine bay. Even if you don’t know much about cars, if this area is particularly dirty, this could be a sign that the current owner hasn’t paid much attention to the working parts.
Take it for a test drive
Once you’ve had a look at the car, it’s time to take it for a drive, as you want to get a feel for how it handles. Consumer Protection suggest starting the car cold, if possible. Ask the seller to not run it for an hour or two before you visit, so you can get a better idea of how it would start first thing in the morning and how it handles before the engine has had time to warm up.
When test driving it’s ideal to do this on the road conditions you’ll normally encounter. If you’re a city driver, for example, find out how it handles being stuck in traffic and having to stop at multiple red lights. And also, whether it’s got enough pep to merge safely onto the motorway. If you’re more likely to drive in the country, take it out on some winding roads.
While it may be tempting to test the sound system and blast your favourite tunes while taking the vehicle for a drive, it’s recommended to turn the volume down and listen instead for any noises the car may be making, for example, rattling, clunking, or anything that seems out of the ordinary.
Ask questions
It’s important to ask the seller questions about the vehicle, such as any problems they may have had with the car, or repairs that have been done. Also ask to see repair, service and maintenance records or receipts. This will give you an idea of how they’ve looked after the car during the time they’ve had it and give an insight into its general wear and tear.
This is also a good time to check the vehicle’s WOF and registration. Generally, cars need to have a WOF less than a month old to be sold in New Zealand, although you can make alternative arrangements with the seller.
Get a professional opinion
If you’ve reached the point where you’re happy with the car and are considering putting in an offer, this is a good time to consider getting in a professional third party inspector to give the car a pre-purchase inspection.
They may uncover something you’ve missed and give you advice on whether the car will stand the test of time. They’ll also be able to identify any repairs that may be needed in the near future and if there are any issues that may stop you from getting a WOF, as well as other small but important details you may have missed.
A pre-inspection check is especially important if you’re buying from a private seller (like through TradeMe or Facebook Marketplace), as there are fewer consumer protections than if you were buying from a dealership.
Buying a new car is and should be exciting. But it’s essential to do your due diligence, so you’re not left with a lemon a few months down the track.