Buying a used car - how not to be deceived?
The mileage and condition of a used car is very easy to check by looking at some of its elements. Below is a list of things to watch out for.
Of course, such a review is only a preliminary assessment of the car. When buying, it is advisable to consult with a mechanic. We also recommend that you check your vehicle's service history with an authorized dealer. In most cases, he can tell you what repairs and miles were made based on the VIN.
Body
In a car without accidents, the gaps between the individual parts of the body must be equal. For example, if the slats on the door and fender don't line up, it could mean that some of the pieces weren't properly straightened and installed by a locksmith.
Look for traces of body paint on the sills, A-pillars, wheel arches, and black plastic parts adjacent to the sheet. Each varnish stain, as well as non-factory seam and seam, should be a concern.
Check the front apron by lifting the hood. If it shows signs of paint or other repairs, you may suspect that the car has been hit in the front. Also note the reinforcement under the bumper. In a car without an accident, they will be simple and you will not find welding marks on them. Check the condition of the car floor by opening the trunk and lifting up the carpet. Any non-manufacturer welds or joints indicate that the vehicle has been hit from behind.
Careless painters when painting body parts often leave traces of clear varnish, for example, on gaskets. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at each of them. The rubber should be black and not show any signs of tarnishing. Also, a worn seal around the glass may indicate that the glass has been pulled out of the lacquering frame. In a car that has not been in an accident, all windows must have the same number. It happens that the numbers differ from each other, but only by one stitch. It is also important that the glasses are from the same manufacturer.
Unevenly worn tire tread may indicate problems with vehicle toe-in. When the car has no suspension geometry issues, the tires should wear evenly. Problems of this type usually begin after a collision. Even the best tinsmith can't repair a damaged car structure.
All traces of welding, joints and repairs on the side members indicate a strong blow to the front or front of the car. This is the worst damage to a car.
Headlights should not evaporate, water cannot appear inside. Make sure that the car you are interested in has factory lamps installed. This can be checked, for example, by reading the logo of their manufacturer. A replaced headlight doesn't have to mean the car's past, but it should give you food for thought.
Engine and suspension
The engine must not be too clean. Leaks, of course, should not be, but the washed power unit should be suspicious. A running engine can be dusty, and if the car does not have an appropriate casing, then it can even be splashed with dirt from the street into the lower parts.
Lift the dipstick or remove the oil filler cap while the engine is running and check for knocks. If there is a lot of smoke in these places, the engine requires serious repairs (purge of cylinders, pistons and rings). Typically, such repairs cost from a thousand to several thousand zlotys.
Look at the exhale. If the car smokes white, the engine is most likely eating oil and needs a major overhaul. If the exhaust gases are intense black, the injection system, fuel pump or EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve should be checked. The cost of repairing these elements is, at best, several hundred zł.
Check the chassis and suspension elements on a pit or lift. Any leakage, crack on the cover (eg connections) and signs of corrosion should cause reservations. It usually doesn't cost much to repair damaged suspension parts, but it's worth finding out how much new parts will cost and trying to lower the car's price by that amount. Remember that a heavily corroded undercarriage may require a major overhaul.
interior
Worn and even perforated pedals - the car traveled a lot. The clutch pedal pad is worn out - the driver often traveled around the city. Worn seats (especially the driver's seat), gear knob and steering wheel also indicate heavy use and high mileage.
The mileage indicated on the gauges often does not correspond to reality, both in thrift stores and in car markets, as well as in the case of selling a car through a private ad. A car driven by the average user costs about 15 thousand. km per year. Therefore – for example, a 15-year-old car with 100 km on the meter should be in doubt. The only thing that guarantees the authenticity of the mileage is an up-to-date, up-to-date service book of the car. The information provided in it must be verified by the ASO.
The airbag indicator should turn off independently of the others. It is not uncommon for unscrupulous mechanics in a car with deployed airbags to connect a burned-out indicator to another (for example, ABS). So if you notice that the headlights go out together, you may suspect that the car has already been in a serious accident before.
Stanislav Plonka, auto mechanic:
– When buying a used car, check the condition of the engine first. We have to measure the pressure on the pistons and check for leaks. If possible, I always recommend checking the history of the car at an authorized service station. If we are unfamiliar with the design and operation of an engine, it is advisable to consult with a vehicle purchase specialist.
Marcin Ledniowski, automotive tinker:
– Check the condition of the side members by lifting the hood. If the car was hit hard, traces of repair will be visible. In addition, the gaps between the individual parts of the body must be even, and the bolts of the wings and doors must be intact. Under the carpet in the trunk and under the door seals, check for original welds only. Any signs of repair and tampering with factory fasteners should give the buyer food for thought.
