| Comment | If you make sure the car has full service history (you can check online)
Check it's MOT status and if it passed or failed each year. You can check for mileage discrepancies, I've caught a few out using this.
Google Common faults for that model you're getting, ie any recalls bad body work etc
Also, check how the car looks and feels. You can tell when a car is loved or not. If a car looks damaged and stinks the owner didn't care.
Avoid cars which have been used and passed on Alot. May indicate a problem with it.
When seeing the car, look for signs of a crash, panels not colour matching, damaged cables inside the engine bay.
You could contact a local engineer and ask the private owner if you can test drive and take it to the mechanic.
Bear in mind some cars age worse than others.
Following advice if buying private:
If buying private you save money. Buy from someone decent, not a "private" tradesman. But a genuine sale.
For example, you go to see the new car. Let's say a mini. And the guy tells you he's had twins and had to upgrade the car, and you see a brand new SUV on his drive way.
On a side not maybe mention what you want (dunno if that breaks the rules?)
As for auctions, sounds great but I would avoid. You can't test or drive the car, anything can be wrong. |
|---|