Top questions to ask when buying a second-hand car
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If you’re thinking about buying a second-hand car, there are certain questions you need to ask before making the all-important decision.
Asking current owners if their car is under warranty, has an up-to-date service record and if something has been replaced in the last 12 months will help drivers get a fair price for the car they want to buy. A missing or incomplete service history and VC5 logbook can impact the price of a car between 10%-20%.
To ensure drivers are making informed decisions, the motoring experts at ATS Euromaster have shared their top six questions to ask when looking to buy a second-hand car, along with some hefty fines or repair costs drivers could face if they fail to ask.
What questions consumers should be asking when buying a second-hand, used car:
1. How long does the warranty last for and what does it cover?
Used cars are typically out of warranty but there can be an option to add this as an extra when buying directly from a car dealership. It is always worth checking what exactly the warranty covers, such as mileage limit, tyres, clutch and brakes which can be subjected to wear and tear which isn’t covered under warranty.
The cost of repairing brake pads and discs alone is £439.51
2. What previous maintenance work has been completed?
Make sure to ask the seller what previous maintenance work has been completed, along with information from the MOT, and service history booklet. You can also conduct a free MOT history check on the Government website which would highlight any areas of concern.
Potential cost for maintenance work and MOT: £326.85
3. Can I test drive the car?
With a used car it is essential to take it for a test drive before buying it. This gives you the chance to see how it drives, if it responds smoothly and it allows you to test important parts such as the brakes. If the seller is hesitant about letting you test drive, it could be that they are trying to hide something. In this case it is best to walk away.
Dealerships can face a fine up to £300 for not having insurance while people test drive vehicles.
4. What condition are the tyres and brakes in?
Tyres and brakes are among the most important parts of a car. Be sure to check the tyres have good tread, don’t have any damage, and are ideally all the same brand and tyre type. It is also essential to ask when the brakes were last checked and changed. The 20p trick is a great way to check the tread – place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the 20p coin is obscured when it is inserted, then your tread is above the legal limit, be sure to check at least 3 locations around each tyre for an accurate reading.
Potential fine for insufficient tyre tread: £2,500 per tyre.
Cost to replace each tyre: £100 on average.
5. Check important paperwork is available on the day of purchase
Its key, the car comes with a V5C, you will need this to register the car with the DVLA and is proof of ownership. Make sure no sections have been tampered with and that there is a DVL watermark visible. Proof of purchase is also important – make sure both the buyer and seller receive a copy that details the date of purchase, the vehicle’s specifics, and signatures from both parties.
Cost to replace V5C: £25
6. What general condition is the car in?
When viewing the car ensure you look at things like the bodywork, the upholstery, and signs of general wear and tear. Check all electrical components work correctly as well as checking fluid levels, the window wipers work and under the oil cap.
Potential cost for unexpected fixes to the vehicle: £600
Simon Waye, Technical Support Engineer at ATS Euromaster commented:
“When buying a second-hand car, it’s important to ask questions so you feel confident in your decision. It may seem a little daunting, but any reputable seller will be happy to answer any questions you may have, show you any documentation and explain more about the car. Most importantly don’t feel rushed into deciding there and then, it’s important to go away and make an informed decision”.
For more information around vehicle servicing and which service is right for you, please visit: https://www.atseuromaster.co.uk/services/vehicle/servicing
