Hints on buying a used car from an auction house
Bodywork:
Differences in colour - could
mean that work has been done
Obvious dents and scratches
Overspray under the rubbers around the front and back windscreens
Peeling surfaces are a sign of cheap re-sprays
Check in the boot for dents etc.
Doors that don't line up could mean that they have been re-fitted
Interior:
A worn dash (particularly drivers side) means the
car has been through a lot of hard mileage.
Frayed backrest or seat covers mean that the car has done some work in its
life.
A shiny steering wheel could mean the same.
Check the keys, if there are different keys for the ignition and say boot
then there is a chance that the car has had its locks changed and could be
stolen.
Check how worn the pedals and foot plates are.
Seat covers can often hide rips and tears. Try and check what the original
seat covers look like underneath.
Engine:
Check all warning lights (oil etc.)
Black sludge on the inside of the oil filler cap could mean the head gasket
has gone
Make sure fan works.
Check that there is no oil patch on the ground under car
Make sure there is a copy of the bill if the owner says that the engine has
been reconditioned.
You can tell a lot about a used car from the simple feel of it. It is important
to look at the car as a whole. When checking the engine again, try and get
a feel for what the engine sounds like and how it responds when revving and
so on. You will often get a gut feeling as to whether it is worth the money
or not. Before you go through with the sale make sure the car is exactly what
you want and is up to scratch.
