February 17, 2022
No motorist in South Africa should fall prey to fraudsters selling a broken car. ‘Prevention is better than cure’, so the saying goes, so find out how to inspect a used car before buying it to avoid any potential issues.1
Finding a great deal has everything to do with your research done on the car. An inspection before purchasing a vehicle could potentially save you thousands of rands in the long term.
First, choose those brands and car models known for having few problems. The best is to contact an owner about the car’s reliability and performance. In addition, check on various car websites for any comments about different car models, and determine which are the most trouble-free.
If a car is on sale “as is,” it could be that the dealer is facing a substantial repair bill but would instead escape the costs by selling it. Besides discovering hidden car damage, you also need to make sure that there are no hidden conditions regarding the sale. Once you have bought a car, it will be too late to return it to the seller without any possible problems.
Take with you a mechanic friend or someone who knows what to look for when inspecting a car. Avoid inspection under dark conditions as you may not spot certain suspect areas. Also, please make sure the vehicle is on a level surface and hasn’t been very recently driven.
Examine every panel of the car surface to spot any defects such as scratches, dents, and rust. The paintwork should be the same on all the panels, or perhaps the car has just come back from the panel beaters. Carefully study the wheel wells and door panels. Open and close the boot and doors and see if all the electric or manual windows are working well. Open the bonnet to see if it opens and closes properly. Is the windscreen or rear window glass cracked or chipped in any way? See how used the brake pads are if you can see through the front wheel spokes. Are the tyres in good condition? What about the spare tyre? Test all the lights to see if they work.
After checking the interior, inspecting the engine bay is most important. Ensure the engine is cool and look particularly for any oil leaks, and any loose wires. Find out how old the battery is. All pipes and belts should be in a suitable condition. Look at the fluid colour, as well as the fluid levels, all should be correct.
Please note, this article can only be a source of information. Please consult a registered financial service provider for more information before buying any car insurance product.
The above information only provides some tips. If you are still unsure, ask if a professional can inspect the car. You may also need to purchase suitable car insurance. Why not contact PMD and find out more about their affordable, comprehensive car insurance with fixed premiums*, reduce to zero excess* and other excellent product benefits. T’s and C’s apply.
Sources:
November 7, 2023
November 7, 2023
