Buy used car for geeks

Does your daily life ask for a car at the top of your lungs? Okay, it's legit. But on the other hand, due to the crisis, your budget is smaller than rain in summer or heat in winter. Well then, buying a used car can be the solution. And there are vehicles of all colors, ages, genders and prices.

The problem now lies in choice. Is the car you are interested in trustworthy? Or is it an old asphalt wolf with more kilometers than the Space Shuttle?

Therefore, buying a used car requires extra care to avoid purchasing a vehicle in a deceitful condition. We have to take the necessary precautions before closing any business. Like? Not failing to do simple things like confirming the authenticity of the vehicle's documents, mechanics and all the bodywork. But keep reading this text because the tips have barely started…

decide what you want

Think about what you want, how much you want to spend and (very important!) how much you can actually spend because between wanting and being able, unfortunately, it goes a long way.

Only after this first decision will you be able to go in search of the best deal. And don't forget: stay true to what you've outlined. Otherwise, you'll end up opting for something you don't need or can't afford. The minivan for the whole family can be transformed in an instant into a two-seater coupé, expensive and uncomfortable.

Ask for help

Ask a friend who understands about cars for help. In case of doubt, take a mechanic you trust with you to assess the general condition of the car. You need to look at everything very carefully, especially safety items such as brakes, shock absorbers and tyres.

Prices

The price of used cars varies a lot. There is only one solution: Search. Newspapers, magazines and websites often publish market price lists, this is your best reference. To assess whether the car's price is compatible with the market price, you should take into account variables such as mileage, the general condition of the vehicle and the equipment proposed. And don't forget: always haggle over the price! Lose the shame and trade until you think you've struck a good balance between the car's value and what you're willing to pay. And don't forget to charge the cost of any repairs to the sale price.

Analysis

With the vehicle stopped:

1. Examine the car in daylight and never indoors or in garages. It demands seeing the vehicle dry, because water can give the car a deceptive sheen;
2. Test the shock absorbers by pushing the car down. If you shake the vehicle two or more times when you release it, the shock absorber is in bad condition;
3. Check if the paint is uniform, if not, this indicates that the car was involved in an accident. It also looks for unevenness in the alignment of the body panels;
4. If there are bubbles in the paint, be careful: this is a sign that there is rust;
5. Check whether the closed doors or hood fits perfectly. The unevenness may indicate that the car was crashed;
6. Check the condition of the tires. Uneven tread or wear signals a bent chassis, suspension issues, or wheel misalignment.

With the vehicle in motion:

1. Chassis: on an open and level road confirms if the car has a tendency to run off the road. May indicate suspension or bodywork problems. It is very important that the car does not show this symptom.
2. Engine: To check engine health, reduce speed sharply or drive down a steep road in second gear. Speed ​​should reduce and the car should slow down abruptly.
3. Brakes: normally brakes the car. If there are metallic noises, the inserts are worn out.
4. Gearbox: engages all gears and checks if they produce abnormal noise or difficult gearing.

With the hood open

1. Chassis: checks whether the chassis number that is stamped on the engine, on the front window and elsewhere matches what appears in the vehicle's ownership record.
2. Engine: Ask them to show you the air filter and look for signs of oil leakage near the engine. An engine that is too clean can also be in this state to cover a leak, be careful. And the engine noise must be constant and linear.

Inside the car

1. Electrical System: Examines all controls, such as headlights, horn, windshield wipers, demister, turn signals, brake lights, speedometer, temperature indicator, etc. to confirm that everything works.
2. Interiors: interior wear must match the car's mileage. Over-worn steering wheel, as well as seats and pedals in a car with low mileage can be an indication that the mileage is not true.

Final Recommendations

Some commercial establishments have the practice of issuing on the purchase and sale receipt the expression:

“The customer, upon signing this contract, assumes that the vehicle is in good condition.”

You must demand that all mechanical and sheet defects be included in the contract. Do not purchase without first checking if the vehicle is stolen or has outstanding fines. The IMTT can inform you about the vehicle's status.

Of course, we only accept original documents. Refuses papers with erasures or photocopies, even if authenticated.

We hope that the course will be useful to you and… good deals!