Zoom Zoom or Doom Doom ?????????. Review on Buying a Second Hand Car

WARNING:  Angel entering predominantly MALE territory!

Please start the quest for a new car with a socially well timed …….Daddyyyyyyyyy or Mummyyyyyyyyyy(please emphasize the sound of Y) I need a new(I wish) car Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease! ( Dear reader I will write a review on the finer points of throwing a tantrum some other time….keep the faith)

Considering all permissions are in place you am ready to buy a car!and if your finances are anything like mine (nearly broke!) the only way you will ever own a car is if you buy a used car(for that you have to beg dad/mom {personal Financial Institution} again) (BEGGING is an art in itself…for further enlighten…contact me)

Lets go looking then shall we?

The HUNT! *(ta tad an…music my dear friends is very important)

The best place to look would be the classifieds I think. Some factors that I pre decided are asking price, mileage, car features, what I like, and what I don't like in cars. Private sellers often are better to approach. (also I can used the eye batting Uncle ji / Aunty Ji approach …… HEHEHEHE)

Ok ok stop jumping around like a monkey! I hear my friend say …But I just saw the car I like…OK make that LOVE! (True love it does exist!)

STOP! Its now time for me to become the mature and analytical adult I am meant to be.

The very first thing I do is take out a pen and notebook to make sure I get everything written down.(Learn ….Take notes…)

The Process (Yes it’s a process)

FIRST LOOK

Mark down any defects you find: cracks on the windshield, dents, broken lenses, corroded mirrors, worn wipers, missing wheel covers(hubcaps), etc. Let the owner know that you are a serious buyer. (its hard to look serious is pontails……….But I am trying)

Ok now look for any sort of rust on the body. Make the connection RUST+ METAL= NO GOOD…. So if you do find rusting try to avoid making the deal. You should not only look at the outside of the car but also get down and look at the wheel arches too. Look for any sort of dents on the car. Small dents are nothing to worry about but look out for major ripples. These indicate a major accident or even a part replacement.

Another major tell tale is the Paint job. If the paint job is not even then there is something fishy going on. The best way to analyze a paint job is to look at it from a little distance.  Also fresh paint jobs only in a certain part of the car can indicate that the owner is trying to cover up something.

Have a close look at the tires. Are they of a known brand like Goodyear? If the tire says make of GOL GOL, then maybe its not the safest in the market. Look at the tread wear. The new tires for a passenger car have original tread depth about 10/32 inch(8 mm). When only 2/32 inch(1.5 mm) of the tread depth left, the tire must be replaced. Also the look for mechanical damage like cuts, cracks, etc.

INTERIOR OF THE CAR

Check all the accessories: test operation of all power windows and central locks. Try to lock and unlock the driver's door with the key. Try seat adjustment. Open the trunk, make sure its dry, and clean. A damp or smelly trunk can mean that the lining or the whole trunk may have to be replaced.  See if the interior of the car is clean….and if you’re a non-smoker make sure there is no smell of smoke in the car (believe me it will bother you later on)

THE ENGINE

Extremely dirty engine, burnt oil smell under the hood, badly corroded battery terminals, oil leaks, are all signs of poor maintenance, though if the engine looks clean and shiny, it doesn't yet mean it was well maintained It's very important to verify that the oil changes were done regularly. To check the oil level, the car should be on a level spot with the engine OFF. Locate the engine oil dipstick (usually it has a bright color handle saying'Engine oil'). Pull the dipstick out, wipe it off and insert it back fully in place. Pull it out again and check the oil level. Look at the dipstick itself. If the part of the dipstick that goes inside the engine is dirty and covered with black deposits, this may also indicate that the engine was maintained poorly.

Look for a smoke from the exhaust - the blue smokes indicates that the engine is worn and consumes oil. Black smoke means excessive fuel consumption

GEAR BOX/ MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Try to drive the vehicle at each gear. All gears should shift smoothly and easily without any noises, jerks or shudder. While driving at the second or third gear, try to accelerate suddenly. The clutch should not slip. If you feel slipping(the engine rpm increases but the vehicle speed remains the same), the clutch may need to be replaced. Try to drive with acceleration and deceleration - there should be no whining or humming noise under any condition. All the gears should shift easily and noiselessly. Try to shift into reverse; there should be no grinding noise.

Last but not the Least

TEST DRIVE!

During a test-drive look for anything irregular such as vibrations, noises, etc. Test drive a car for as long as you need to get the feeling, try to drive on bumpy road and if it's possible, take the car on a highway. Try to accelerate - there shouldn't be any hesitation. Look out for the following: Does the engine make any irregular noises? Any smoke? Is the steering responsive? Does the car feel stable at a highway speed? Any shudder, jerks, harsh shifting? Does it make knocking or creaking noises when driving over bumps? Does the car hold straight direction or pulls aside? Is the steering out of center? All these are indications that something may be wrong.

Last piece of advice; always try to show a car that you really like to the mechanic and get a professional opinion

Allright enough of this guided tour. I am off to get myself a NEW USED car.

Best of luck for your car…. Hope it brings you hours of joyful traveling.

Don’t forget to leave your speedy comments!