Picking Out The Faults

Yes, you may be no car expert but there are certain things - that can prevent much heartache later - to look for when buying a car. It pays to have some knowledge of the cars that you are looking for as you can't possibly send all the cars that you're considering buying to the car mechanic. We suggest asking friends who might own a similar model to the one you have a go in theirs so that you have an idea of what to expect.



In evaluating the condition of the car, there are several things to look out for. First and foremost, scrutinize the vehicle for previous accident damage. Experts recommend inspections to be done under sunlight so that reflections of surrounding effects can be seen on the car's surface. View the car from all possible angles and check the reflection's shape. If it appears distorted, then the car could have been damaged. Verify the car dealer's claims that the car is in perfect shape by checking the gaps between the panel fittings - especially along the sides of the car. The gap should be uniform width along the same length. Lifting the bonnet is sometimes like opening up a can of worms. Welded joints, broken fastenings, rust and paint over putty are tell-tale signs of accident repairs.




Next, examine the fluids. Their quantity and contamination levels will reveal some clues as to how the car was treated. Low fluid levels and highly contaminated fluid often indicate poor maintenance. The engine oil should be golden brown to light brown, not black. Does it smell burnt? Does it look like coffee? Is the car dripping oil? Check the ground under the engine oil spots. The cooling system can also provide vital clues to the health of the car. Open up the radiator cap and check if there is oil in the radiator? Is the water murky and brown? All these mean an overhaul is in the cards.

Inspects the suspension for any leakage

Listen to the car as the engine revs up. You would be able to tell from the sounds if the an overhaul is needed. For example, knocking sounds warn about problems with the pistons and valves; clonks come from warn out parts in the suspension system; and growling and whining noises comes from gearbox. Pay attention to the steering. Slack steering is often attributed to worn steering gears or ball joints. Just as important is the suspension system. Bounce the car up and down and see if it settles after one cycle. If not, the shock absorbers might be worn and need replacement. Finally, check that items like seat belts, windscreen wipers, headlights, indicators, tires, jacks and other car accessories are in good condition.

Is the car dripping any oil?

Finally we come to the all-important test drive. This is the time where you should check that the car does not pull to one side; there is no blue or white smoke from the tailpipe; no weird noises from the undercarriage and under breaking, the car stops straight and true. Don't drive with the pedal to the metal - the test drive is meant to help you evaluate how the car will perform under normal conditions. If it's an automatic, does it shift smoothly? For a manual car transmission car, do the gears crunch as you shift, or is the clutch slipping? Check to see if the air-conditioning works and if possible, turn the steering full lock either way and drive the car in circles. Are the CV joints making noises?

Don't forget to look down under the car to check out any joints

Relying on just the odometer to check out the real mileage of the car may not be your safest bet since reading can be easily manipulated. However with the modern electric odometer, it is more difficult to do so. In any case, an estimate can be obtained through other means. Given that the average distance traveled per annum is about 15,000 to 20,000 km, all you need is the age of the car to get the ballpark odometer reading. Another method involves checking the length of brake disk ledge since it corresponds to the reading on the odometer, 0.6 mm for every 100,000 km - providing the disc hasn't been changed or skimmed. In addition, you can approximately gauge how much the car has been driven from the condition of the clutch and brake pedals.