What to check when buying a used car

How to profitably buy a used car - the secrets of successful bargaining

Preparation

Alexander Vasiliev, head of the online car inspection service avtocod.ru

Find out more information

Prepare for your meeting with the seller. Find out information about the car on the traffic police website, check the car in the databases of the Russian Union of Auto Insurers and the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation. Monitor the car in courts and banks. This will give comprehensive information about the car.

If you don’t have the time or desire to search through websites, but you know the license plate number or VIN of the car, use special online checking services. They will help you find out:

number of former owners;
mileage;
legal problems;
the presence of restrictions on registration actions;
information about the theft;
accident history
customs history, etc.

Get ready for an objective inspection of the car

The bargain must be justified, I won’t just throw it away. I agree to reduce the price if the buyer sees traces of repairs, dents, lack of parts and other technical defects of the car. For myself, I distinguish five types of buyers:

Intelligent. They understand cars and are technically savvy. They can reduce the price easily and naturally, giving reasons.
Whiners. They constantly whine: “Let’s throw it here, let’s throw it there.” I remember one in particular. He wanted a Subaru in exchange for a Ford with an additional payment. I whined and whined, and in the end I left. 2 weeks pass, he calls again: ready to take. And I already sold the car.
Outbids. These flock to cars with prices below the market average. “Trinashka” costs 150 thousand on average in the market. I sold it for 110. For repurchase, this is already “chocolate”. And he still comes and asks to give the car for 90.
Fools. People don’t understand cars at all and are ready to take a car for the money you ask.
Adequate. It's just nice to talk to people like that. I came across him once, we rode around with him for an hour and a half and talked. But he didn’t take the car. He needed a different type. I told him about it myself and explained why. As a result, he still drives that car.

Check how you can reduce the price

The very fact of a used car. You can always reduce the price for routine maintenance. For example, after purchase you will need to change the oil and pads. Conventionally, it costs 10 thousand rubles. That's how much you're asking to take off.
Body condition. Often there are repainted parts - this can also bring down the price a little. If there was not an accident, but a car, for example, hit a fence.
Buying “here and now”. About 5-10 years ago I often observed at the market: gypsies come and shake a wad of money in front of you. You want to sell the car for 500, but they charge 400 thousand. Here it is, real money, just take it! This works for some sellers.
Bargaining with reserve. If you are looking at a Solaris for 500 thousand rubles, you should start bargaining at 460-450 thousand. The seller will refuse, but will offer his own price. You raise the price tag, he lowers it. In the end, agree on an amount that suits both of you.

Checking the car's history beforehand can help lower the price. What specific nuances can play into your hands during bargaining:

A large number of owners. If the car has been passed around, it may be technically faulty or have been involved in an accident. You won't know how she was followed. The seller cannot explain why there are so many owners? Don't buy a car. According to our statistics, if the report shows many owners, then in eight out of ten cases other problems are identified with the car - the presence of restrictions, liens, and more.
Twisted run. Incorrect mileage is one of the most common problems found in auto history reports. However, it is quite difficult to identify this problem on your own. Pay attention to the interior: cars with high mileage have severely worn pedals, steering wheels, seat upholstery and armrests. But it’s better to ask for a diagnostic card and compare the numbers. If you see a discrepancy, lower the price.
Participation in an accident. Road accidents are the most common problem that is identified when checking cars online using online services. Pay attention to areas of damage. If there was a head-on collision, then it is better to abandon the car immediately. A full renovation will take too much money. We saw in the report that there were accidents, but the damage after them was insignificant - a reason to bargain. This is how, by the way, you can identify outbid dealers - they bring damaged cars into perfect condition before selling them. But behind the external shine there are serious problems that can pose a danger to the lives of the driver and passengers. So if a used car looks like new, this is also a reason to think about it and carefully check the history of the car.
Failed maintenance. If the seller does not show a valid insurance policy or diagnostic card, be wary: the car may not have passed inspection. This is a reason for a discount, as well as a technical condition check, as soon as possible.
The car is pledged, loaned, seized. Be wary if, when inspecting the car, there is no STS, original PTS, or a duplicate indicates that the car has been used for less than three years. If there are such moments when meeting with the seller, show that you do not trust and ask for a discount. Perhaps the “iron horse” was purchased on credit, is in collateral or is under arrest. When buying such a car, there is a risk of shelling out a round sum from your wallet to pay off the debts of the previous owner or being left without a car altogether.

How will the seller behave?

Our experts told us how private traders, people from showrooms, car markets and resellers behave when selling.

Evgeny Loginov, director of the car selection company “My Expert”

With “outbids” it happens differently.
Their price tag, like that of showrooms, depends on how much they bought the car for. If it is significantly below the market, without serious damage and technically sound, it is unlikely that they will discount it - they will buy such a car without a discount. When a car has a dark history or is damaged, the “outbidder” will willingly accept a discount. There is often a risk that a discount on purchase is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of further maintenance. Deal with sellers carefully. The same reseller is easy to identify. The main thing is to know how.

Daniil Rogozinnikov, psychologist

A dishonest seller will fuss, answer questions vaguely, and rush into a decision. A characteristic microsmile and a gaze directed to the right and upward will give him away. The seller initially indicates the price taking into account negotiations. He knows in advance how much he can throw off. The main thing is for the buyer to understand this and try not to go too far.

How you should look and what you should say

Keep track of the little things, be attentive but relaxed. Ask for a discount if you don’t have a second set of keys or tires. Is your car ceiling smoky and you need to dry clean the interior? Also a reason to bargain.

How to get a big discount

Alexander Nikonov, car enthusiast with 11 years of experience, used car buyer

The seller and I looked at the car together and noticed a large scratch on the doors. He said that he wasn’t going to paint it because it doesn’t affect the driving performance. The frame of the “TV” was jammed and hidden under a decorative overlay. The hood did not close as it should, as if there had been a slight blow. We decided with the seller that we would agree on the price. From 360 thousand rubles. I managed to lose 20 thousand.

Tips for used car buyers

Experts advise taking a comprehensive approach to choosing a car: studying advertisements, searching for information about the car in various services, and using common sense when inspecting it.

Alexander Vasiliev, head of the online car inspection service avtocod.ru

Often, car owners inflate the mileage, hide the fact of an accident, legal problems, “taxi driver past” or indicate inaccurate information about the equipment in the ad. Check the car’s history even at the stage of working with advertisements through the websites of federal services or special services. If you find problems in your auto history, you shouldn’t even call the seller. Why waste time inspecting an unreliable car? Better save your time and continue searching for a reliable option.

Each sales case is individual. If there are scratches on a car with 10 years of experience, it’s not a big deal. It's worse when they decorate a car from a previous year of production. Then it’s worth taking a closer look at the car. You may have a good chance to negotiate a certain amount. But if the car was involved in an accident, this chance is unlikely to bring much pleasure in the future. Don't be fooled by the low price tag. Problem cars usually have low prices. It’s better to immediately look at cars in the middle and high price categories and get ready to bargain.

Alexander Nikonov, car enthusiast with 11 years of experience, used car buyer

I advise you to read the forums, because the base has already been accumulated. Every car has problems and problems that need to be looked at first. This is rust, oil-guzzling engines, and attachments. If the previous owner did not fix the problem, you can end up with a lot of money.

I helped buy eight cars. When meeting with the seller, keep yourself calm and balanced. The less you say, the more the owner reveals. I just examined, touched, opened. The seller, apparently, begins to panic and tells in more detail, after which he lowers the price.

How to inspect a used car

In order not to make a mistake with the purchase

I worked as a trade-in salesman for an official car dealer.

Over the years, I have attended dozens of used car inspections. I'll tell you how to check a used car when buying.

I will write a separate article on how to choose a car based on an ad. In short: if the number is hidden in the ad, the VIN code is not indicated, or the price is lower than the market price, this is a reason not to trust the seller. In this article, we will consider a situation when you have already selected several suitable options and you need to choose the best one from them.

Checking against databases

Even before the in-person inspection, be sure to check the car according to the database. You may not have to go for an examination after this.

To check against the databases, you need to know VIN, or wine code, - this is the individual identification number of the car. Sometimes sellers immediately indicate it in the ad, sometimes they hide it. If you like the ad, but there is no VIN code, ask the seller to send it. If the seller refuses, explain that the VIN code itself is not a secret: anyone can look it up on a plate under the windshield. If the seller flatly refuses to send you the VIN code, just don’t buy such a car.

In addition to the VIN code, you will need the full name of the car owner. With this information, we will check the car in open sources: on the traffic police website, FSSP and in the Autocode service.

Traffic police website. In the special section, enter the VIN code. We see how many owners the car had, whether accidents involving it were registered, whether there are restrictions on registration actions, and whether the car is wanted.

Service "Autocode". If the car is from Moscow, then using this service and the VIN code you can also check it against Moscow databases. It's free. Be careful: there are sites on the Internet that are similar in design, where an inspection report costs 250-300 rubles. Checking on Autocode is free.

FSSP. We check the car itself using the VIN code, and the seller using the full name. On the website of the Federal Bailiff Service, you can check the owner for the presence of enforcement proceedings. If there is enforcement proceedings against the owner for debts, his car may be taken away and sold.

An example of checking a car on the traffic police website. The database is updated daily

On the website of the Federal Notary Chamber you can check the owner of a car by full name and passport number. There you can check the car by VIN code for collateral.

The car with this VIN code is pledged to Plus Bank

What to take for examination

Thickness Gauge - You can rent one, but learn how to use it first. The thickness gauge shows the thickness of the paint layer. Too much paint is an indirect sign of an accident.

Flashlight - you can use it to illuminate the engine compartment or parts of the body.

Where and how to inspect a car

The car must be inspected clean, in the light and not in a cramped garage, but in a spacious room or in the open air. This way you have a better chance of seeing imperfections in the paintwork, possible traces of an accident and body repairs.

Inspecting a car in an underground parking lot under dim artificial lighting is dangerous: you can easily miss defects. If the car is parked close to other cars or to a fence, ask to drive it to a free area. If the car is dirty, ask the seller to wash it. A normal seller won't mind.

If the car is parked in a cramped and dark parking lot, ask the seller to move it to a spacious and well-lit area. If you look around in a parking lot like the one in the photo, it's easy to miss defects.

During the inspection, we first check the documents: vehicle passport (PTS) and vehicle registration certificate (VRC).

If the car has had up to four owners inclusive, then it is very desirable that the title be original. A duplicate PTS could be issued simply to replace the disposed one if the space in the old passport ran out. Or they could have issued it in exchange for the lost one - I do not recommend buying cars with such a title. There is a risk that this is a stolen duplicate car or a car recovered after a serious accident and written off by the insurance company.

The reason for replacing the PTS is indicated in the “Special notes” column.

If the seller is a private individual, he must be included in the PTS and STS. This makes him the owner of the car. Check that the owner’s full name in the PTS matches the seller’s data in the passport. As a last resort, the husband can sell the wife's car.

If the seller says that he is the brother, friend or matchmaker of the owner, be wary. Most likely, this is a private reseller who resells low-quality cars. Such businessmen buy a car in poor condition at a price below the market price - after an accident or with a mileage of several hundred thousand kilometers. Then they repair it as cheaply as possible, increase the mileage and try to sell it at the price of a good car.

The body is one of the key elements of a car. Your safety depends on its condition. A body restored after a serious accident is unpredictable in the event of a repeat accident. At the same time, a minor accident in which only the attached elements were damaged is not critical for the body.

One way to check that the body is intact is to look at the bolts that secure the parts to each other. Sometimes, in order to hide traces of intervention after changing a part, the bolts are painted. To determine the actual condition, run your fingers along the surface of the bolt. If it is factory, it will be smooth and without scuffing. If it was unscrewed, marks will remain on it. The same applies to the inside of the wing - in the factory state it is smooth and even.

Assess the condition of bolts and attachments. It's good if they don't have burrs from a wrench. Also pay attention to the shape of the fasteners - they should be smooth, as in the photo. The surface is smooth, without scoring, and the bolt is in the factory color

The gaps between the body panels must be uniform throughout the entire junction of the body panels.

If the gaps between similar parts on the right and left sides of the car differ in thickness, this is an indirect sign of an accident in the history of the car.

If you are buying a car yourself, I recommend looking at several options for one model. This way you will understand which gaps are normal and which are not. The fact is that cheap cars from the factory may have poor build quality, and the gaps will be large or uneven.

Please note that the hood runs straight along the bumper, but the headlight sticks out a little. This is the norm for this Kia-Sid model. Sometimes, to understand the permissible limits, you need to look at several cars of the same model. If the gaps are obviously uneven, then most likely the car was involved in an accident. Source: malceva.mostlux.ru

Paintwork

Experts can identify painted parts by eye and touch, but the average car enthusiast is better off using a thickness gauge.

Pay attention to the color of adjacent body elements. If there is a difference between the shades, the car may have been repainted. Different tones between plastic and metal elements are the norm for mid- and economy-class cars.

Run your fingers along the end of the body element. A factory-painted surface is smooth, while a repainted surface is rough and convex, like an orange peel.

The thickness gauge must be calibrated and applied strictly perpendicularly

Glass marking

There is no uniform standard for glass marking. Each manufacturer encrypts data about the year of manufacture in its own way. If you do not understand the features of a particular car, compare the markings with other glass on the same car.

The number 16 is the year the glass was produced. Here they are from 2016, just like the car. Instead of 16 there can be 6 - this also indicates the year of manufacture of the glass

A 2016 car may have 2015 glass. But glass produced after the year the car was assembled can only appear on it as a result of replacement. The glass could have been replaced due to an accident or wear and tear. If the glass has been replaced, it is important to understand the reason and carefully check the nearest body elements.

The automaker's logo indicates that this glass is original. When repairing after an accident, they usually install cheap Chinese glass Xyg, SAT, Benson.

The same goes for body parts. If there is a car brand logo on the hood, that’s good. If not, then the hood is most likely not original, but from an accident.

Engine compartment

Under the hood, look at the internal body parts and the condition of the engine. The main strength elements are the wing spars and flanges.

The lower square tubes are the spars. There should be no creases, traces of welding or deformation on them. In the photo the spar on the right, with gray marks, is after repair: it was damaged in an accident

The metal at the top of the engine compartment is the fender flange. It should be smooth, without creases or cracks. The thickness of the paint layer according to the thickness gauge on the internal elements of the body should not exceed 150 microns. The sealant at the joints of the parts must be applied evenly.

Spars with traces of deformation, rust, or incipient cracks indicate either a serious accident or poor condition of the body.

You can often determine the mileage of a car based on the condition of the interior. It is usually indicated by wear and tear on the steering wheel, pedals and seats.

Sometimes, in order to hide high mileage, sellers change all the elements in the cabin that show signs of intensive use: the driver's seat, gear lever, dashboard buttons, upholstery, and so on.

One of the key indicators of a car's condition is mileage. Sellers often twist the odometer readings, so you have to guess about the actual mileage based on indirect evidence. Scratches and abrasions indicate that the car has been driven a lot for a long time. If the steering wheel is in the same condition as in the photo, sellers often reupholster it. This can be understood by the rough stitching or the material being different from other similar machines. An altered steering wheel is not a gift to you, but an attempt to hide the mileage. Source: iconsult.by Worn pedals also indicate a high mileage - certainly more than 100,000 km. Source: rocketmotors.ru

On the other hand, the condition of the interior depends on the thriftiness of the owner. If the interior is bad, most likely the owner did not take good care of the car. The make and model of the car also influence the wear resistance of materials in the cabin. I recommend researching the durability of the materials in the car model you are interested in. To do this, you can watch a series of videos on YouTube from auto selectors and reviewers. Then you need to inspect several used cars of this model with mileage. This way you will know which damage is typical for the interior of this car and which is not.

Look in the interior for uneven gaps between trim elements. This may be a sign of repairs after an accident. Traces of a panel rupture in the airbag area are a very bad signal and an indirect sign of a serious accident.

During an accident, airbags deploy sharply and forcefully. At the same time, the plastic parts of the interior are torn and the fastenings of the trim parts are broken. If a used car has crooked gaps between the interior panels, and seams or bumps are visible where the airbags fly out, there is a high probability that this car was in a serious accident. Source: hellhoundcustom.ru They can restore the steering wheel this way: they just put everything back. Source: airbagrostov.ru

Check your car with a scanner

When you have already chosen a used car and are ready to buy it, check the electronics with a diagnostic scanner. Scanners can be portable - for checking a car on site - and stationary - for working at a service station (service station). I recommend going to a service station of an official dealer and having it diagnosed there. The price depends on the brand and model, on average 3000-5000 rubles.

An airbag error may indirectly indicate a serious accident. A gearbox error is a reason to have it checked carefully at a service center. The more expensive the car, the more sensors it has and the more relevant this check is.

10 tips from experienced car enthusiasts for buying a car second-hand

Buying a car second-hand is a matter of “you want it and you’re itching for it.” On the one hand, the price of a used car is much lower than in a showroom, on the other hand, there is a chance to buy a headache instead of a vehicle.

We at Bright Side talked to experienced car enthusiasts and collected useful tips that will help you make the right choice when buying a car. And at the end you will find a bonus with a secret for checking American cars.

1. Study the VIN code

Pay attention to the car's VIN, or identification number, it is located on the frame or engine and should be viewable. Using the VIN code, you can check the car on the State Traffic Inspectorate website for theft and participation in an accident.

Also there you can check whether the car is pledged, whether there are fines on it, see the equipment and a list of former owners. All information must be verified with what is written in the advertisement for sale. This is how you arrange the first test of the seller’s honesty.

2. Check contact person

The car can be sold either by the owner or by an intermediary. It is best for the owner to hand over a used car to the new owner: the presence of an intermediary can affect both the price of the car and how much information you receive about the car.

3. Find out the history of the car

If the car is “fresh”, from 3 to 5 years from the date of release, then you can find out all its ins and outs. It is enough to call the official dealer or service center of this brand and find out whether the car has been serviced by them. If the service was carried out by specialized specialists, then her condition is better. You can also find out the actual mileage of the car at the service center.

4. Check mileage

In addition to data from the dealer or service center, pay attention to indirect signs of mileage. For example, the color of exhaust gases. A rich white color, as well as bluish or black, indicates problems with the engine that appear due to wear and tear.

Look under the hood and look at the engine exhaust manifold. With low mileage it retains its original metallic luster, after 25 thousand km it becomes covered with a pale red patina, and after 100 thousand km it becomes dirty brown.

5. Take measurements

When viewing the car, bring a thickness gauge - a device that measures the thickness of the car's paintwork. For parts that come into contact with the external environment, the normal thickness of the paint coating is from 75 to 160 microns, for internal elements - from 50 to 90 microns.

The exact parameters for the selected vehicle can be obtained from the manufacturer. If an element of the car was repainted after an accident, then the thickness of its paint will be different from all the others.

6. Inspect the glass

All car windows must have the same year of manufacture, and the year itself must match the year of manufacture of the car. If everything is so, then the car’s windows are original, which means that the likelihood that it was in an accident is lower.

7. Look at the details

Carefully inspect the car body, especially the technical gaps between body elements. If they go on both sides, such as between the fender and the hood, then the gaps should be the same and even on both sides. If they differ in width or are crooked, then there is a high chance that one of the parts is not original or has been badly wrinkled.

8. Inspect the headlights

A visual inspection would not be complete without examining the headlights and all parking lights. If they have not been changed, then all headlights will shine the same. New parts stand out with brighter light. Most manufacturers mark their headlights with a brand nameplate, so its presence confirms that the part is original and has been in its place since the factory.

9. Check major maintenance

Depending on the make and model, each car has key points when it needs to undergo a lot of maintenance with the replacement of belts, brake pads, etc. All things being equal, it is better to choose a car that has had a lot of maintenance within the last year or year and a half. To confirm the passage of maintenance, the owner must show receipts and documents from the service.

10. The more transparent the history of the car, the easier it will be in the future.

Before purchasing, you should study the specialized forums of car owners of this brand and specific model. There you can find the history of your future car, as well as identify problems with the model as a whole or a specific configuration. For example, it is known that for 3 years the Volkswagen company produced defective engines, which it later officially admitted.

Bonus: Feature for American cars

If your choice falls on an American car, you should check it through the Carfax website: here you can look at the history of a car from the States, find out whether the car has been in an accident and what technologies were used to restore it. If, according to Carfax data, the car was considered “total,” it means the car was badly damaged and was not restored using factory technology. Owning such a car is a very dubious pleasure.

Having your own car is the dream of many people. But it is better to select a car with caution. What type of transport do you prefer?

Comprehensive inspection of a used car before purchase

Today we will tell you how to check a used car before buying and how to buy a used car correctly.

If you decide to buy a used car, then before purchasing it you need a comprehensive check of the car according to the state number and VIN code.

This is necessary in order to avoid becoming a victim of scammers.

In addition, you must check the documents and technical condition of the used car.

In the Russian Federation, more than 10,000 vehicles are sold and bought every day.

How to buy a used car

As a rule, sellers carefully prepare their cars before selling them. Many people paint the car body or its parts, polish the plastic in the interior and wash the engine.

But often, used cars are put up for sale, restored after an accident, which have had poor-quality repairs to the body and components. Where the spent airbags were disguised - SRS Airbag and the mileage was twisted. The full history of the vehicle is hidden and even documents are falsified.

If you decide to buy a car not at a car dealership, but second-hand or through an ad on the Internet, then you need to use the help of specialists. They will be able to inspect the used car you are buying and fully check its functionality.

In order to avoid becoming a victim of scammers when purchasing a car, it is better to check it at official service stations. There, based on the results of the examination, a conclusion is drawn up about the technical condition of the used car. It will contain a detailed description, identified deficiencies and recommendations for eliminating them.

How to check a used car when buying

Now let's look at the algorithm for checking a car before buying. Any inspection of a car before purchasing should always begin with checking the documents for the car. It includes visual verification of the authenticity of documents (PTS, STS, service book). All vehicle documents must be issued to the seller of the car. Therefore, in addition to the documents for the car, be sure to look at the seller’s passport.

If the data on the passport and PTS do not match, it means it is a reseller and you should be more careful when inspecting and purchasing a car.

After checking the documents for the car, you need to check the car body. This can be done with a thickness gauge, a magnet, or visually.

How to check a car body before buying

Using a thickness gauge, the thickness of the paintwork on car body elements is checked. If the thickness is higher than normal, it means that the body was repaired after an accident or the corrosion areas were hidden.

It is better to entrust the measurement of the thickness of the paint coating of body elements to a specialist. He will check the thickness of the paintwork on the hood, front and rear fenders, doors, trunk lids, roof panels, sidewalls, A-pillars, B-pillars, and rear pillars, and door openings.

If there is no thickness gauge, the test can be carried out with an ordinary small magnet. If there is a large layer of putty, the magnet simply will not attach to the repaired body element. But such a test with a magnet will not give a 100% result.

Visually, factory welds in the engine compartment, luggage compartment, spare wheel well, side members, openings, and bumpers are identified and determined.

An external inspection of the gaps between body elements will tell you about the geometry of the body. Checking the glass and optics markings will tell you about possible car repairs. Don't be afraid if your windshield has been replaced. Windshields are considered consumables. The windshield can burst not only in an accident, but also when hit by crushed stone or other objects. The main thing is that it is replaced correctly.

In addition, you need to conduct another inspection for external damage to body elements.

Checking a used car by VIN number

You can check the car you are buying by its VIN code for free online on the traffic police website. There you can get extended information about the car. You can find out how many times a used car has been re-registered, whether there has been an accident, etc.

If, during a visual inspection, you notice changes in the VIN number on the car body, and the number differs from the PTS data, then it is better to refuse to purchase such a car. Although such a car can be bought, but only if there is an expert determination of the VIN number for its changes.

We talked in detail about how to correctly check a car by VIN number in the article “The Real History of the Car.”

How to check the engine of a used car

A car engine is like a person's heart. With age, his “health” may deteriorate if the engine was not looked after during operation. So what needs to be checked on a used power unit?

When checking the motor you need to pay attention to:

Oil level;
Idle operation;
Mechanical throttle operation;
Presence of extraneous noise;
Conditions of drive belts;
Coolant and hydraulic fluid levels;
Check the engine for leaks;
Check the tightness of clamps and hoses.

In any power unit, the oil level is checked using a dipstick with the engine not running. The oil dipstick is always accessible. It is inserted into a special hole in the cylinder block and immersed in the oil bath of the engine crankcase. The oil level should be between the max and min dipstick marks.

The appearance of the engine may also be dusty, since washing the engine of modern cars is not recommended. But there should be no oil stains on the engine. Motors that are washed before sale are usually found at resellers.

Diagnostics of the automatic or manual transmission of the purchased car

After checking the engine, we begin to check the gearbox. This requires an external inspection of the gearbox for leaks. There should be no oil leaks. It is best to inspect the car on a lift. In addition, it is advisable to test the clutch cable drive.

While sitting in the driver's seat, check that all gears are engaged at idle and then while driving. If there are jerks when changing gears on the automatic transmission, then these will be signs of a malfunction of the automatic transmission.

Full computer diagnostics of a used car

Computer diagnostics of a car can tell a lot about the technical condition of the car being sold:

Engine – identifying the correct performance of all sensors, measuring performance indicators in real time;
Automatic transmission - identifying the correct operation of all solenoid valves that respond to gear engagement, checking the temperature and oil pressure in the gearbox;
ABS, ESP, BAS and other braking systems - checking speed sensors, valves, modulators responsible for the correct operation of the supply and distribution of brakes;
SRS – Airbag – diagnosing the performance of the airbag, reading Crash and impact sensors, also checking the power supply to the squibs;
ECU testing: internal combustion engine, automatic transmission, ABS, SRS-Airbag;
Checking the generator charge;
Studying the vehicle's service history (last completed maintenance);
Reading records and checking for errors, including those recorded in the car’s history;
Reconciliation of odometer readings;
Other measurements (depending on vehicle configuration).

Visual inspection of the engine compartment

Now let's talk about how to properly look at the engine compartment of the car you are buying. What's under the hood of a car? Besides the engine, there's a lot to see there. The engine compartment is very interesting. What to look under the hood besides the engine:

Condition of support bearings;
Engine and gearbox mounts;
Testing the condition of the steering rack;
Checking the tightness of radiators;
Checking the presence of nameplates.

Inspection of the interior of a used car

Checking the interior of a used car begins with its inspection. The interior of the car must be in good condition. No damage to panels, upholstery or covers. I would like to note that when inspecting the interior of a used car, it is best to remove the covers from the seats. I assure you that the interior of the car will be able to tell you a lot about the mileage, accident history and equipment of the car.

Visual inspection of the interior for external damage and abrasions;
Checking the correct operation of the instrument display;
Checking the operation of windows, electric mirrors, seats, interior lighting, air conditioning, activation of wipers, washers, heated seats, and parking brake.

Scuffs on the steering wheel and gear knob will tell you about the high mileage of the car. The appearance of the seats will also tell about the mileage. If the pillows are wrinkled, worn out and there are cracks in the leather, then the mileage is already more than 100,000 km. In addition, worn rubber pedal pads with worn-out mats can indicate a high mileage of the car or its use in a taxi.

Inspecting the brake system of a used car

Why inspect the brake system? Serviceable brakes are your safety on the road. What is included in a brake inspection:

Detection of wear of brake discs and pads;
Determination of the state of tightness of the brake system;
External inspection of the brake master cylinder, vacuum booster, ABS unit.

Checking the functionality of external electrical equipment

Without full operation of electrical appliances, driving a car is dangerous, and in most cases it is prohibited by traffic rules.

What to check. It is necessary to check the low and high beams and side lights. In addition, direction indicators, hazard lights, and brake lights are checked. Then the reverse lights and license plate lights.

Test drive a used car

It is better not to purchase a car without a test drive. A test drive of a used car is needed to identify extraneous noise in the chassis, engine and gearbox.

Inspection of the chassis of a used car

Checking the chassis of a car is the main element of inspecting a car before purchasing. Let's look at how to check the chassis of a car. You need to inspect the car's chassis on a lift.

What is included in a full inspection of the car’s chassis:
Visual inspection for fluid leaks;
Checking ball joints, silent blocks, levers, stabilizers, CV joints, boots;
Visual check of the steering rack and tips, shock absorber struts and springs;
Checking wheel bearings and axle shafts, drives, crosspieces, propeller shaft;
Inspection of the fuel line, gas tank, gas filter.

Shock absorbers are a suspension element that absorbs all bumps and impacts from road potholes;
Strut springs are constantly loaded, over time they inevitably “get tired”, sag and may require replacement;
The CV boot is required to protect the part from dust. If the boot is dirty or torn, it needs to be replaced;
The support cups of the racks simply must be intact and not deformed;
Silent blocks are two metal bushings with a rubber insert. Silent blocks are necessary for connecting various suspension parts;
Various plays - Any play above normal needs to be eliminated. For some suspension components, large play can be dangerous and lead to an accident.

How to avoid becoming a victim of scammers when buying a used car

To avoid becoming a victim of scammers when buying a used car, try to remember a few rules.

— problem-free and legally clean cars cannot cost significantly less than the average market price. Don't let the attractive price put you off your guard;

— by completing a purchase and sale transaction in accordance with the law, you significantly reduce the risk of being deceived;

— mandatory check of the car by VIN code. Compare the VIN code on the car body and in the documents, verify the identity of the seller and owner;

— check the car you like before purchasing using all the methods available on the Internet;

— ask the seller provocative questions. Take with you to inspect the car and negotiate with a more experienced friend who knows how to check a used car when buying. Contact a car selection and consignment trading company that operates in strict accordance with the law and takes responsibility for the goods.

If you believe that you have become a victim of illegal actions of scammers when purchasing a car, then immediately contact the nearest police department.

In conclusion, I would like to say that this procedure will be useful when the buyer checks any used car before purchasing it at the car market or through an advertisement. When buying a used car, it is better to spend time inspecting it and a little money on a specialist who will carry out this inspection, rather than later wasting money on unforeseen expensive repairs.

You can find out which website to check a car on before purchasing for free in our publication “The Real History of the Car.”

Recommendations for checking the technical condition and documents when purchasing a used car

The risks when buying a used car second-hand are significantly higher than when inspecting and purchasing a new vehicle at a car dealership.

That is why you should draw up in advance an algorithm for your actions to check the car before purchasing: its history, authenticity of documents and technical condition.

In this article we will tell you how to check the used car itself and the documents for it.

What points should you pay attention to when buying a used car?

If you have your eye on a suitable car on the Internet, contact the seller and find out the VIN number and state registration plates of the car.

Using this data, you can check the following information about the car on electronic services:

On the official website of the traffic police:
- by VIN number you can find out who the owner of the car is, current restrictions, whether the vehicle is wanted;
- by car number in the “Checking unpaid fines” section – whether there are any fines.
On the website “Register of Pledges” you can check whether a given car is pledged.
On the website of the bailiffs , using the VIN number, information about the presence of debts with the owner of the car.

Based on the results of the check, you will have information about the owner of the car, the presence of restrictions, debts, arrests, and fines.

More information about ways to check a car for arrest and bail, as well as what else you need to know about the vehicle on the eve of the transaction, you will find here.

Seller behavior

When talking on the phone or meeting the seller in person, pay attention to his behavior. The following should be a warning sign for you:

Exercising pressure from the seller (says that he has a queue of people wanting to buy this particular car).
Haste, fussiness in movements.
Avoiding answering questions or moving the conversation to another topic.
Discourteous and defiant behavior.
Refusal to provide VIN code and state sign.

The reason for this behavior may be that the person in front of you is a fraudster or the machine has significant flaws.

You will learn about what questions to ask the seller when buying a used car from our article.

Used car cost

You should also be wary of the price being too low compared to similar cars on the market, especially if the seller assures that the car is in excellent condition. A price reduction is possible in case of urgent sale, when there is a need for money, in this case the price is reduced by 10-15%.

Mileage indicator

On average, a car travels 10-15 thousand kilometers per year, that is, in 5 years it accumulates about 100 thousand. During this time, the brake pads wear out and require replacement. If the car is five years old and has new pads, then the car has most likely passed 100 thousand, and if the mileage reading is significantly less, then this should be a concern.

The mileage of a vehicle can be indirectly judged by the condition of the seat upholstery. So, fabric upholstery wears out after a mileage of 100-140 thousand kilometers, leather upholstery after 200 thousand. The heaviest wear will be on the sides of the seat and on the armrest.

Technical inspection

Pay close attention to inspecting the vehicle. It is better to entrust checking the technical condition of a car to professionals . To do this, you need to agree with the seller about a diagnostic service at a service station and assume the costs of paying for it. If you decide to carry out the inspection yourself, invite someone who is well versed in technology to help.

Inspecting the contents of the hood:

Assess the condition of the components and pay attention to oil and gasoline stains on their surfaces.
Check the pipelines and electrical wiring for integrity, leaks, and sharp bends.
Inspect the air conditioner and radiators for deformation.
Start the engine and listen to the sound of its operation.

You will find more information about what needs to be checked in the engine before buying a car and how to do it in a separate material.

The next step is to inspect the car body. Walk around the car and inspect the body covering. It should be monochromatic and uniform. The presence of differences in the painting of individual areas indicates repainting due to an accident or rust. You can use a thickness gauge or a magnet wrapped in fabric to determine where to add additional paint. In places where putty is applied, the magnet will be less attracted to the body.

If there is deformation, the car will be difficult to drive on the road. The trunk door should also fit snugly without distortion or deformation.

We check each door separately for serviceability of buttons, handles, window lifters, uniformity of gaps around the perimeter, and reliability of closure.

Checking lighting devices. Inspect the surface of the headlights. It should be without cracks or scratches. The headlights must be firmly secured and not vibrate. All devices front and rear must work.

We check the dashboard in the cabin; it should have adjustable light intensity. Lights and alarms in the cabin should work flawlessly.

We inspect the wheels:

We check for dents and deformation of the discs. They affect the performance of the suspension.
We measure the tire pressure. It should be the same in all wheels or in pairs in the front and rear.
Using a ruler, we determine the wear of the tire treads. Different tire wear indicates a violation of the body geometry.

In the cabin, the adjustment of the seats, their movement and fixation of the angle of inclination are checked.

The instrument panel must be securely fastened and the handles must turn freely.

With the engine running, make sure the tachometer, temperature and oil indicators are working properly.

It is necessary to check that the hazard lights are on, the headlights are switched on, the turn signals are on, the central locking and the seat belt indicator are working.

Check the operation of the air conditioner and heater. To do this, with the doors and windows closed, turn on the stove at maximum temperature. Warm air without foreign odors should flow from the air duct grilles. The air conditioner should not make any extraneous sounds when operating, and a cold flow should appear in the cabin.

Test drive before purchase

Be sure to test the car in motion:

Gear shifting should be clear and effortless, without grinding or knocking.
The clutch should already operate at low engine speeds.
When you release the steering wheel on a flat road, the car should move straight without deviation.
When driving, there should be no knocking or vibration of the suspension, otherwise the shock absorbers or joints will wear out.
Vibration of the steering wheel indicates problems with the chassis or deformation of the discs.
Check the brake system. When braking sharply, a symmetrical trail remains on the road, while the car moves strictly straight, without grinding or squealing. The handbrake is checked on a section of road with an incline. The car must remain stationary when the brake is applied.
The gas pedal should work without any dips.

Checking for corrosion

Today, many owners carry out anti-corrosion treatment on the bottom and other vulnerable elements of the car. However, individual elements are more susceptible to corrosion .

When you tap them with a screwdriver, there should be a ringing metallic sound, otherwise corrosion will occur.

When inspecting the car, be sure to write down all the defects , this will allow you to objectively assess the feasibility of the purchase and the subsequent costs of eliminating defects.

We invite you to watch a video on how to independently inspect a used car when purchasing:

How to view documents?

The vehicle passport contains complete data on the technical condition of the vehicle and all previous owners. Compare the previously obtained information from electronic databases with the records in the PTS.

When visually examining the document, pay attention to:

All registration actions are entered in the “Special Notes” section.
The series and number are made with a cliche imprint using red glossy paint. Therefore, the paint should not be smeared, and there should be no scratches or abrasions on the number. You should be wary of the roughness of the paper and the dotted marking of the number: most likely it is a fake.
The paper of the document feels like a banknote, crunches when folded, and has watermarks. The front side has a smoother surface, the back side has a matte surface.
If the original is lost or damaged, or if the car is pledged, a duplicate is issued and a corresponding stamp is placed on the front side.
There must be empty spaces in the PTS to record the new owner. Otherwise, the seller must receive a new title and only then complete the purchase.

If you have doubts about the authenticity of the documents, and the car is being sold without deregistration, then ask the seller to first register the deregistration with the traffic police. If you have a fraudster in front of you, he will categorically refuse to do this.

When checking the vehicle registration certificate, compare its data with the title. They must match completely, including the series and number. The owner’s passport data must also completely match the information in the STS.

You can check the authenticity using special equipment . In ultraviolet light, the traffic police inscription, hologram and grid should glow light green.

Service book

The service book contains information about technical inspections (date and place). Based on the number of maintenance services and the dates they were carried out, you can approximately calculate the mileage and compare it with the tachometer data.

Next, you can watch a video about what documents and how to check before buying a used car:

Useful information that a used car buyer needs to know

Receive information in advance about the car you are interested in using electronic databases.
Arrange to have your car diagnosed at a service station you trust.
Invite a friend or relative to the transaction, who will help with inspecting the car, checking documents and transferring money.
Avoid entering into a transaction by proxy.

Buying a car second hand has significant risks. Therefore, if you have any doubts, it is better to refuse the purchase and look for another option.

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