Anyone know what things to look out for in 2nd hand cars?
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Does any bros and sis here know what important things to take care of when getting a 2nd hand car? The engine or any parts so as not to be 'deceived' by the other party
For eg. a mazda 121? -
what i did when i got my car (94 integra) was check the basic stuff like the suspension stability, the steering, wear and tear in the car , and since my meter wasnt electonic, i had to make sure that the digits were not winded back illegally
and other than that, the other stuff was just checking the body work to make sure the car wasnt involved in a major crash, the smoothness of the body, listen to any werid sounds while test driving it
dont take my word for it, that was just me checking up on my first car
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Check the exhaust. Turn on the ignition, on neutral step on the accelerator a little, get someone to check for any black smoke coming out or chopper sound(burst exhaust).Originally posted by Silvia15:Does any bros and sis here know what important things to take care of when getting a 2nd hand car? The engine or any parts so as not to be 'deceived' by the other party For eg. a mazda 121?
Check the radiator and its tung kee for any leakage. You can look below the vehicle under the bonnet. You can look out for any green patches(coolant) on the floor and the engine parts. When you turn on the ignition, the radiator fan should start running and not run only when you turn on the air con.
Check the handbrake. Pull up the handbrake, should not be more than three clicks, step on the accelerator a little on first gear, the vehicle should be prevented from moving off. If the handbrake is not secure(too many clicks), you'll need to get a mechanic to tighten it.
Bring the vehicle out for a test drive to feel the overall. When making a U turn or a junction turn, look out for any 'greg greg greg' sound coming from the front wheels. If there is some sounds and vibration, the front shafts are wearing off and will need to change a pair which can be quite costly. When driving on a straight road, lift your hands off the steering wheel for a short while and look out whether your vehicle starts swerving off its track. if the swerving is substancial, your wheel alignment needs to be adjusted. Look out for any 'king klunk' sound during gear engagement(gearbox). Importantly, check the brakes. Look out for any hissing sound from the front wheels when braking gradually. The hissing sound could mean the brake pads have worn off.
For some cars, the dealers would already have it accessed by an accessing centre and such cars have a certificate of accessment. Alternatively, you can bring the car of your choice to any accessment centres for a small fee if you are not sure what to check. -
Thx alot man
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Don't be hurry and throw out your whole savings to get a car. You'll end up struggling and spending more on maintenance and repair. Save up, plan your finance carefully and get a good new car.Originally posted by Silvia15:Thx alot man -
Never buy off a dealer. They are masters at concealing exsiting faults of a car. E.g. releasing tyre pressure to conceal bad suspensions, adding certain fluids to the engine to "whiten" the fumes, reversing the mileage counter etc etc. Sometimes they even use temporary paint to conceal scratches which surfaces only 3 to 4 weeks after you bought the car
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you forgot to add...Originally posted by Johnny.English:Check the exhaust. Turn on the ignition, on neutral step on the accelerator a little, get someone to check for any black smoke coming out or chopper sound(burst exhaust).
Check the radiator and its tung kee for any leakage. You can look below the vehicle under the bonnet. You can look out for any green patches(coolant) on the floor and the engine parts. When you turn on the ignition, the radiator fan should start running and not run only when you turn on the air con.
Check the handbrake. Pull up the handbrake, should not be more than three clicks, step on the accelerator a little on first gear, the vehicle should be prevented from moving off. If the handbrake is not secure(too many clicks), you'll need to get a mechanic to tighten it.
Bring the vehicle out for a test drive to feel the overall. When making a U turn or a junction turn, look out for any 'greg greg greg' sound coming from the front wheels. If there is some sounds and vibration, the front shafts are wearing off and will need to change a pair which can be quite costly. When driving on a straight road, lift your hands off the steering wheel for a short while and look out whether your vehicle starts swerving off its track. if the swerving is substancial, your wheel alignment needs to be adjusted. Look out for any 'king klunk' sound during gear engagement(gearbox). Importantly, check the brakes. Look out for any hissing sound from the front wheels when braking gradually. The hissing sound could mean the brake pads have worn off.
For some cars, the dealers would already have it accessed by an accessing centre and such cars have a certificate of accessment. Alternatively, you can bring the car of your choice to any accessment centres for a small fee if you are not sure what to check.
the best time to test a 2nd hand car is on a rainy day. drive out in the rain....let the car kena the rain for a while....after dat,drive back in and check if theres anywhere got water seep in. boot especially, if its not due to the rubber being worn out...means backside got kena bang b4. the chassis have to check also to see if any accidents on the front. other den dat...nothing much u can do.
wat i recommend is this...
tell the dealer u wan to send the car to places like CAS or STAR etc for a full check up.
They offer certifications on the cars and also let u know which part is faulty/worn out.
tell the dealer that if they grade the car say B and above, you will buy the car(provided this is the car u already set ur sight on) and the dealer will absorbed the check up fee( i think is $100+) if the certification is C or below, if you decide not to get the car, both of u will foot half of the bill.
This way,i feel its money well spent on ur side. dealers also have a use on the certification when they try to sell off the car.
if the dealer gives all kind of crap that the car very good condition,no need to go check up lah...then u know something is fishy. If theres nothing wrong with the car, and taking into account the bloody economy now.they sure will agree one.
hope this helps.
cheers! -
that sure helps man Thanks alot~ -
Best is to send it for an thru assessment by a workshop or inspection centre. Usually dealer would be obligated upon your request and if they dun, is as good as telling you the car got problem.
No matter how you check on the spot, you will miss out something and problem only come in 1-2 weeks after you collect your car.