Published on June 14th, 2022
When you find a car for sale that catches your eye, you might be tempted to call up the seller and make an offer immediately. However, patience is a virtue when you are purchasing a new car.
Whether you already know what model of car you want to buy or you have no idea, it’s important to view a few different cars before you make a purchase. While this sounds fairly obvious, it’s a step that many people skip in the hopes of speeding up the car buying process.
Viewing the vehicle in person allows you to take the car for a test drive, identify any damages or scuff marks on the exterior of the vehicle, and test out the car accessories that are inside the vehicle.
So, what should you be checking when you go and view a new car? Here is a list of everything you should ask, look at, and test when you are viewing a vehicle to potentially buy.
1. Documentation
When buying a car, it’s essential to check that all of the legal documentation is available. By checking that the seller has the right documents, you can confirm that the sale is legitimate and genuine.
Check that the registration document has a watermark and is free of spelling mistakes or errors. The license plate on the documentation should match the plate on the car.
You should also ask the seller whether the vehicle has recently had an MOT and service. Some second-hand cars don’t come with an extended warranty but it’s worth asking whether this is available.
If the car doesn’t have an extended warranty but you would like to get one, this is something to consider when you have bought the car. Whether you need a Subaru extended warranty or a warranty for a completely different model, the car dealership may be able to find you a great deal.
2. Car Safety And Mechanics
There are a lot of different points to keep in mind when testing the safety and mechanics of the car. Firstly, it’s important to check that all of the seat belts work and the airbag is functional.
Take a look at the tires and ensure that they are pumped up to the correct tread depth and have no punctures.
3. Test Drive
You should always take the car out for a test drive before you purchase it. The test drive allows you to get a feel for the car and identify any potential faults that need addressing immediately.
During your test drive, check that all of the lights work. Take the car through each of the gears to ensure it is fully functional at a range of speeds and directions.
At some point during the drive, apply the brakes gently without using the steering wheel. The car should not veer to one side and there should not be any loud noises. Take a listen to the engine to check for any unusual noises and see if there are any unusual emissions coming from the exhaust.
