by Arwa Jawaid

Created on: August 16, 2010   Last Updated: August 17, 2010

So you have decided to buy a used car but don’t know where to start from? Don’t worry this used car buying guide will help you in every way possible to make your investment worthwhile. First off, you need to know what are the major issues people face while buying used cars. Buying a used is a tough job for starters but an easy one to go through for experts. Starters are usually ditched by false registrations, improper functioning of the major components of the car and fake paint jobs. All these factors contribute towards making your transaction healthier and much more profitable for you.

Let’s get start with the factors you should consider while buying used cars:

Registration, chassis number and engine:

Three major areas you need to get down to right at the start is the registration number, chassis number and the engine number. While the engine number here is of little importance, the chassis number and registration number are the major areas to consider. Buyers should make sure that the car they are buying is registered with the state authority and has the same chassis number in the file.

Condition of the engine:

Start by checking the engine number to see if it is the one registered in the file. If it is then it means that it is the original engine of the car and if it’s not then the owner must have replaced it. It is not always bad to have a replaced engine. At times owners install better engines to make the car perform better. So the next step is to check out the condition of the engine. The best way of checking the engine is by its sound and looks. Beginners might won’t be able to spot a bad engine so it’s better to take a mechanic along. If the sound of the engine is smooth (not dead and not too noisy) this means that the engine is good enough to go. Also check if the engine is vibrating or not. If it is that means it is either not tuned up regularly or the foundations are weak. Inquire the owner about the issues as soon as you spot them.

Condition of the body:

Second to the engine is the condition of the car’s body. Avoid buying cars that have rust on the body as you don’t know how deep the rust has spread. Also look at the paint of the car very carefully and if you feel that the paint is not original ask the owner about it. At times owners get a rusted car painted so that buyers can’t spot it. It is best not to opt for such cars and always go for the ones with original paint or with a good paint job done. Avoid going for cars that have shower paint on it.

Brakes, accelerator, clutch plates and the gear box:

Al these four components are very important to check out. If any of these feel improper or not in the right condition then you should inspect how deep the damages are. If you think the damages can be processed and made better with minimum cost then go for it or else leave the car. If the gear box is damaged or rusted, leave the car at once. Gear boxes are tough to replace or fix and they can cost you more than a thousand bucks so avoid such cars.

Wheel alignment and the axle:

Drive the car and for a second or two leave the steering and see if it is going straight or not. If it is not it means that the alignment is out and you will have to fix it. Another major thing that needs to be checked out is the axle. Try turning the car on the left and right at and see if the wheels are making any vibrations or vibrating sounds. If they are this means that the axles need some work to be done. It is best to check out with your mechanic and see what the cost would be of fixing up the axles before you proceed.

Follow these instructions and make sure you buy the right car next time!

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