Used Car Buying Tips

So you have decided to buy a used car, looked online and found a couple of options, now it’s time to get out there and into a car.

It can always help to take someone with you who knows about cars. Even if you suspect the man in your life actually knows nothing about cars, it can be worth taking them with you for some moral support.

When buying a used car you have the option of buying from a dealership or privately. Whether you choose to buy privately or from a dealership is a matter of choice; each have thier own pro's and con's for you to consider. The main benefits of buying from an AHG dealership are:

	Guaranteed Vehicle Title - The vehicle cannot be repossessed because of any previous outsanding finance owing on the vehicle.
	Statutory Warranty | Used vehicles purchased from AHG dealerships also come with either a standard or premium vehicle protection warranty.
	Free 24 Hour Roadsiide Assist.
	Immediate sale of your current vehicle through trade in.
	Free Defensive or Recreational 4wd driving courses for customers who are under 25.

Our Used Car Inspection Checklist will help you keep track of the cars you are inspecting, as well as listing any problem areas. Simply download it, put a pen in your handbag, and off you go! You might also want to take your digital camera with you. Take photos to jog your memory and to show anyone who you might like to get an opinion from before you make your choice.

The Used Car Checklist Explained

The Body
Start by examining the body. While this has little to do with the functionality of the car, if it comes down to a choice between two, it will help to know the drawbacks of each one. Check That:
	The vehicle has not been involved in an accident. Or in the event that it has been repaired, ensure the repaires are satisfactory.
	There is no rust present. Check problem areas such as tyre wells in the boot and behind rubber window seals.
	The vehicles paint is in good condition and that it does not have any hail damage or dents. Keep in mind that many dents can now be repaired for a small fee, however re-painting faded or peeling panels can be expensive.
	There are no loose panels. This could be a sign that a simple clip has broken or that a vehicle has been involved in an accident.
Under the Bonnet
Leave the engine off and cast an eye over it and make sure it looks clean. A dirty engine can hide problems. A bit of black is normal, but a build up of oil and dirt is not. Check the coolant, making sure it's clean and vibrant (not clear). If there is flecks floating in it, or the colour is dull, this could indicate coolant system or engine problems. Look closely at the hoses and their surrounds. If there are white 'water' stains in the engine bay there may be a cracked hose or loose connection somewhere. Have a close look and if you're unsure get an independent inspection performed. Look at the battery and make sure it is clean with no corrosion. Now turn on the engine and make sure you can’t hear any rattling. After a few minutes gently 'rev' the engine and make sure it returns to a nice steady idle. Check the exhaust for smoke.
Underneath The Car
Time to get dirty. Look underneath the car to check the tyres are not worn. This may be an immediate expense which you had not budgeted for.  Check out Tyre Maintenance and Care for any possible meaning to strange wear patterns. Make sure there are no obvious leaks. A suspicious looking black patch means oil is leaking, greenish patch means coolant is leaking, and a reddish patch means steering fluid. Water dripping from beneather the car may in fact be condensation from the air conditioning; check this before getting too worried.
Inside the Car
Remember a little clean up can make all the difference, so don’t discount a car if it isn’t as tidy as your own. But do check and make sure its:
	Lights all work.
	Seat belts are not frayed.
	All accessories are working (sat nav, power windows, power adapters, air conditioning and heater...).
	Seats are in good condition and fully adjustable.
	Indicators and wipers work.
If there is a dirty ashtray, check the rest of the car for burn marks in the upholstery.
Road Test
Before you get in the car, read about common Warning Signs you can look out for to make sure the car is running well. And take notice the car has:
	Precise and smooth steering with no noise.
	Responsive brakes with good feel. There should be no shudder in the pedal and no squeal.
	Smooth Transmission. If the car is manual make sure the clutch has adequate life left in it. There shouldn't be any grinding noises when changing gears and automatic transmissions should change quickly and smoothly.
	Good suspension. How does the car recover after uneven road surfaces? It should stabilse quickly. Is the ride comfortable? How does the car handle during cornering? Does it feel safe?
Legal
And, last but not least, if you're buying a car privately have the cars ownership checked. You will be able to make sure the person who is selling the car is the rightful owner. Also, you will be able to make sure the car isn’t already under finance. If you purchase from an AHG dealership you're guaranteed the vehicle title.
Notes
Write any notes you may have in the notes section. Remember test driving can be a mind numbing exercise; you might need the notes to remind you of something that will sway your decision. Or that one guy looked a little dodgy, while the other was quite cute. Now you have test driven all your cars, it is time to make a choice. Hopefully you have found something you like. Look back over your notes, and make a decision, then it’s time to bargain!