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Car's Life Depends on the Engine
When you check the engine, ask for registration and check if the numbers match. If the numbers don't match, you can almost be sure that the car had a major accident.
Check if the engine was re-painted or if there's any sign of welding. When the engine is turned on, listen to the engine sound if it's too loud. Look for the transmission and see if the discs are too worn out. If the starters and injection pumps are not clean, you can assume that the car had been on rough roads a few times.
The emptier, the noisier
If you are a neophyte about cars, the first thing you can check is the door. Test if the doors close smoothly. For the under chassis, if there's a rock-rolling sound or a grinding sound from the shock-absorber, springs and/or muffler, it means that the parts are wearing out.
Test drive - a must
Drive the car at the speed of 60 to 100 km/hour to check the noise from the engine, vibration of the steering wheel and condition of the brakes. For beginners, it is better to ask an experienced car buyer to go along for a better check-up. If the car doesn't start immediately, the car is most likely been idle for some time. You would also want to see if the wind shield wipers, stereo and air-conditioning system are working properly.
Test drive with the seller
To get a good used car, you have to check every detail possible then test drive with the seller. By doing so, you can point out problems right away and you can get a good explanation, if not discount. If the seller refuses for no reason at all, it is better you give up on that car.
Start the engine and check the sound from the engine. Confirm the mileage by inspecting the odometer. The usual mileage is about 20,000 KM per year and if it goes beyond that, the car might have been over used. While driving, check if there's unnecessary vibration. When idle, the car's RPM should be between 700 - 800. See if the transmission is smooth.
Car with no record
When you sign the purchase contract, make sure it indicates the same registration number, engine number and chassis number. Check the OR and CR for verification.
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Wearing out tires tell all
The safety is on the chassis while performance is on the engine. You should make sure that the chassis is okay by looking at the condition of the tires. If one or one side is worn out more than the other, it means that the chassis is not well balanced. A well-balanced chassis is equals to safe driving. If the tires are wearing out unevenly, there's problem with the shock-absorber, or other parts of the chassis.
Emission test: the comprehensive diagnosis
If the engine is in good condition, it burns the fuel completely and doesn't leave smoke. Thus, if the displacement is polluted, you better be careful in considering the purchase.
Safe car rather than cheap car
Cars are different from other appliances. Being composed with approximately 25,000 parts, who and how it was being used make a big difference. Your choice should rather be 'how it was used?' than 'how much does it cost?'.
Consider the use and choose the right model
To choose a good used car, you have to consider what type of car you need to for a certain purpose. If the car doesn't match your need, you'd rather spend money for something else. Aside from the purpose, you also have to consider your budget, various maintenance costs, registration cost and insurance premium.
Make a checklist
Buying a used car differs from buying a brand new car because its condition depends on the maintenance of the previous owners. If you based your decision on looks, you might have to suffer some consequences. There could be cases that you might have to spend more for repairs. So, if you have doubts, you have to get an advice from experts or ask him to check the item.
If you are certain on what to look for, make a check list that includes accident check points, doors, bumpers, bonnet of engine room, chassis and tires. For interior, you have to check all the lamps, room lights, air-conditioning system, heater, windshield and windows.
Learning from the cars' registration
For used cars, the history of the owners of the vehicle is equally important to the maintenance history. If a car has been registered to a lot of people, it only tells you that it doesn't have a good record and people kept on selling it. The best and safest one is the owner-driver. If possible, ask for the driver's license and compare the name on the registration. If the car is on a 'rush' sale, you also have to be careful.
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