You might be about to splash out on a new motor, but then you find yourself asking, what should I look for when buying a used car? Well, there are so many small, detailed items to check when buying a used car that we could probably write an entire book on them. To help you make a confident and informed decision, here are the five most important checks to carry out before you buy.
Essential Used Car Buying Checklist
1. Documentation
The first thing to check when buying a used car is the documentation. This not only verifies the car’s history and previous ownership, but it’s always a good sign if, when asked, the seller can produce a thick file of documents. Look for everything from the registration form to the service history and NCT data, right down to individual receipts for work done.
2. Check the Mileage and Interior Condition
Next, check the mileage and verify it against previous NCTs and the service record. Also, check the interior and the car’s overall condition against the indicated mileage. Cars, in general, wear their years a little more easily these days, so if the cabin looks worn out, then that could be a sign that the car has lived a very hard life indeed.
3. Inspect the Bodywork for Damage
After that, go around the bodywork and check for accident damage. Obvious dents and scuffs will be pretty easy to spot, but look more carefully. Do the various body panels line up reasonably neatly, and are the panel gaps consistent? Is there any sign of paint being badly sprayed to cover up a repair? Look for ripples and uneven surfaces.
4. Review Basic Safety Requirements
Check the basic safety requirements, too. Are all the lights and indicators working? Do the tyres have legal tread (preferably a little bit more, really)? If the car is fitted with a spare tyre, is it there, is it in reasonable condition, and is there a jack and wheel brace? Do the windscreen washers work? Are all the seatbelts clicking into position properly?
5. Take a Comprehensive Test Drive
Take a test drive, and when you start up the engine, look carefully to see that all of the warning lights flick on, and then quickly off. Listen carefully for unwanted noises from the engine, or clonks or rattles from underneath the car which may indicate worn suspension or steering. Check that the brakes work properly and that the car stops quickly and in a straight line.
We’d advise you to check the history of any car you’re thinking of buying using a car check service such as Motorcheck.
Why Pre-Purchase Car Checks Are Crucial
Traders are often called "dealers" and sell cars as part of their business. Private sellers generally have only one car to sell and are doing so in a personal capacity, not as part of their business.
According to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), if you buy from a dealer, you have some protection under consumer law. However, if you buy privately, you do not have the same consumer rights. The CCPC advises that if you decide to buy from a private seller, you should have an expert examine the car before you buy, ideally a mechanic or someone who is experienced with cars or the car-buying process.
While the motor trade has significantly cleaned up its act since the fly-by-night days of the 1970s and 1980s, the fact remains that buying a used car can still be a fraught business, especially for the significant number of Irish car buyers who purchase from private sellers. Running a comprehensive car history check through a service such as MotorCheck is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect yourself, regardless of who you are buying from.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I check if a used car has been clocked in Ireland?
To check if the mileage on a car has been clocked, you can run a comprehensive car history check. Services like MotorCheck compare readings against a national database, including previous NCT records, to highlight any mileage discrepancies.
What are my consumer rights when buying a used car privately?
If you buy a used car from a private seller, you do not have the same consumer rights as when buying from a dealer. Consumer laws primarily apply to transactions between a consumer and a registered business or trader. It is highly recommended to have a mechanic inspect the car and run a history check before purchasing privately.
Is an NCT certificate a guarantee that the car is safe?
No. While a valid National Car Test (NCT) certificate indicates the car met basic safety standards on the day of the test, it is not a guarantee of the car's overall mechanical condition or reliability. The NCT does not involve dismantling the engine or checking for hidden crash damage. Always conduct a thorough inspection and test drive.
Should I get a mechanic to inspect a used car?
Yes, it is always advisable to get a qualified mechanic to independently inspect any used car before purchase, especially if buying from a private seller. They can identify worn or dangerous parts that may not be obvious during a standard test drive.
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