Buying a used car can sometimes be quite complex and challenging. There is so much choice! You want to buy a nice car that will last you for years and will give you a lot of mileage. Are you going to look at a car? Then take someone with you who has experience buying a car. And be very critical. In this article you will find tips on what to look for when buying a used car.
Go by the first impression
It’s time to start your search for a used car. Look at the car details in the advertisement. Compare the asking price with cars of the same model, year and/or mileage. This way you know if the sale is realistic or too good to be true. Also try to find out why the current owner is selling the car. That way you won’t get any unnecessary surprises. The first impression is of course the most important.
Check the official details
Ask the seller to identify himself. Check whether the name on the registration certificate matches the name on the identity card. Also check the vehicle identification number, also known as the chassis number or frame number. This number must match the number behind the windscreen or under the bonnet. Does it not match? Then you could be dealing with a stolen vehicle. You do not want that to happen. A double check is a good thing to do. Ask the seller to tell you what maintenance has been done to the car. You can also see this in the maintenance booklet. Just take it with you. Also use the free RDW service to request information about the car, such as the number of owners to date, when the current owner bought the car (date of last registration) and the expiry date of the MOT.
What does the car look like on the outside and is it still in good condition?
Check the exterior of the car. This concerns the seams of the bonnet, boot lid and doors. The seams should be straight. If not, the car may have had car damage in the past. Check whether the tyres have sufficient profile and whether they are the same. Also check if the car has rust. Rust stains mainly occur on the wheel arches, bumpers, sills (underside of the car) and around the boot lid. It is also good to check for leaks in the boot. This happens quite often. In addition to the boot, the front footwell is a common place for leaks. Musty smell in the car? This could be a leak!
Now you know what to look for when buying a used car. Have you bought a car? Congratulations! It is important to insure your car properly with Autoverzekering.nl. Click here for more information: car insurance Netherlands. So you can be well prepared on the road and you will not have any unpleasant surprises. Good luck buying a car!
