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Tetyana Yermolenko
Correspondent
How to check a car before buying?
The secondary car market allows you to save a lot of money compared to buying a new car. But where there are savings, there may be additional risks. For example, if you are reckless in buying a used car without checking it, the costs of repairing the car can even increase the price of the car itself.
And as a result, an unpleasant situation may arise when you save money on the inspection and spend money on repairs. Therefore, the Delo.ua editorial team recommends carefully inspecting the car before buying. What to pay attention to, what to consider first and what to avoid – read on.
Legal vehicle inspection
Many buyers of used cars encounter legal problems already at the stage of re-registration, after a successful inspection of the car. Therefore, to avoid unpleasant situations, it is necessary to conduct several checks:
- according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs database to exclude the fact that the car is wanted;
- according to the State Register of Encumbrances on Movable Property to make sure there are no arrests and credit obligations;
- examination by a forensic expert;
- check engine number and documents;
- checking the car by VIN code to confirm its history.
Access to the Ministry of Internal Affairs' TSC databases or the register of encumbrances is usually limited to authorized persons, so to obtain official information, a written application, documents from the owner, and payment of a fee are required. In any case, this will cost much less than purchasing a problematic car.
Today, online car inspection before purchase is also available in Kyiv and other cities. Through open resources, you can find out if a car is wanted, check for debts, and also check the car's mileage to avoid fraud with a “rewound” odometer.
A comprehensive legal due diligence allows you to confidently move to the final stage of the purchase and protect yourself from financial and legal risks.
We learn the history of the car before buying
Experienced car enthusiasts recommend finding out how the car was operated by previous owners, whether it was in an accident, whether it was on credit, and also checking the mileage. This will help you assess the real condition of the car and avoid buying a problematic vehicle.
It is convenient if the car was purchased in Ukraine through an official dealer. In this case, it is enough to contact the authorized service center where the car was serviced. By presenting documents, you can get a detailed history of repairs, replacements and technical work.
Some car manufacturers, such as BMW or the VAG concern (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat) , have combined their databases. This allows you to get information about a car even if it was purchased abroad.
Thus, a comprehensive check of the car's history before purchasing will protect you from “surprises” in the form of hidden accidents, inflated mileage, or technical problems.
What is the technical condition?
Even if the documents are in order, there are still technical issues that can make operation dangerous and costly. Even with an independent inspection, you can determine the condition of the car and whether it makes sense to have a more detailed inspection of the car .
- Under the hood. Open the hood, look under the insulation, inspect the locks and hinges. Rust, oily dirt, a burning smell or an engine that is too clean can indicate problems. Start the car and listen to the starter – extraneous noises are a signal of a malfunction.
- Chassis and wheels. Push the wheels, check the tire alignment and tread wear. Try to move off and brake sharply – if you hear a knock and the ABS does not respond properly, it is better to have the car further diagnosed.
- Body: Walk around the car, open all the doors, and inspect the bumper and hood. The absence of chips or scratches on an older car may mean that it has been repainted. You can use a paint thickness gauge to confirm.
- Interior. If you have any doubts about the stated mileage, it is worth checking the car's mileage , as well as paying attention to the condition of the upholstery and seats. Worn seat sides or a wrinkled cushion indicate high mileage.
- Shock absorbers. The car should not sway. If this happens, the shock absorbers need to be replaced.
But even if you know a lot about cars, it's best to leave this job to the experts. Today, in large cities, a pre-purchase inspection service is available, even with an expert's visit. Such diagnostics cover the body, engine, electronics, suspension, and other key components, and also includes a pre-purchase inspection of the car based on the database and technical parameters.
Mandatory test drive
Even the most thorough check of documents, history and technical condition will not replace a test drive of the car . This is a key stage that allows you to understand how the car behaves on the road and whether you will be comfortable behind the wheel. During a test drive, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Starting the engine. The car should start without delays or extraneous sounds.
- Gearbox operation. Shifting should be smooth, without jerks or grinding.
- Controllability. The car should obey the steering wheel, not “pull” to the side and not make suspicious sounds when turning.
- Brakes. Check the braking efficiency and ABS operation – the pedal should respond clearly, without “failures”.
- Suspension. Do you hear a knock or creak on bumps? This is a signal that additional inspection is needed.
- Comfort. Evaluate the operation of the air conditioning, heating, multimedia and other systems, because they will affect the daily use of the car.
During a test drive, you can check not only the technical specifications, but also the driving experience. Sometimes a car may be in good condition, but not suit you in terms of comfort or dynamics.
It is best to test drive in a variety of conditions: in the city, on the highway, and even on rough roads. This will help you comprehensively evaluate the car and conclude whether it is worth your attention.
Remember: a mandatory test drive before buying a car is an opportunity to protect yourself from mistakes and make sure that the vehicle is right for you.
