What to look out for when buying a used car

Potential customers at a used car showroom at Turf City on 6 April 2013.

I’m thinking of buying a used car to replace my current vehicle, which is fast approaching 10 years old.

I have seen some attractive deals on online used-car websites such as sgCarMart.

What should I be looking out for when buying a used car?

When buying a used car, look for one which is around three years old and avoid those that have had more than one owner.

It is best to arrange a viewing out in the open during the day. Flaws can be better spotted in bright light.

Take your time when buying a used car. Check the bodywork and look for any signs of repair or respray such as inconsistency in the gloss, mismatched colour or uneven panel gaps.

Bring a friend who is eagle-eyed. On a used car, minor nicks, especially dimples created by other motorists’ careless door-swings and stone chips, are acceptable.

Focus on the mechanicals – engine, gearbox and suspension. When buying a used car, look for one which averaged no more than 20,000km a year.

Before buying a used car, it is best to send the car for a pre-sale inspection. This may cost a few hundred dollars but is worth it.

Check that the tyres are evenly worn and are of a known brand. Used-car dealers often fit new but low-quality tyres as a selling point.

The acid test, of course, is the test drive.

An engine with about 60,000km should idle silently, run smoothly and emit no smoke at all.

Pay particular attention to gear changes, which should be smooth.

Listen for any unusual noise when accelerating briskly or when riding over bad surfaces. Observe if there are any vibrations when braking.

At the end of your drive, look for any leaks under the bonnet while the engine is still idling and listen for any odd clatter.

If the “Check Engine” light comes on at any time during the drive or when idling, it is best not to buy that particular used car.

Finally, deal with the owner directly or, at the very least, a reputable used-car dealer.