tips on buying 2nd hand cars

First, and most important, check the papers and
verify the credentials of the previous owner. If the car has been used
for a company or taxi, its mileage may be false and its care minimal.
Ensure that the papers are not duplicates, as many stolen cars have
such papers. Speak to the previous owners or to the dealer who has been
servicing the car. If your seller can't give you this information
something may be fishy. Do not part with your money till you are
absolutely sure. The registration paper will also tell you if there
have been one or more previous owners. If there are more than two, it
may be a bit risky.

Check for accidents.
Peer at the left and right fenders from the front and rear to see if
the lines and curves are straight. Check that there are no deviations
in the fitting of the doors, bonnet and boot. Look for faded paint.
Look under the car for welding within the chassis or suspension parts.
Also check for rust. It costs little to get your neighbourhood mechanic
to also give you an opinion. If it looks suspicious walk away.

Check the mileage the car has done.
The odomoters can sometimes be fiddled with so look for scuffed brake
and accelerator pads or worn gear levers to give you clues. Try to get
a small car with less than 50,000 Kms on the clock or a larger car with
less than 80,000.

Check the engine. Start
the cold engine and check for black smoke out of the exhaust as it
accelerates. Also open the oil cap while the engine is running to see
if there are any puffs of smoke blowing by the pistons. If there is
smoke, the pistons and rings are worn. Don't touch it. A useful trick
is to pull out the oil dipstick and rub the oil between your thumb and
finger as if you know that some scoundrels put thick oil or even
sawdust in the lubes to hide the worn engine. Even if you can't tell
the difference it makes you look knowledgeable.

Check the paint, and tyres.
Original paint is a big plus but no car can be unscratched in Indian
traffic, so a good repainting is acceptable. Check that the tyres are
not worn or retreads. Start life in your new old car with decent tyres,
as a new set or a pair is not very expensive so deduct the cost from
the buyer price. If the wheel rims are dented it might have been in an
accident. New batteries usually last for over two years. If it is new,
the owner will have the guarantee card.

All cars now have AC and power steering and not much value is attached
to accessories, so the price of an LX model and VX model are not far
apart. If the music system is not working, consider that it must be
dead and deduct about Rs. 5000 from the transaction price.

Test drive
the car and check the left and right hand steering, brakes, cornering
and handling at speed. Also check for the effectiveness of the AC and
listen for rattles.