BERLIN: Buying a used car can save quite a bit of money, but it also requires you to do a bit more homework before the actual purchase.
It goes without saying that a test drive should absolutely be part of the process. That way, potential buyers can check that the brakes work, among other potential issues, says the German car club ADAC.
The best way to check that the brakes work is to find a free stretch of road, then accelerate to 100kph. Gradually slow down and see how the vehicle reacts - does it stay in the lane? Does the car behave strangely? Does the engine make strange noises?
Before the test drive, potential buyers should have plenty of time to inspect the vehicle, without being rushed, in the daylight and in dry weather. The car should be clean so that any damage is visible.
Looking under the car will tell if it's leaking fluids - a bad sign.
Cloudy coolant can indicate a faulty head gasket, while damp floor carpets in the interior signal that the body could be leaky.
Seatbelts that don't automatically retract will have to be replaced.
Tampered speedometers, hidden damage and missing paperwork are common problems that potential used car buyers can face. To avoid any nasty surprises, it's important to pay attention that all the vehicle's documents are in order, says the ADAC.
It's also important to check that the person selling the vehicle is actually its owner.
