What should I pay attention to when buying a used car?
2 Answers
Pay attention to the performance of the car to avoid buying a poor-performing vehicle. When choosing a used car, be sure to tap the body and listen for any abnormal sounds, start the engine, and listen for any irregularities in the engine noise. Check the chassis and frame carefully—do not purchase if any deformation is found. After an accident, even if the car's exterior is well-repaired, its frame and chassis are often difficult to restore. Here are some additional tips: Special attention: When buying a car, inspect the exterior carefully, observing whether all corners and parts of the car have been repainted. Some used cars have been in accidents. To increase the value of these vehicles, dealers may refurbish and repaint them to make them appear newer. Therefore, check for wear on the tires, headlights, and bumper.
I've tried buying used cars several times myself, and the key is to thoroughly inspect the vehicle's condition. Start with the exterior—walk around the car to check for obvious scratches or dents, which could indicate past collisions. Open the hood and listen to the engine to ensure it runs smoothly; loud noises or unusual sounds are red flags. Don’t overlook the braking system—press the pedal lightly a few times to test responsiveness. Tire tread depth should be at least 1.6mm, or else high-speed driving becomes unsafe. Interior wear can reveal issues too, like sagging seats suggesting odometer fraud. It’s worth spending a bit to have a car-savvy friend take a look or schedule a professional mechanic’s inspection, covering the chassis and drivetrain. Never skip the test drive—take it on a short highway stretch to check acceleration and braking, ensuring smooth handling.
