Questions To Ask When Buying A Used Car - Part 2

Welcome back to part two of my article series. Thishas a standard or automatic transmission? Which
mini-used car buying guide is a compilation list of mywould you like better? Generally, a standard 5 speed
most important questions to ask when buying a usedtransmission is the best choice, as it is less complex
car.and more fuel efficient. C'mon! Stick is more fun
To recap from part one, over the phone we want toanyway!
make clever inquiry to see if we can establish withFind out it they have service records. If they have no
some certainty that the seller is not a private carservice records, it is a strong indication that the car has
dealer. Then we ask them questions to determinenot been well maintained. By looking at the service
whether how long they have owned the car and ifrecords, you can see the maintenance history, and any
they are the original owner. The final area covered inrepairs. For example, a receipt for a new engine adds
part 1 was to pay close attention to the sense we getvalue to any car. When the time comes to sell your
from the seller's response to our asking about theircar, this can be handy evidence to present someone
reasons for selling. If we are satisfied with theto backup your request for top dollar.
outcome of this initial round, it is time to get a bit moreNo list of tips on buying a second hand car can be
specific.complete if it doesn't include being sure that you ask
One of my top questions to ask about buying a usedthe seller if it has ever been in an accident. If their
car is whether it has a gas or diesel engine. This mayanswer is yes, ask them if it was a write off. If yes,
not be applicable unless you are looking for a diesel, asmove on. There are lots of other cars to choose from.
the vast majority of cars only come with a gas motor.If their answer is no, find out how long ago the
However, if you are looking for incredible economyaccident was, and what area of the car sustained
and bulletproof reliability, you will want to considerdamage? You will want to look carefully at these
buying a car equipped with a diesel or even better, aareas when you go to see the car.
turbo diesel engine. VW Jettas and Golfs are andIf the damage is recent, it may be difficult to tell how
were and still are built with both gas and diesel motors,well the repairs will hold up. If it was a long time ago
and those motors last a long, long time!and it still looks okay, that can be a good sign. If the
Ask them how many kilometers or miles are on thedoors were affected, there is a good chance that
car? For a gas engine, anything much over 250,000they don't close perfectly anymore, and may make
km or 150,000 miles is a bit too much, unless the carwhistling sounds at highway speed. Very annoying on
has been meticulously maintained. In the case of along journeys!
diesel engine, 300,000 km or 180,000 miles is justOkay, we are getting some good information from our
getting going. If it has been meticulously maintained, aseller! That's it for part 2. Stay tuned for part 3 where I
diesel can go for a million kilometers.will dive into the nitty-gritty of how to narrow down
Determine whether your potential future companionyour search for the perfect used car.