What To Check When Buying A New Car.

[mumof4]

This is compiled from posts from members of the forum.Hope this is of some use to those thinking of buying a Gal etc..Thanks to all who contributed.

 

Appologies if some parts are duplicated, but i just copied pasted till i can edit it.

 

 

Condition of wiper mechanism - is it about to stick

Evidence that timing belt and tension pulleys? had been changed

Check/ask if motor has been involved in crash

Air conditioning - does it need regassed

 

on the test drive...

ensure 1.9 diesels get up to speed nicely - if it seems to be lacking - MAF sensor

go over some bumps and listen for knocking noises - drop links

try all electrics

check for even tyre wear

if automatic, test out the whole gearbox - including tiptronic

check the sills arnt crushed

check engine over - check service/milage

 

inside..

Check interior, is it clean?

check the steering wheel, has it got too much play in it?

Foot rubbers, you can tell if a car has been clocked if they havent changed the foot rubbers as they wear over time.

Check the seat belts,

If the seats are supposed to move..move them and make sure that they do

If it has a stereo, make sure that it works

Make sure the air con works and the heater

 

check paint work and body

 

I think paper work should be checked aswell...MOT cert...V5....service history...and also how long owned for.

 

always view in daylight.

 

 

one thing no one does is take a cd/tape or md and check it works

we all turn radio on but what about the other parts of the audio

also test drive with all noisy items off radio heater (even on a cold day )but make sure it does work while car is stationary also leave heater of and see if car over heats as with heater on the car runs cooler

also make sure car is cold when you get there as noises disappear when warm

 

Also check the tyres for tread depth/damage also the spare if it has one.

Check the body work/windows/ and that the wipers work!

 

what about the engine compartment?

 

All fluid levels, air filter, when was the cam belt changed?.....spark plugs tell a lot about the state of the engine...so check one if you can

 

One tip.....if when you first see the car..go with your first impression..if you dont like it then walk away, as the longer you look at it the more you will convince yourself that you will like it!

 

also if possible, take someone with you so that if you do take it for a test drive, they can see if it "crabs"..(subframes)

quick check on the brake disc for scoring and lips,take it for a test drive brake at 30mph nice and easy,should not pull left ot right,if the road is smooth(hard to find one i know

 

 

check the footwells for water

 

Remove oil filler cap and look for creamy gunk either attached to the cap or in the filler hole. Could indicate either water in the oil (possible head/gasket problems) or condensation build up due to the car being used for too many short runs. Either way, a good indicator to run a mile or take a chance and haggle for big reductions on the price!

 

Drive the car on an uncambered straight road (with no other cars around and only briefly for safety reasons!) and let go of steering wheel - should drive straight. Then brake without holding wheel and should brake straight. Any deviation to either side could be track rod ends, drop links, warped disks, unevenly worn pads, tracking, balancing etc etc. Again, either walk away if you don't want the hassle of trying to put it right, or use it to your advantage and get the price reduced!

 

Considerations when buying a Gal...

 

Does it have a log book.....if no walk away

 

No Engine Spray Shield underneath....walk away

 

Oily handmarks inside engine.....walk away

 

Does the seller appear to be a Gypo......walk away

 

If Diesel and the engine sounds like mine....walk away

 

If petrol and the engine sounds like mine....run away quickly

 

Does mileage appear very low for age.....walk away

 

4X4 if no driveshaft to rear axle....walk away

 

Doesn't start...get your multimeter out....or possibly walk away

 

Hope this helps

[Wigman]

Hello

I want to buy a Galaxy for the first time,my budget is

[worras]

Be careful of getting an RAC inspection costing