GUIDE TO BUYING A SECOND HAND CAR

Given the weather conditions in the region, and the ever expanding network of roads and freeways, a car is considered an essential purchase by nationals and expats alike. Upgrading a car periodically, or when the warranty is about to run out, is also a trend. The result, is a mammoth used car market.

Second hand, pre-owned, or used, whatever the terminology, a car that has had a previous owner comes with one big advantage: a much lower price tag. But sometimes there could be a higher price to pay down the road, if the car is not thoroughly checked out, especially for expensive replacements like the tyres.

Once you have decided on the brand and model that fits your budget (helped along by family, friends and the {sometimes unsolicited} advice of colleagues), it’s time to decide if you wish to play it safe and go to an authorized dealer or get a more competitive rate by purchasing it directly from the owner via a newspaper, online sites or social media platforms. 

If you opt for a dealer you may pay extra, but you could benefit from offers on the warranty, insurance, registration and down payments. You can also do a background check on the dealer’s service reputation.

Should you decide to buy directly from the owner, you must be extra vigilant about things like the mileage (it could have been altered), safety checks, the age and quality of the second hand tyres, and service history.

Whichever option you pick, here are some pointers to keep in mind:

• Stay abreast about the depreciating value of the car you wish to buy. Given the constant supply of used cars, prices fluctuate. At certain times of year (like Ramadan) attractive offers on new cars can affect the prices of used ones.
• Test drive the car to ensure that all is well with it.

There are 145 checks that must be carried out on a used car before purchase. Get the car checked at the dealer’s workshop, at an RTA Service Centre or by an independent professional.

Important things to check for:

• Check the car’s odometer to determine the car’s age and health (a mileage above 130,000km could spell trouble.
• Check for dark brown stains on the engine – which will need a mechanic’s attention
• Brake fluid should be clear, yellowish or light brown at the most.
• Rust will indicate that the water pump, radiator or heater core will need repairing
• Transmission fluid should be clear
• Check the boot for signs of water entry or rust.
• Check for frame damage
• Look for rust, dents or scratches on the paint job
• Check the interior, seats and upholstery for tears, stains or other forms of damage.
• Check the air conditioning.
• Check the second hand tyres.They have an expiry date (in the UAE it is five years from date of manufacture, in other countries it is six years) so double check when this is coming up. If you spot any of the following, the tyres need to be checked by a professional before you decide to buy the vehicle.
• You see the glimmer of metal. The damage could have resulted from uneven roads or sharp objects, and could lead to a flat or a sudden blowout.
• Weather cracks and sidewall bulges or bubbles
• The car pulls to one side, an indicator of bad wheel alignment or delayed rotation of the tyres
• Tread wear bars that are visible or level with the tyre tread means the tyres have done their time.

If the tyres do need replacing, and you are happy with the condition of the rest of the car, you want to get your ride a set of wheels that are safe, comfortable and long lasting. Like Bridgestone's Turenza Tyre.