How to inspect a vehicle at used car sales

Buying a used car can be risky if you’re not purchasing from an authorised dealer. Unlike buying new, when buying a pre-owned car there are no guarantees that the vehicle you purchase will be flawless. In order to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth, it’s always best to buy pre-owned cars from an approved dealer or motor retailer like CMH Carshop.

There is a myth that plagues the used car salesman: a used car salesman will never tell you the entire truth about the car you’re interested in buying. While this myth is a generalisation and untrue, it is likely that you will end up buying a lemon if you’re not careful when inspecting a vehicle. The excitement that builds around buying a car, and the incredibly low prices of the vehicles at used car sales, can sometimes blind the car buyer into making a purchase that he or she will regret at a later stage. Don’t let that person be you. By following these used car buying tips below, you’ll be armed with the information you need to make a worthy purchase.

What should I look for when inspecting a used car?

Though it’s always best to have a mechanic with you at used car sales, you can also determine whether the car in question is a bargain or failure without a mechanic.

• Vehicle history: Always ask to view the official vehicle history report of the car you’re considering buying. This will tell you everything you need to know about the history of the vehicle, such as flood damage, accidents and the true odometer reading. This way you’ll be able to tell the actual mileage of the vehicle and if the odometer reading has been tampered with.
• Value and price: Sometimes the cheapest car is not always the best purchase. You are definitely going to find your dream car at a very low price amongst the many car ads you browse through. If the price of a specific car is very different from the retail value then there’s bound to be something wrong with the car. Sometimes sellers advertise Code 2 or Code 3 cars at low prices to hook the buyer and only notify him or her afterward that the car has been in an accident. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Roadworthy: In order to drive a vehicle in South Africa, the vehicle needs to pass a standard roadworthy test to ensure it is fit to be on the road with other cars. When buying privately at used car sales it is usually the seller’s duty to have the vehicle tested before selling. You should always ask the seller whether you can be present when the car is tested and roadworthy approved, so that you won’t have to pay extra on repair costs if the test is done at a later stage.

CMH Carshop offers approved used cars at affordable prices

CMH Carshop has dealerships across the country specialising in approved used cars for Chevrolet, Nissan, Honda, Volkswagen and more. Before they are advertised, our vehicles undergo strict testing to ensure that every car passes the specific manufacturer’s guidelines so that our customers are provided with the best quality used cars. Search for used cars online now to find the model that best appeals to you.