The market in Spain has long tended towards the European and at the moment they are selling two used cars for each new one. The different crises have caused buyers to turn to the second-hand car market.
But buying second hand always has its risks and we have to take a series of precautions and advice so that the operation is not a disaster. The first thing you have to do is not rush and try inform yourself, compare and choose well what you want.
Buying a second-hand car has its advantages and disadvantages, and among the latter stands out the general ignorance of the treatment the vehicle has received by its previous owners. Furthermore, since the cars in demand are increasingly older, discovering it is even more difficult, since it is easier for the seller to camouflage possible faults. However, by paying a little attention to some details, to check that all the components are in correct condition, you can make a good purchase.
On this occasion we have compiled a series of tips if you are thinking of buying a second-hand car to help you discover those possible errors.
1. What do you need
Do you do many kilometers on the road? Do you need to take your children and transport many things? Do you have to cross the field? Are you worried about consumption? The first thing you have to think about is what type of vehicle do you need. Do you prefer a compact car, a utility vehicle, a sedan…
Once this is chosen, you can now focus on the brands or models. Do you like powerful cars? Do you value security elements? Are you looking for a large and comfortable car? These are some of the things you should ask yourself before deciding on one model or another.
2. Reading is knowing
Do some research. Start reading about the cars that best fit your criteria. On our news page you can find information about prices, models, photos, tips and reports on a multitude of models. The more information you get, the harder it will be for people to try to scam you.
3. Choose between an individual or a specialized company
The workshops or distribution networks Of the brands always offer greater purchase guarantees in the event of a vehicle with problems or some hidden defect. Claiming against an individual, as long as there is a contract involved, is more difficult, expensive and complicated.
3. Car exterior inspection
- In front of: Keep an eye on them headlights. If one looks newer than the other, it may indicate that it has been replaced… possibly as a result of a knock. Another important inspection point is the joint between the windshield and the roof, to check that it is completely straight and that there are no waves.
- Side: Pay close attention to the doors. If they do not close perfectly, it is very possible that they have been repaired and the car has had a hit in that area. A key point is the area of the hinges. Check that there are no recent welds or that the paint changes tone (it may have suffered an accident). If it is generally worn, it may have spent a lot of time outdoors, so it will be easy to find rust and plastic rubber in poor condition.
- Behind: He trunk It is an area where serious problems can be detected, since since it is not visible, possible repairs are more expensive. Make sure there are no strange welds in the spare wheel area. It is advisable to lift the carpet and rubber in that area to see if the car has been repainted, as it would indicate a visit to the body shop.
- Non-approved elements: If the car has a spoiler, underbody, lights or wheels that do not appear in the technical sheet, go with it to a technical station to check if it passes.
- tow ball: check if you have it; If so, the engine, brakes or suspensions have probably endured overstress that could shorten their useful life.
4. Interior inspection
Discard the purchase if any warning light comes on or all the controls do not work: air conditioning, lights, turn signals, heating, etc. If there are loose plastics or you notice a strange smell, beyond the typical tobacco smell, it is not a good sign. And if it smells like gasoline, even less so.
5. Car mechanical inspection
The mechanical failures They are more difficult to detect with the naked eye. Luckily, there is now insurance that covers mechanical failures in second-hand cars (and that serves as a guarantee for private purchases/sales).
6. Be careful with the km you mark
Nowadays it is difficult to fake the kilometers of a car, since for a few years now, when passing the ITV, the number of kilometers that the car has at the time of the inspection is recorded. There are also cars verified by independent companies (that evaluate km and mechanical condition), with which we will not have that problem.
Anyway, the engine needles They give clues. If when the car is stopped it does not indicate 0 revolutions per minute or 0 km/h, it is possible that the needles have been removed from their original position (this also happens with other indicators, such as the temperature needle, oil pressure or the fuel level indicator).
Other elements such as a steering wheel or driver’s seat Very worn (and the controls that are most used, such as those for windows, radio and air conditioning) can make us suspicious in a car with few kilometers. This is where the quality of materials employees, different in each brand and model, but when in doubt you can always check in what condition those of the same model of a similar age are preserved.
7. Are the papers in order?
At this point, an interesting procedure is to ask for a extended vehicle report to the DGT. For a very small amount of money (8 euros) you can check if the car has any embargo (the new owner would be responsible for lifting it), whether it has been imported and the number of previous owners (which may not match the data revealed by the seller).
The procedures and documentation to transfer a car are really simple. It is only necessary a purchase/sale contracthe circulation permitthe MOT card and the receipt of the last registration taxin addition to the ID of buyer and seller. It can be done through an agency or yourself at the provincial DGT office after paying a fee at the Treasury.
Here it is really important to check that both license plate as chassis number match those listed in the documentation. If not, it is most likely a stolen car.
8. Be careful with purchases abroad
It is common to find fake ads found abroad at a very low price. The scammers, who are behind these ads, will want you to transfer an amount of money as a reservation. If the car is abroad, don’t be interested in it.
9. Ask the seller questions
Do not hesitate to ask the seller about everything related to the vehicle in question. How many owners it has had, how it has been used, its mechanical history, whether it has had accidents, how much it consumes, reasons for sale, etc. Any information we obtain can help us make a decision one way or another or to try to negotiate the price.
10. Test the car before buying it
Although checking the car is very important, in the end, it is only by driving it that we will realize how it works and how the vehicle really is. Circulates through a route that includes city and highway (just like when you test drive a new car), so you can check the condition of the engine, gears, brakes, shock absorbers, etc. Look for strange sounds and don’t let the salesperson turn on the radio or open the windows during the test. Don’t forget to engage reverse gear, to try to test the vehicle in as many situations as possible.
