What to check when buying a new car

[weeredmetro]

OK, I'm pretty sure this will have been done before but Search turns up 780 pages of results and I'm meant to be working so I can't trawl through them all.

I'm thinking of buying a secondhand car from a local dealer. Other than making sure it's taxed, MOT'd and not making oily puddles or funny noises, what should I look out for?

Dealer website says all cars come with:
12 month Scotsure Dealer guarantee (unless manufactures warranty still applies)

12 Months MOT

Fully serviced in our own workshop (if required)

HPI / Experian history check

7 Days free comprehensive insurance from Aviva

Full Valet

Road Tax

(It's a Fiesta 1.4 Zetec I'm looking at. I know a Mazda MX5 or a BMW 335d (mapped) might be a more PHish car, but I've got to be a realist!)

[anonymous-user]

My sister has had one of these for years, it's around 10 years old and has been thoroughly abused, run low on oil, missed services etc, it's been washed about 20 times max in 10 years (I kid you not), they're tough little buggers.

The only issues she's had has been suspension getting tired, so take it a drive and make sure it handles reasonable well without any clonks or rattles, other than that just the usual checks for previous accident damage and rust, the engine, drive and electrical bits seem pretty tough.

[bigdods]

I have a huge checklist I always take when buying a car regardless of its source (dealer or private). I dont have it to hand today. There is a lot more than this but heres a basic summary:

• Know what features this model should be fitted with, check that they are fitted

• Run your own HPI check, find the chassis number where it is stamped into the metal and make sure it matches the V5 logbook

• Check the every button works. Check that its warning light comes on (if it has one) and that the thing it is operating works as expected.

• Check all internal and external lights including brake lights

• Google for the dash layout and know what lights should come on with the ignition. Check that they light up. Its not uncommon for people to remove bulbs from fault warning lights

• Visual check of brake disks and pads, dampers/springs , exhaust mounting

• check tyre tread across the whole width not just the edge

• check spare typre

• check that all tools (jack etc) are present

• check locking wheelnut is present AND that it fits and works

• check that coolant is correct type (probably red) and is at the right level.

• check brake fluid and oil levels

• Measure the height of the top of each wheelarch from the ground. side to side they should be very close. If not suspect a big accident

• Check door closure gaps they should be even all around. Check boot and bonnet close gaps as well

• take a good look at the paintwork, is it even and smooth . Check for any overspray in wheelarches, under bonnet and inside the door shut lines

• get your nose on the floor and sniff the carpets for mould/must smells that indicate water ingress

• Take a look underneath with a very bright torch. look for any signs of welding or anything out of place. While you are there check under the engine for any oil leaks

• Test drive - take it to the red line at least once. Try pulling away with the handbrake on (checks handbrake hold). Do an emergency stop to check the ABS works. Cruise along in 5th at low speed to see if its lumpy.

• google for a buyers guide for the car you are looking at, check all the weak points listed.

• after the test drive let the engine idle until the cooling fans come on

• take a good look at the service history. It may be fully stamped and up to date but what were the gaps ? If for example its due a service every 10k but it has been done every 12k (or worse) then its not a full service history and you can negotiate some discount.

To be honest I have a long list , takes me about 2 hours to check everything then I use what I find to either negotiate a discount or walk away.

I have twice been saved when inspecting approved used cars at big name dealers that turned out to have had major accidents and been badly repaired , but on the surface they looked ok.