Today, an automobile can be driven for many years and have a few hundred thousand kilometres on the odometer and still run properly. If the vehicle is in good shape and has already depreciated, purchasing it can be a very wise choice. Avoid being pushed into purchasing a used automobile because you believe it will sell quickly; instead, make an informed decision after doing your research to avoid regrets later. It is always good to get a test report from a professional workshop, however, if you cannot do that, make sure to check the points below.
SERVICE HISTORY
Get the service history from the dealership if the automobile has been running locally. The fact that you are purchasing a dependable car that has been well-used increases if the car has received regular maintenance.
If the vehicle has been used abroad, make sure it is compatible with the hot and dry conditions in the GCC, that spare parts are available, and that it hasn't been in any significant collisions, storms, tempests, or floods. Online VIN checks can give results, even if you might have to pay a little fee. Checking the vehicle's VIN can also reveal any OEM recalls that may not have been addressed.
BODY PANELS, PAINT, GLASS PANELS
If you see that a portion of an automobile's body has been changed, the car has likely sustained serious damage. Stay away if the car's frame appears to have been welded or repainted because it might not hold up in another collision! A minor dent is not very significant, but vehicles that have been in serious head-on collisions will have mechanical problems and be unsafe. Therefore, it's usually better to move on if you see a car with a noticeable panel replacement, an area of paint that doesn't match the rest of the car, or any manufacturer detail plates that are missing or have been repaired. Also, verify that the windscreen and glass panels in every window have the same OEM name; if not, they may have been changed.
DIRTY INTERIOR
A dirty interior doesn't affect a car's quality all that much, but if a seller couldn't spare the time to tidy up the cabin that might be a sign of something much more serious. In other words, what are the possibilities that the driver spent the time necessary to maintain the mechanical side of their car if they couldn't spare time for the interior? If the car you are interested in is covered in dirt, mud, or grime, you should be suspicious of its general condition also.
5 FLUID LEVELS
Checking the 5 fluids can disclose costly mechanical issues that you don't want to deal with, as well as show how well the vehicle has been kept. For instance, there is a significant chance that the head gasket is worn out if coolant and oil are combined. Serious engine overheating and failure may result from this. You can learn a lot by checking the transmission fluid. There can be a leak if the transmission fluid level is low. Additionally, you should not buy it if it is dirty or contains metal particles. That typically indicates overheating. Look for any leaks on the ground where the car is parked.
TYRES
Tyres are fairly expensive, and purchasing a used automobile that currently needs new tires will cost you several hundred Rials. Try to bargain with the dealer and work on a new set of tires or lower the price if you're interested in a car that needs new tyres. When the tires are mismatched and of different brands, it indicates that they were replaced at various intervals and that the car was not well-maintained. If tyres are not worn evenly it can indicate alignment problems.
TOBACCO SMELL
There's no getting rid of the smell of tobacco smoke in a car. It permeates the upholstery, where it remains there indefinitely despite shampooing or perfuming. Avoid the car unless you smoke and don't mind the smell at all. On the other hand, you can probably bargain and get a reasonable discount if you do plan to smoke in the car anyhow.
MODIFICATIONS
Many people enjoy making modifications to their cars, and it can be a lot of fun to make a car genuinely yours. Not everyone who tries to modify an automobile, though, is as smart as they might like to believe. You should ask for specific details if you're looking for a modified car in particular, such as an off-roader. Find out who performed the adjustments and what changes were made. Spend some time performing your inspections as well, or have a mechanic go over the entire car with you. It's wise to look for something different if you're not looking for a modified car.
CHECK THE ENGINE LIGHT ON
If you're purchasing the car from a dealership, they need to have already done their due diligence. But if you purchase from a private seller, it's possible that they aren't even aware of the reason the light is on. If you can't identify the issue accurately, don't move forward with the purchase. The check light has likely been entirely disabled for a reason. If it doesn't illuminate at all when the ignition is turned on, then don’t even think of buying the car.
SHINY NEW PARTS
Look for things like one brand new headlight or new shiny parts under the hood, they could be covering up an accident or engine problems. Ask immediately about anything that looks out of place if you observe it. Moving forward might be appropriate if there is a convincing reason given to you, but if there is a lot of hesitation, leave the deal.
