Part 4 ... Checking the interior

When looking at the interior of the car look for signs of clocking. Clocking is the term used when someone has tampered with the odometer to reduce the mileage of the car. This ruse is used to increase the vehicle's value, or lead you into thinking that the car is good value. Clocking is noticeable if the seats, seat belts, steering wheel, gear leaver and foot peddles are showing signs of excessive wear for the mileage shown. Also check the service book, see when the last service was stamped and how many miles the car had done.

While your checking the interior you should check any electrical switches to make sure that they work. I once bought a Mazda RX7 and all seemed ok. Unfortunately I didn't check to heater switches and it cost me £150 to put right. If the car has them, check that the electric windows and sunroof open and close smoothly. While checking the sunroof look at the trim around it. See if there are any stains from the sunroof leaking. If the vehicle has manual window and sunroof winders check that these work smoothly. Next take a look at the seatbelts and look for fraying and check that the buckles work correctly. Move the seats on their runners to see if they move freely. Check any folding seats as well to make sure that they work.

With the engine running and warm check that the heater gets hot. If it does not or it makes gurgling sounds when the water is pumped though the heater matrix, the cars engine could have a problem with the cylinder head, water pump or head gasket. If the car has air conditioning check that it works, also try the windscreen washers and wipers. Remember if your not sure about checking the interior get a independent inspection.

Part 3 ... Checking the outside

When looking at the outside of the vehicle walk around it looking for any signs of damage. See if all the paintwork matches, if a panel looks newer than the rest of the car there is a fair chance that the bodywork has been repaired at some point. On older cars check for signs of rust especially around the door sills, wheel arches and suspension mountings.

Next check the tyres, look for uneven wear and see how much tread is left on the tyres. Most car tyres have wear indicators that allow you to see quickly whether a tyre is in need of replacement. This usually consists of six small ribs within the main treads of the tyre. You can tell if the tyre needs changing when these ribs are the same level as the tread on the tyre. If the tyres are wearing unevenly there could be a problem with the suspension, steering or tracking. Next have a look at the wheels themselves, have they got any visible cracks or dents around the rim? If they have you might have to replace the wheel when the tyres need replacing. Also check for play in the wheel bearings by grabbing the top of the tyre, try to rock the wheel backwards and forwards. If you can feel the wheel rocking slightly there is a good chance that the bearings are worn. This check would be more accurate if the car is jacked up so that there is no weight on the wheel.

When you have checked the wheels and tyres do a quick bounce test to check the suspension. This check will only give you a rough idea but its worth doing. Firstly put your weight on the the bonnet and give the car a quick bounce. The car should bounce once and settle. Do the same at the boot end. If the car keeps on bouncing you can be sure that the shock absorbers are worn.
Now you can check that all the lights are working. Ask the seller to sit in the drivers seat and turn on the lights, you need to check High and Low beam, Side lights, indicators, fog lights if the car has them and parking lights. Next go to the rear of the car and see if the number plate light is working. Ask the seller to press the brakes to see if the brake lights are working, then ask the seller to put the car in reverse so that you can check that the reversing lights are working. Check the headlights for any cracks or large chips in the glass.

When you have checked out the lights have a look at the windscreen. Has it got any stone chips? Whether the screen will need repairing/replacing depends on a number of factors. When a stone chip/crack is within the drivers field of vision and over 10mm in diameter some work will need to be carried out. Also if there is a cluster of smaller defects not within the 10mm diameter but still in the drivers field of vision, you might have to repair/replace the windscreen to get the car through its next MOT.

Finally if the car has a sunroof check that there is no blistering of the paint nearby. It could be a sign of rust and a potential place for a leak.

Although I have covered most things in this article it is always a good idea to get a professional to look at the car before you buy. An independent vehicle inspection can help you weed out any potential problems. The outcome will tell you whether the car is a good buy, you need to look elsewhere, or give you some ammo to reduce the price.

Part 2... Useful information when buying a car privately

There are several things that you need to check for when viewing a car. Firstly pop the bonnet and see if the engine is warm as this could be a sign that the car is hard to start when cold. While the bonnet is up check the vehicle identification number (VIN) against the registration document (V5) to make sure that they match. The VIN is usually a stamped metal plate and consists of a series of numbers and letters usually 17 digits long. Sometimes the VIN will be machine onto the engine block. Most common places to find the vehicle identification number are as follows...

The radiator support bracket
Firewall
On the front of the engine block

Other places that you can find the VIN are ...

Drivers side dashboard where you will be able to see the number though the windscreen.
Drivers or passengers door post.
The Cars Maintenance/Service Book.

When you locate the VIN number take a while to check that it hasn't been tampered with. Its common for car thieves to alter or deface the VIN number to hide the vehicles true identity. If you can find the VIN number in several locations on the vehicle make sure that they all have the same number.
When you are happy that the VIN matches with the registration document you can go ahead and look at the engine in more detail. Unscrew the engine oil filler cap and look underneath it. What you are looking for is the colour of the oil. If the oil looks milky grey in colour it could mean the engine has a blown head gasket. Next lift the dipstick out and check that the engine oil is the correct level. Also look at the cooling system expansion bottle and make sure that the coolant is between the higher and lower level marks. Next check the brake and clutch fluid levels. If any of the above engine checks are not correct it could mean that the car has been poorly serviced. Just a couple of more checks before you lower the bonnet. Have a glance around and look for any frayed wires, excessive oil around the head and the condition of any belts that you can see. If the car is high millage ask the seller when the cam belt was last changed. If you do go ahead and buy the car its probably a good idea to get it changed anyway. A top end rebuild on an engine can be Very expensive indeed.

Next blog I will be looking at checking the outside of the vehicle.

Useful information when buying a car privately

There are a couple of benefits to buying a car privately. Firstly a private sale tends to be a bit cheaper than purchasing from a trader. This is because a trader needs to buy the vehicle first and then sell it for a profit. Also when buying privately you have the chance to speak to the present owner of the vehicle and ask questions directly.

Drawbacks are that you have less of a comeback if something goes awry. For example you will not be covered by the Sale of Goods Act. Some unscrupulous motor traders pretend to be private sellers and deny the buyer of any rights they might have.

So where do you begin?

Firstly try to get as much information as possible over the phone before you go to see the car your thinking of buying. Read their advert carefully and write down any information that is missing, for example mileage of the vehicle, is it taxed and does it have an mot? That way you can refer to your list and Ask questions like how long have they owned the vehicle? how many owners from new? Are the tyres in good condition? Does the car have a full service history? What condition the car is in and can you take the car for a test drive? Try to ask as many questions as possible, it could save you a lot of time and money especially if you have to travel a long way to view it.

Things to be wary of!

• If the advert only gives a mobile phone number.


• A specific time for you to call if its a land line. They could be waiting by a phone box for your call.


• The same phone number appears in several different adverts.


• If the present seller (registered keeper) has not had the vehicle for very long.

Viewing the car

Always view the car in daylight, its easy to miss things when the light is not so good. Arrange to view the car at the sellers home, that way you can check that the address matches the V5 (registration) document. Also try to take someone with you that has a good idea of what to look for. Its always good to have a second opinion and they might spot something that you missed.

Things to be wary of!

• If the seller insists on meeting you away from their home address.

Tomorrow I will be discussing some more tips on buying a car privately.

Keeping Your Car Secure!

Why buy a car security system?

Buying a car is often one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make. Defending your vehicle and car stereo are good reasons to invest in some sort of vehicle security system. Also, You could save on your insurance premiums as most insurance companies offer discounts for cars equipped with an alarm.

Options available for car security

1.Motion sensors are a device that are useful for convertibles or if windows are left open. An alarm will sound if someone enters the vehicle.

2.Glass break sensors are a device that will sound an alarm if a window is smashed.

3.Drivers side priority unlock enables you to open the drivers door without any other doors being unlocked. This stops any one jumping into the car as you unlock.

4.Remote outputs enable you to add additional features for example remote window controls. Many alarms will already come as standard with at least one remote output

How a typical security system works

Most common alarm systems work in a very similar fashion. When locking your vehicle you will hear an alert to let you know your vehicle is protected. It will make you aware if the car is not safe for example a door that is not closed fully. Some systems will automatically close windows and sunroofs when the alarm is armed. Most alarm systems have a visible flashing LED which will inform a thief that the car is alarmed. This in itself can be a good deterrent. If a thief does decide to tamper with your vehicle an alarm will sound. Some systems will be fitted with differing alarm signals depending on the nature of the attack. The alarm and security system are easily disarmed when returning to the vehicle. The remote output will often allow you to unlock the doors. Some models will allow you to sound an alarm if you feel threatened at all, or are unable to locate your car in a large or busy car park.