Generally, buying a car, whether brand new or used is a big decision and involves a lifestyle change. It is equally risky buying a used or second hand car. So many additional and important considerations need to be made before a decision to buy is reached upon.

1. At the outset

As a buyer you wil need to decide on the purpose to which you are going to put the car and on how much you are going to spend on the new car and settle on the car that best fits into this budget and purpose.

2. Research

Research needs to be carried out on the targeted car or cars. There is available abundant information on the internet. This includes the mechanical and other specifications of the car, common problems and reviews. Comparisons between different models may also be made.

It is no secret that some cars are sold after having been involved in accidents or the owner has had some not so good experiences with the car or that the car is in a poor mechanical condition. For these reasons checks are required before the buy decision is made.

The research should also cover the following:-

• Availablity of spare parts
• Price of spare parts
• The cost of maintaining and servicing the car.

3. Knowing the Seller

It is important to know the seller of the car. The buying of a car should be approached with some caution in this regard. Ask as many questions about the car as you can.

4. Verbal or Written Agreements

It is important to document and sign any agreements reached in the course of the deliberations involved in the transaction between you and the seller.

5. Service History

The service history of the car is important where this is available. The car may have been serviced at home and any available proof in this respect is most welcome.

It is very important to establish when the timing belt was replaced to avoid serious damage to the engine in the event that the scheduled replacement was not carried out. In this regard you need to ask for proof that this was carried out. This proof is readily available where there are service records.

6. Mechanical Condition Inspection

Garage Report. Some garages provide inspection services for a fee where a comprehensive report is issued. The Automobile Association of Zimbabwe provides a similar service to its members.

However, always have a reputable and qualified mechanic or someone with knowledge of the car industry available to help you make the checks in order to arrive at a sound buy decision.

7. List of Defects

Always make a list of all the defects and of the wear and tear inside and outside the car, that may need to be rectified and quantify the costs involved with a view to negotiate on the price.

8. Examining the car on level ground

Examine the motor vehicle on level ground so that you don’t miss anything hanging from underneath the car.

9. Computer Diagnostics

Computer diagnostics may be used if the car has an on board computer.

10. Signs of previous accidents

In the event that the car was involved in one or more accidents in the past, there may be signs which may help in spotting and establishing such possible events. These are listed below.

Whilst you may want to avoid such cars, it is important to ensure that such repairs were carried out professionally and that the repairs are not easily identifiable or visible.

• Overspray of paints.
• Mismatched colors.
• Check how the body panels fit together.
• Check for reflections on the body of the car.

11. Paintwork

The signs to check if any paintwork was carried out on the car, previously, whether as a result of accident damage or a decision made simply to repaint the car, are set out below.

Check for rust, dents and scratches

Check for the evenness of the paintwork. Unevenness indicates that some paint work was carried out on the car.

Check on the joints between panels and any roughness is indicative of the residue from masking tape.

12. Trunk

Check for rust, holes and cracks.

The extent of the wear of the trunk indicates the extent of the use of the motor vehicle.

13. Quick checks under the bonnet

Most of the checks listed below may indicate major problems or potential problems with the engine of the car.

Oil leaks

Oil levels. Low levels may indicate that the car uses lots of oil. Car engines wear out faster with low oil levels.

Oil thickness. Thick oils indicate poor maintenance and engines wear faster withour regular or scheduled engine oil change.

Smell of burning oil may indicate engine problems.

Residues on the battery terminals may indicate that the car has not been maintained as expected.

14. Tyres

Uneven wear of a tyre and inconsistent wear and tear of tyres on the vehicle may mean that the car has suspension problems.

Comparison of the state of the spare wheel against the rest of the tyres on the motor vehicle may shed extra light in this regard.

15. Exhaust System

Any black spot on the exhaust suggests a leak.

The following suggest that there are problems with the engine of the car:-

• Greasy residue inside the exhaust.
• A running engine which emits white vapour (not as in cold weather) .
• A running engine which emits blue smoke which indicates that the engine is burning oil.

16. Car Upholstery

Check the wear and tear of the car upholstery or any other damage.

17. Dashboard Warning Lights

Check for warning lights on the dashboard when the ignition key is turned on. Warning lights will show the existence of problems which need to be attended to.

18. Mileage

Mileage may indicate the age of the car. On average 15 000 to 24 000 km per year is considered as normal.

A car also ages with time. An older car with low mileage may not be the best buy.

Be aware of mileage tampering. Check for consistency between the wear and tear internal and external of the car and the mechanical condition of the car.