Tips for buying a used car
Check on the Hello Auto blog what aspects must be taken into account and what we must check in detail in a second-hand car before buying it. Buying a second-hand car involves some risks. Therefore, if we decide to invest in a vehicle with these characteristics, we have to pay attention to several aspects that would not be present in the purchase of a new car. In this way, if we look carefully at all its details, buying a second-hand vehicle can be a good option.
Five tips for buying a used car
If you have decided to buy a second-hand car, we bring you some keys to take into account when choosing your next vehicle. As we have mentioned, we have to pay attention to each and every one of its elements to avoid being scammed in this type of operation.
Origin, year, and use of the vehicle
The most advisable thing to do when buying a second-hand car is to look for a vehicle whose use is easily known, that is, one that has belonged to a relative, friend, or acquaintance. In addition to this, we must investigate its origin (country of origin…) and the year of manufacture, which may affect us in environmental limitations, among others.
You should not be in a hurry when making the purchase. If you have already chosen a second-hand car, check the identity of the seller very carefully before formalizing the payment and the sales contract. Check the DNI if it is an individual and the CIF if it is a company.
Request a detailed report of the vehicle from the DGT
One of the previous steps to carry out before buying a vehicle is to request a detailed report from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT). In this way, you will be able to have access to all the documentation of the car, the mileage registered in the ITV, and other aspects such as a possible change of owner or alteration of some element of the vehicle.
The DGT recommends this type of report to, above all, ” verify the existence of embargoes, seals, bankruptcy proceedings or any other charge of any administrative or judicial nature .” According to this public body, this documentation is available “to anyone, whether or not they are the owner of the vehicle.”
Ask the seller for all the information and documentation of the car
Apart from the DGT report, which will include any documentation registered in the ITV passed by the car or in any authorized workshop, more information must be requested from the seller. In this sense, the main thing is to request the service book on the ITV, the history of repairs and invoices, and the car’s maintenance book, to check which parts have already been carried out and which are yet to be carried out.
In this line, you have to pay special attention to the mileage, so that there is no mismatch in the figures from one documentation to another. Any inaccuracy should set off the alarms to check what is the exact and real number of the vehicle in question.
Test the running of the car
Once we verify that all the information and documentation of the vehicle is in order, we will analyze how the car works. In this way, we must look carefully that when we start the engine there is no noise that could signal a possible fault.
We also have to be aware that no strange sound is heard when changing gears or turning the steering wheel. It is best to test the car both in the city, at low revs, and on the highway, with acceleration and higher speed.
Check the condition of the vehicle parts
Finally, we must review the condition of each and every one of the elements of the exterior and interior of the vehicle, especially if we have seen that it has undergone any modification in the repair history.
Thus, we must check the bodywork, the mobility of the seats, that the window system or the seat belts work correctly or that the electronic devices inside do not have any problem, among others. The ideal is to take our time to look at everything in detail. After all, what we do not want are surprises in the future.
The car insurance of the future with Hello Auto
If you finally decide to buy a second-hand car, you must take out car insurance to be able to drive. At Hello Auto we offer you 100% personalized insurance to suit your needs and innovative service, without paperwork and with great innovations compared to other insurers. Bet on the most innovative insurance and discover a new way to protect yourself and your car through options such as the driver group to save or digital methods to keep your vehicle safe. Look to the future with Hello Auto!
