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What you should check when buying a used car

It’s crucial to know what you’re buying when picking up the keys to a used car. Here’s what you should check.

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Buying a used car can be a daunting experience. Without prior knowledge, selecting a vehicle from a list of thousands can prove to be a little overwhelming – and can prove costly if done incorrectly.

Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of the things you need to check when buying a used vehicle.

Check its history

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Ask questions

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Get up close and personal

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Look out for rust spots on the arches – these are prone to corrosion – and check underneath the car’s sills, too.

Look under the bonnet

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Also look around the oil filler cap – any white residue could potentially mean a blown head gasket, and could lead to thousands of pounds in repair bills. Make sure that you see receipts for any work that has been undertaken on the car too – this will give you a better idea about the state of its mechanicals.

Check the interior

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Do the deal

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Remember to keep things amicable and, above anything, don’t be afraid to walk away if you’re not happy.

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