When buying a used car, many aspects come into play. We have summarised here for you what you should definitely look out for.

Used car buying tips

1. Check for rust and assessment of paintwork
2. Measure the tread depth of the tyres
3. View the windows
4. Control of lighting
5. Interior inspection
6. Mileage comparison
7. View the engine compartment
8. Start the engine
9. Check driving behaviour
10. Brake test
11. Personal conclusion: decisive when buying a used car

Below, we elaborate on all these points.

Preparation before buying a 2nd hand car

Do research before buying a used car. Even before you go for a test drive, you should familiarise yourself with the vehicle model: what are the typical weak points, what service intervals should be adhered to (e.g. replacing the timing belt)?

If you really want to be sure, you can have a purchase inspection carried out by an independent garage. This can avoid unpleasant surprises.

Checking for rust

Check the bodywork! Are there any rust spots or scratches and oddities that could become rust spots? Typical rust spots can be found on the wheel arches, door edges, the petrol cap and on trims. Also examine the paintwork in daylight for blemishes or colour differences, which could be an indication of damage. Also look under the car (bring a torch and a pillow!): Is the underside clean and not rusted through and if there are traces of oil?

Measure tread tyres

You can use a tread depth gauge to check the tread depth of tyres. A minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm for summer tyres and 4 mm for winter tyres is mandatory. If the tyres are already very worn, they should be replaced as soon as possible, which you should take into account when calculating the price. Also check that the tyres are worn evenly: irregular wear can indicate problems such as incorrect tyre pressure or poor alignment.

Watch the windows carefully

Look carefully at the windows. Even minor damage, such as from stone chips, can quickly become a major problem and costly. So look carefully for star holes or cracks in the windows.

Inspect the lighting

Check the operation of all lights, i.e.: headlights, indicators, brake lights, fog lights and tail lights. Also check the hoods for cracks, stone chips, etc. Warning: If the headlight fogs up on the inside, this may indicate a defect.

View interior

Are the seat covers and surfaces in good condition? Does the dashboard show any damage, cracks or the like? Can the seats be easily adjusted or folded down (rear seats)? The seat belts should be able to roll up smoothly and lock when pulled hard. Also check that the windows, wipers, horn and all lights around work and that the mirrors are adjusted properly. Fan, heating and possibly air conditioning should also be tried. Also watch out for any nasty smells. All rubber seals (windows, boot, doors, sunroof if any) should be intact and not porous.

The mileage

Does the odometer reading on the dashboard match the seller's information and in documents such as the service booklet? And does this odometer reading match the condition of the car? An example: if the pedals and gear lever are already clearly worn and the driver's seat is worn, with only 80,000 kilometres on the odometer, this could indicate bedrof. So use common sense.

Look under the bonnet

Is rust detectable (check sidewalls too)? Is there any oil or fluid loss? Are the rubbers etc. in order? Oil, brake fluid and cooling water levels should be checked, deviations may indicate defects.

Start the engine

When starting the engine, make sure it starts easily, runs smoothly and that you don't hear any unusual noises. Tip: Before buying a used car, take a second person to the vehicle inspection and let them get behind the wheel during the test drive too! Four eyes see more than two, and any abnormalities in the driving can be more easily detected together.

Take a test drive

Only now does the actual test drive begin. Make sure the engine runs smoothly and the throttle responds well. Does the transmission shift smoothly and quietly? How well does the steering respond? Does the car drive straight on a flat, straight road or are there any deviations in one direction? Does the vehicle and/or steering vibrate at higher speeds? When driving slowly, open the window and prick up your ears: do you hear unusual noises from the engine, exhaust, etc.?

Test the brakes

Test the brakes in a safe environment (e.g. in a car park). While braking, release the steering wheel briefly: If the car turns in one direction, the brakes should be readjusted. Also apply the handbrake stepwise.

Personal conclusion

Ultimately, of course, a test drive is the only way to determine whether a car suits you or not. What is the car like, does it have enough power, how is it handling? Is it spacious enough? Does the handling meet expectations? Even if there are no objective flaws: if you doubt during the test drive whether the car really suits you, you may need to test other models before buying this car. Take a look at this website for a used car