7 used car buying commandments

Posted 28 February, 2019 Samuel Smith

With ABS statistics showing there are 775 motor vehicles for every 1000 people across the nation, it’s safe to say Aussies love their cars.   In fact, Australians have purchased a staggering 4.675 million new cars in the past 4 years, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. That leaves a lot of vehicles that will soon be – or already have been – passed on to their second or even third owners. In such a saturated market, it’s important to know what to look out for when buying a used car. Heed the advice of our 7 used car buying commandments to avoid being taken for a ride.  

1. Pay attention to oil

Think of an oil check as an automotive blood test. A used car’s oil can tell you far more than any overeager salesperson or smooth-talking private owner. When performing your once-over, there are a few things to look out for. First, pull out the dipstick and check the oil level. It should read full, but not overfull. When you wipe the oil onto a cloth or tissue, it should be a light to medium shade of brown. Black oil shows signs of wear, and indicates that it hasn’t been changed for a considerable amount of time. Next, unscrew the oil cap and take a look inside. Make sure there is no residue or build up around the cap or inside the engine block. Oil should be a light to medium shade of brown with no build up, discolouration or murkiness. Use a torch to check the engine bay for signs of leaking oil, then thoroughly check underneath the car for seepage or leaks.    

2. Check fluids

It’s not all about oil. While you’re under the bonnet, make sure you check the level and quality of the car’s power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid and washer fluid. Then check the car’s most important fluid – its coolant. First, make sure that the coolant is full. Whether it’s blue, green or red, coolant should be clean and relatively clear. If it’s murky, brown or sludgy, step away from the vehicle with a swift “thanks, but no thanks.” Brown or sludgy coolant indicates oil contamination. If this is the case, your head gasket may need replacing, which can be an incredibly expensive procedure.    

3. Suss the suspension

The state of a car’s suspension can tell you more than you might think. While you’re test-driving your prospective vehicle, don’t be afraid to introduce it to some tough terrain. Try to drive over a variety of road surfaces from smooth highway roads to potholed side streets. Notice how the car behaves on difference surfaces. Does it feel floaty and disconnected when going over bumps? How about harsh and rough? Both could be signs of worn suspension, along with squeaks, rattles, pops and groans.