Tips on Buying Second Hand

[midzt]

I was just wondering what to look for when buying a second hand car:

Things I can think of is stuff like:
Overspray?
Parts number in engine bay for new parts/repairs?
Checking oil filler cap- but I'm not sure what to look for and why?

Should I do my own HPI check even if the dealer says they've done one?

I know theres a lot more I should check, but I've never bought a car before and just want to know what to look for.....

Thanks


midzt

[jon bda]

Take someone who has some knowledge of cars if possible, if your spending a bit of cash, get it inspected if you like it and think its the one for you...

[midzt]

Yeah, i guess i will do a check seeing as its only a fiver. I know a bit about cars, but really just how they work and the theory rather than diagnosing problems.

[Zak33]

always kneel down and look underneath......the more you see, the more you'll learn.

Bent things are bad...as are rusty brown body bits.

[midzt]

Yeah, im buying a newish car, around 51/02 reg so if theres any rust I'd pretty much be saying no.

Some other stuff I just thought is stuff like general wear of the seats to see if it matches/in line with the mileage indicated.

Are there any easy ways of checking for forged documents such as MOT and Service History stamps?

[SilentDeath]

ive learned that how ever well you check for things when buying, it will still find a way to eat your wallet

[Akwaaba]

Maybe you have already seen this:

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/advice.aspx

seems to have a few useful bits of advice.

[Behemoth]

If it's got boobies or wheels it's going to cost you money.

One other thing to look for is service history, no matter how nice the car if you haven't got a full service history, walk away. Wish I don'e that with one of the cars I bought, because I would have saved myself some mysery and hurt.

[Vimeous]

Look for guides on the particular car you are looking.
E.g. Pre-'96 Lude - Rust rear arches; Gen4/5 Celica - Rust sunroof and front arches.
www.honestjohn.co.uk may be a good starting point but for newer cars www.parkers.co.uk and other offer useful advice. The previously mentioned WhatCar website is good but even www.autotrader.co.uk has a buying guide.

Service History is a prickly one. If you're after a banger 'recent' service history and MOTs are desirable. If it's a serious cash investment then get as many stamps and receipts as the service book can handle!

[midzt]

Thanks for the tips so far, just looking through the websites atm, should be going to look at a car later today or tomorrow so we'll see how it goes.

[mycarsavw]

Throw out the make and model, someone is bound to have some knowledge to share.

[midzt]

Well I'm looking at Civics, ideally 3 door. Cars im going to have a look at are the 1.6 Vtec 3dr on a 02 plate and the 1.6 Vtec Sport 3dr on a 51 plate.

[mycarsavw]

That rules me out then

I do know there was a recent thread on car buying in which Civics were mentioned.

[Vimeous]

General stuff about the Civics you mention:

Are these pre or post-facelift models? The Sport model inparticular changed at that point with bigger wheels, smarter bodykit and different exhaust.
There are obvious trim differences between the SE and Sport models.
There is a difference in gearing between the 1.6 SE 5dr and 1.6 Sport 3dr with the former better suited to motorway cruising (more relaxed and less gear swapping at speed) and the latter more spirited off the line and over a-roads.
The SE is clearly more comfortable but has noticably more body roll. The face-lifted Sport on 16" wheels is firmer still.

Generally speaking those we've had as pool cars have lasted well despite the lack-of-respect shown by some employees. The electric power steering has little feel so it wasn't uncommon to find someone had understeered into a kerb or two so keep an eye out for vibration at speed. They are robust though so a tracking check and balanced wheels should fix most similar anomallies.

There are actually a growing number of owners on here so hopefully they'll have more info to pass your way!

The Honda owners club would also be a good place to ask questions model specific questions (http://forum.hondarevolutions.com/) but other than that all the advice given previously counts just as much as any other car

[midzt]

I haven't really looked to much into the differences between the trim levels/range tbh, mainly because its my budget and availability which is deciding which I'll get rather than what I can choose from. I would prefer a firmer ride and generally more 'chuckable' and fun to drive car.