Going to buy a car today from a private buyer - as title, what checks do people recommend carrying out, hpi etc and how do I go about doing this?

cheers

Fris

 

Is it UK or import?

 

UK vehicle

 

Hi,

Short answer is as much as possible. Get it on ramps if you can.
Slip a friendly garage a few notes and they may let you use them.

Things I'd check for:

1.Good service history with regular oil changes and when the last cam belt swap was.
2.Pulley on front of engine isn't loose and the belt is in good nick
3.Gearshift should feel slick and smooth and should be no clutch judder
4.Check condition and level of oil, should be nice and clean.
5.Check suspension for leaks and anti rollbars for worn bushes - if under car, pull down on ARB, car should come up nice and evenly
6.Check discs for scoring or warping
7.Check tyres for uneven wear and wheels for kerb damage
8.Check power steering reservoir for leaks esp round bottom.
9.Check boot for evidence of leaks, esp round lights, will notice smell, check in wheel well for water.
10.Check engine generally for oil leaks, esp underneath.
11.Obviously check for signs of overspray or evidence of crash repair eg.dodgy panel gaps etc.
12.check condition of brake pads
13.check for a nice smooth idle and no clatter/noise on startup from cold
14.Check engine and chassis nos. match documents and don't look like they've been messed with (ringers)
15.Check exhaust for leaks, block up the tailpipe witth your hand, should blow it off. If leaking, gases will exit at the leak.

They are the main things I can think of, if anyone wishes to add to the list, feel free.

Cheers

Rich

[Edited by RICH WILD - 11/23/2001 2:21:44 PM]

 

Those sound very familar Rich

 

Get an AA or an RAC inspection. IMHO it's well woth the fee.

David

 

I'd agree with Shark.

I didn't bother with the inspection. Wish I'd had.

Just had a rather large service bill that I wasn't expecting (accept the front brakes).

Definately get an inspection. Even if it's just the 99 quid AA one. At least you'll find out if it's a lemon or not.

Matt

 

If you have a mate who is a trustworthy mechanic take him/her along, that is what I did can also help bargain the price down maybe

 

HPI first can tell you lots
dealers second confirm service record of uk car