We can all agree that buying a used car is a gruesome process. If rushed, it could lead to many regrets in the future, especially if the vehicle you’re purchasing is from an unregistered dealer.
Hence, there are many red flags to watch out for when buying a used car.
While shopping for used cars may have benefits, like lower prices and added varieties, it’s crucial to analyze different aspects, including the car’s history, cost, insurance, and current status.
Trusting your dealer and not putting the car through a thorough check-up of your own could result in costly consequences.
There could be a lot of underlying issues hiding under the hood, and if left untreated, it could lead to far more severe problems and, in the worst-case scenario, complete car breakdown within a short period of owning it.
Upon noticing any signs of tampering or modification, do not hesitate to walk away and find a new car dealer.
These signs indicate an attempt to cover up damage to sell it at a higher and undeserving price. If you purchase it anyway, you might immediately run into issues and notice a drastic reduction in the car’s lifespan.
If you’re planning on selling your own car instead of buying one, you can easily sell your used car in Dubai instantly and without any extra hassle.
1. Collision Damage
A car that has been through a collision could carry irreplaceable damage. Luckily, there are a lot of indicators that can assist with helping you figure out if the car went through an accident or not.
Suppose you notice parts with a slightly different tint than the car’s color, uneven gaps between panels, or pieces that look relatively newer than the ones around them. That could mean the vehicle suffered external damage, and the different parts are replacements to the damage caused by crashes.
While some replacements are simple and nothing to worry about, like car mirrors or lightbulbs, you should never ignore replaced components, especially parts like the engine, fuel tank, battery, plugs, etc.
2. Functionality
Since the main focus of cars is their ability to transport us from A to B, we often address essential issues concerning the car’s engine, speed, mileage, and acceleration, which leads to us neglecting other critical features in the vehicle, including the seatbelts, airbags, tires, and lights.
While inferior to the car’s main features, they still play a crucial role and must be tested before purchasing a vehicle. Aside from the fact that you can get fined, ignoring these parts’ functionalities risks you and your car’s safety.
So making sure they’re working properly is a wise decision if you choose a car you’d love to own. Some malfunctions are easily replaceable, while others can be pretty costly.
3. Performance
A car’s performance on the road tells you everything you need to know, ranging from the suspension, steering, acceleration, and control, which is why you should always take the car for a test drive before buying it.
Driving on different types of roads and for long enough distances is a good way of ensuring everything is working perfectly without problems. Foul odors, unusual noises, slow braking, and steering to one side are all things you should watch out for when driving.
4. Engine
The engine is undoubtedly the car’s most vital component, and checking for any problems that may cause it to malfunction is necessary to ensure a safer ride. Thankfully, there are lights on your dashboard that light up whenever your engine is facing any trouble.
So you have to check on the engine and the warning lights if they’re working or not. Checking on the oil levels and catalytic converter can also save you a lot of future trouble.
If the engine in your own vehicle is struggling to start up, cashing your car in the UAE is a wise choice if you’re not planning on repairing it anytime soon.
