When it comes to buying a used car, there are many hidden dangers. After all, unlike a new car, which would have been inspected and certified by the manufacturer or an independent body prior to being on sale, a used car is by its very nature second-hand. It has already been owned and driven by another individual, which means that you will not have the same level of reassurance when buying one as you might with a brand new model. Instead of trusting your instincts about whether the price is right or if anything feels ‘off’ about the car, you may be inclined to trust the e. The good news is that it doesn’t take long to spot some warning signs and red flags when buying a used car. With these tips, you will know how to check if your car’s mileage is genuine, find out what kind of maintenance they’ve had and spot any pre-existing problems before buying.
Be Careful of Extreme Mileage
One of the first things you should look for when checking the mileage on a used car is whether it is consistent with the car’s age and type. In most cases, the odometer reading should match the car’s calendar age – so if the car is a 2006 model, the reading should be around 60,000-70,000 miles. In some cases, however, the mileage may be slightly higher. If the car is an older model, the reading may well be lower than expected. It is possible, although unlikely, that the mileage is genuine and consistent with the car’s age. In this case, it could be a sign that the car was either under-utilized by its previous owner, or was in service as a taxi or rental car. In either case, you should be extremely cautious when buying a used car with very low mileage.
How to Check If Your Car’s Mileage is Genuine: Check the Bodywork
While this should be done prior to taking the car for a test drive, you should also check the bodywork for any signs of repairs. This could be an indication that the car has been in an accident. If the car’s bodywork was repainted, there should be signs of an aftermarket repair. The paint should be a slightly different colour or have uneven edges, or you may notice a difference in the glossiness of the paint. If the car’s bodywork was repaired, there will be signs of this. It should be easy to spot new panels and screws in the body, and sometimes glue.
No Repairs or Major Servicing? Walk Away
If you are able to get a car history report (more on this later), you should check whether the car has had any repairs or major servicing. If the car has had significant repairs but there is no record of service history, you should walk away. The same applies if there are no records of any major maintenance, such as timing belt replacement or clutch replacement. While it is not uncommon for an older car to have some of this work done, it should be recorded. If there are no records of major servicing or repairs and the car has high mileage, you should be very careful and walk away.
Engine Malfunctions
When you take the car for a test drive, you should be on the lookout for any warning signs. While driving, you should pay close attention to how the car feels. If the engine sounds different from other cars of the same model and age, or if the car bucks or jerks when accelerating, you may have a problem. If you notice a strong burning smell, you should try to locate its source as soon as you can. This may indicate a fault with the engine or a leaking fuel line.
How to Check If Your Car’s Mileage is Genuine: Conclusion
While you should be wary of any car with low mileage, you should do the same with any car that has high mileage. The best way to avoid buying a car with false mileage is to buy from a reputable seller who has their car independently inspected, and get a CARFAX report before purchasing. Keep these signs in mind, and you should be able to spot a fake-mileage car easily. If you are buying a used car, you must be extra careful. So make sure you know what to look for and how to spot a lemon before you sign on the dotted line.
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