What to check before buying your used car

Buying a used car can be a great way to save money, but it's important to take certain precautions to avoid unpleasant surprises. It's advisable to thoroughly research the vehicle's condition and history, request a pre-purchase inspection, and check the vehicle's documents.

It's easy to get carried away by impulse buying your dream car. But first, you need to know which used car is best for you.

Your needs, budget, and preferences will help you determine the right vehicle for you. Consider which features are essential and which might be a luxury. Evaluate vehicle characteristics, such as the make, spare part availability, country-specific regulations, model, price, fuel consumption, safety rating, vehicle size, driving experience, and resale value.

1. Administrative documents

Registration card/certificate in the seller's name

Maintenance history (invoices, stamped logbook)

Up-to-date MOT

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2. Visual Checks

Exterior:

No rust on the rocker panels, fenders, or door sills

Regular gaps between body panels (otherwise, an accident)

Tires worn (otherwise, a suspension or alignment problem)

Check the headlights, turn signals, windows, and paintwork

Interior:

Normal wear on seats/steering wheel/pedals (excessive wear = suspect mileage)

Air conditioning, heating, radio, power windows

Dashboard warning lights off when starting

Floor mats dry (no mold odor → leak)

3. Mechanical Check (even if you're not an expert)

Engine runs smoothly both hot and cold (no strange noises)

No blue/white/black smoke from the exhaust

Oil level clean (not too black, not milky = head gasket)

Coolant clean, no leaks

Belt or chain: required if changed

Road Test:

Brakes bite and stay straight

No suspension noise

No jerking or misfiring when accelerating

Transmission smooth (automatic or manual)

4. Technical Inspection

The vehicle's mileage is one of the most frequently manipulated elements of a used vehicle. Visual clues can raise suspicions through signs of abnormal wear on vehicle components compared to what is indicated on the odometer.

Changing the mileage of a digital odometer is more difficult to detect with the naked eye than changing it with an analog odometer. Since digital odometers are integrated into the vehicle's electronics, changing them often requires specific auto diagnostic tools and leaves no visible traces, such as shifted digits.

Be careful, a simple OBD scan of the vehicle's mileage is not completely reliable. Fraudsters have increasingly powerful equipment and technology at their disposal. To do this, use an official OBD diagnostic tool and scan the vehicle's various components.

Reinforce your uncertainty with documents that attest to the vehicle's history, and obtain vehicle history reports (accidents, repairs, previous owners, etc.) from countries where they exist, such as Histovec, Carfax, etc.

5. Some models to watch out for

PureTech Stellantis engine (Peugeot, Citroën, DS, and Opel)

The PureTech engine, particularly the 1.2L three-cylinder turbo, has experienced reliability issues, mainly related to a wet timing belt and excessive oil consumption. These problems, more pronounced on older models, have been addressed through design changes. Since 2023, the new PureTech engines have benefited from major innovations that improve their efficiency and durability.

BMW

BMWs can experience a variety of problems, but some are more common than others. It is important to closely monitor the cooling system, the timing chain (especially on certain diesel engines), the water pump, and oil leaks. Steering problems and airbag malfunctions may also require special attention.

FIAT

There are several potential problems to look out for on Fiat vehicles, including engine, flywheel, EGR valve, power steering, power windows, and Start & Stop system issues.

Renault

There are several common problems to look out for on Renault vehicles. It's important to be aware of excessive oil consumption, especially on 1.2 TCe engines, and to watch for signs of engine or valve fouling.

VW

There are several potential problems to look out for on Volkswagen vehicles. It's recommended to look out for transmission issues, such as oil leaks or DSG vibrations, and electrical issues, such as faulty wiring or faulty sensors.