Are you planning to buy a car? Do you have all the imperative information to help you make the right choice? Buying a car whether new or used is an investment that you need to be cautious about pursuing. It is an investment that will cost you a fortune, if you make the wrong choices. You need to plan, conduct research, seek referrals, and consult wisely before you invest your hard-earned money on the car model of choice.
Before you place an order on a car, you need to gather robust information about the car before you make payments. Checking the history of the car you anticipate to buy is a crucial step you can’t overlook. Significantly, you need to know how a fast vin decoder works, and how it can save you the hassle. There is a lot of information on buying a car to hold in your fingertips and avoid possible risks.
Many car dealers that you will come across will tell you their car models are the best and what you need. Buying a car is a lifetime experience, and you should not make any mistakes. You need to figure out the car model you want and really what you need. This is possible by running a vehicle history check. But is it that easy to get every detail you need before you make payments? Read on and get helpful tricks to rely on.
Make Use of Vehicle Information Checker Tool
Before buying your car, it is wise to run a car history check online. This is possible through running the car via the DVLA’s vehicle information checker. To successfully get all the information you need, the vehicle’s registration number is essential, and you can request it from the car dealer. Through an online check, you will get to know several things about your vehicle;
- The colour of the vehicle.
- Engine size.
- Year of manufacture and manufacturer defects.
- The date the car was first registered.
- When the current car tax expires.
- Current car tax rate.
- Genuine odometer readings of different dates.
- List of replacements made on the car and in the factory.
You need to obtain the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is an impression of your vehicle’s history. You will be able to get all the details you need about the vehicle, and whether the vehicle is free of any problems that may make it unroadworthy.
Find Out About Historical Incidents Involving the Car
If the seller does not give details on historical incident involving the car, then you have to bear in mind that there are some internal or external snags concerning the vehicle. If the car you intend to buy has ever been written off, it’s illegal to buy and drive such a car. It’s great to ask for the vehicle’s logbook, full-service history and compare the advertised specifications of the vehicle.
Check if the Car Has an Outstanding Finance
You don’t want to buy a car and end up losing it because of unpaid debt to the finance company. Don’t let a car dealer fraud you and end up buying a car with money owed on it. The car may be seized if there are financial obligations that have not been settled.
Consult with the Department of Motor Vehicles
You can easily request a car claims history from the Department of Motor Vehicles and gather enough information about the car. You will learn about any possible damages on the car that have been claimed. You will also be able to find out whether the car has been rebuilt or considered non-repairable.
Other Crucial Things to Look at Before Buying a Car
The information you gather about the car model you are interested in should not just be enough. You also need to undertake internal and external checks, and ensure your car is good enough. For instance, undertake;
- Check the Car’s Mileage
Compare the advertised mileage with the actual mileage on the car. You don’t want to buy a car that has been driven around for many miles than what you have been told.
- Check the Cam Belt
Look at the last time the vehicle’s cam belt was changed or when it is due to be changed. All this information is available in the vehicle service history. Cam belts are costly to repair and will cost a fortune as you will have to install a new engine.
- Ensure the car is not cloned
Look at the registration and chassis numbers and ensure they are a match. Don’t buy a replica model of the car of your dreams.
- Look at the Tyres
Check the tyres and make sure they are in good condition. If they are not in good shape, have them replaced but remember to include these costs into the potential price tag.
To Sum Up
You should take time before you buy your dream car. Whether you are buying a new or used car, it is a great idea to look at the history of the car. It’s also great to do your homework, consult wisely, and make a well-intentioned investment. Don’t forget to seek the services of a professional car dealer or an expert in the automotive industry.
