INVALUABLE INFO WHEN BUYING A USED CAR OFF EBAY : eBay Guides

"...How To Buy A Used Car Without Getting Ripped Off!"

Please read my short guide to buying a used car off eBay. This info could save you a fortune in garage bills. You'll be glad you read it...

Dont Buy Unless you have all the facts about the car.

Main questions to ask the seller have to be.

• When was the cam belt last changed?

• Is there any signs of smoke from the exhaust? This is a sign of piston ring wear.

The next items are really important, you need to view the car to make sure everything you need to know, is known. The seller should not object if he or she has nothing to hide. I strongly suggest you view before bidding if you can.

• Check for oil in the  radiator, sign head gasket has blown.

• Check for mayo like build up inside the oil filler cap. another sign of head gasket failure or piston blow back or lack of maintenance

• Get a friend to listen while you turn the steering from full lock to full opposite lock. are there any knocks or clunks? if noise is heard this could be signs of CV joint wear. 

• Check for exhaust smoke or excessive noise from the exhaust.

• Check the wheel bearings for movement by holding wheels tight in both hands and giving a good hand shake.

• at the same time check tyre wear.

With engine in neutral and ticking over press the clutch pedal down and see if any noises like knocking or rattling are heard, if so it could mean the thrust bearing needs replacing.

• Check for loud knocks from engine possibly less when engine under load during acceleration,  could be signs of big end wear.

• Loud tapping coming from top of engine could be signs of cam shaft wear.

• Check all lights on dash board such as ABS/AIRBAG  are working and go out after a few seconds.

• Make sure no injector or service lights are on and that air bag light is off and that its' within the dates  before renewal.

• Check seat belts are all in order (No nicks/Tears) and work right.

• Check the braking system by pressing the brake pedal down with the engine turned off, the pedal should go hard after two presses and stay hard.

• Start the car the brake pedal should move slightly but not go to floor, if it does either with the car running or not it means there is a fluid leak either in a brake cylinder or the slave cylinder or brake pipes.

• Check the fluid reservoirs for correct brake fluid  and power steering fluid levels.

• Check for oil leaks around the rocker cover and for fuel leaks around spi or multi point injection units.

• Make sure all warning lights like battery or oil lights go out on start up.

• Check flashers and all lights works including brake lights.

• Test drive it if possible and check for vibration under breaking, this could indicate worn brake discs and worn suspension.

• Check engine performance is it what you would expect from such a car . is there any misfire or hesitation or judder when pulling a way in first gear this could mean a new clutch is needed or  the clutch plate contaminated with oil meaning an oil seal is worn.

• Check for steering wobble after about 40 mph  this could indicate poorly balanced wheels or worn suspension parts.

• Check braking ability.

• Check all gears are easy engaged and check for clutch slip by finding a good  upward slope and using  4th or 5th gear at low speed about 20mph and pushing accelerator to the floor. If engine revs on without extra speed the clutch is slipping .

• Make sure no large cracks are visible in windscreen in any area. These soon spread and are not usually noticed untill later.

• Check all light covers are crack free and hole free.

• Check that the carpets are dry inside the foot wells.

• Check for rust around wheel arches and sills.

• Make sure all bumpers are secure and if possible check subframe mounts for signs of rust or corrosion too.

• Make sure all windows open and close  and all door locks including boot and hatchback all work too.

• Check wiper operation front and rear including washer.

• Make sure if possible that it starts from cold ok.

• and that it restarts when warm.

• Check that it ticks over when warm and cold.

If you cant make sure of all theses things  then the most important is of course the brakes and engine are in good order.

Remember old cars have old problems and will get new problems.

Dont bid if  unless you have the full facts. Its your money and no matter how much or little you pay you deserve to get what is in the description.

But beware,  a car that is for sale that says good starter may just be a good starter and nothing else.

I hope this helps you and does not put you off finding a bargain or the car of your dreams.

THE ABOVE GUIDE IS NOT BY ALL MEANS EXHAUSTIVE BUT IF FOLLOWED,COULD NET YOU A NICE LITTLE CAR, WITHOUT THE HEARTACHE.

THANKS FOR VIEWING MY USED CAR BUYERS GUIDE. PLEASE SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION BY CLICKING THE USEFUL TAB BELOW.

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR PURCHASE!!

Best Regards. Info.sales