How to Inspect a Used Car in Qatar before Buying

By, 2019-10-12

There is no doubt that buying a used car is cheaper than buying a new one. However, if you do not adequately inspect the used car you will put yourself at rist of paying higher for maintenance costs.

While the car exterior may look spotless after a fresh coat of paint it is under the hood that you find hidden problems. If you have little knowledge about cars, you may need to take the car to one of the car inspection centre in Salwa Road. They can run a full inspection for you for QR 350. But what if you want to do the inspection yourself? What do you need to look for?

1. Interior and exterior inspection

Most car resellers will give the car a fresh coat of paint and some wax when selling it. You will need a closer look to identify rust and dents. If the car was involved in an accident it could be a signal for further engine trouble.

Check the engine system for signs of leakages. This includes checking the engine oil, radiator coolant and brake fluid. If you notice green or orange leakage this could be the coolant, while a yellowish red fluid is an indication of engine oil leakage.

Run the engine for a few minutes and let it idle while you check the floor underneath the car for leakages.

2. Test drive the car

Do not purchase a car without test driving it yourself. Listen to engine sound. If you hear a rattling sound then this is signal for more engine trouble.

Try accelerating the car and braking. Brakes should be responsive and silent. If the car has problems breaking the braking pads could be worn out or the braking fluid finished. The engine should have a smooth transmission. Later, check that all the car electronics are working properly.

3. Check the history of the car

You can use the Metrash2 feature for checking the accident history of the car. Log in to Metrash2 and go to traffic, then vehicles, then inspect using chase number. Enter the chase number and you will know if the car has been in any accident and weather the accident is major or minor.

4. Check worn out tires

A new set of tires is expensive. You need to check the tires for wear and tear. The trends should be visible. You will be required to ride the car for a distance and observe the tires for unevenness.

The tires need to be well aligned as this prevents the car from wobbling when driving.

5. Raise the car

Check the exhaust for any signs of cracks. If you notice soot deposits it could mean problems with the internal combustion engine. It is not usual for the car to emit some white smoke when driving it in the morning. This is as a result of water condensation.

However, excessive white smoke means there are coolant leakages. Black smoke is a result of oil coming into the combustion chambers. It is also a sign of unburned fuel.

6. Ask the dealer questions

You may want to know from the dealer why they are selling the car, mileage covered and if the car has been involved in a car accident, You can also ask specific questions such as, why are you selling the car, and have you taken the car off road?

7. Check the working condition of accessories

If the engine is in good condition and the car moves silently you can then check some car luxuries. This includes turning on the air con, radio and sunroof if the car has one. If the car has an onboard computer you can use a diagnostic machine to check for errors.

Most of the diagnostic machines are inexpensive but they come in handy when detecting engine trouble. Next verify that the headlights, signals and braking lights are working.

8. Follow your instincts

Finally, if you have a gut feeling that the deal is fishy walk away from it. If you notice that the paint has been used to hide dents or the car has an unusual odor walk away from the deal. There many cars available in the market and you can always find another car. Conclusion Inspecting a car before purchasing is vital if you do not want to drive a dead beat car.

Last advice,

Here are a dew key advices you need to remmeber befroe buying a used car; check the engine for leaks and always test drive the car. A well-maintained car is silent when driving. Accelerate the car and apply emergency brakes; check the response. Above all trust your gut instinct.