Buying a used car can feel like a leap of faith, particularly if you aren’t mechanically minded or have a keen interest in all things related to the automobile industry. For the most part, buyers do what they can do to weed out the unworthy options by researching their options carefully. It’s really only when they get to the test drive that they’re able to kick the tires and get a feel for a vehicle. The test drive is, no doubt, of huge significance to consumers looking for a pre-owned vehicle that they can trust.
Of course, it helps to know what you should be on the lookout for. There’s actually a lot you can spot before the engine even turns over, and with a little know-how, you can avoid the stress of buyer’s remorse altogether.
Here’s what to look out for – and why buying from a dealership who offers certified used cars can give you confidence that every one of the boxes has already been ticked.
A Walk Around The Exterior
Start with a slow walk around the vehicle. You’re not just admiring the colour – you’re looking for dents, scratches, uneven panel gaps, or mismatched paint that could suggest prior accident damage. Check the tyres for even wear (which speaks to proper alignment) and ensure there’s still enough tread depth.
Take your time to really look at these different aspects of the vehicle. If you’re concerned that you might miss something, you may prefer to visit a dealership who has partnered with the AA to offer certified vehicles. Essentially, these vehicles will have undergone a thorough pre-inspection the details of which will have been documented in a report. The goal is to ensure that what you see is what you get, saving you from buying a set of wheels that have concealed crash repairs or cleverly disguised damage.
Peek Under The Bonnet
Contrary to what you might be thinking, you don’t need to be a mechanic to do a quick engine bay inspection. Pop the bonnet and have a close look for any telltale signs, including liquid that’s leaked and excessive dust or oil buildup. Take a whiff, because if there’s a strong petrol or burnt smell, that’s a red flag. You should also check that the battery isn’t corroded.
While these leaks and smells can be discovered, it’s can be a daunting task. Instead, you could cut out all this stress by choosing a vehicle that has been inspected by the AA.
You see, this inspection includes a 125-point mechanical and structural check, ensuring any vehicle sold by a Certified Dealer meets stringent roadworthy criteria. It’s this kind of rigorous process that can really alleviate the stress of buying a used car.
The Paperwork Matters
Outside of knowing that the nuts and bolts are in order, the second most important indicator of a roadworthy car is its service history. What you want is nothing less than a full, up-to-date logbook showing that the car has been well maintained and giving your insight into any major past repairs. As you go through the various documents, make sure the VIN number on the papers matches the one on the car itself (usually found on the dashboard near the windscreen or inside the door).
This can be tiresome, but it is incredibly important to know who owned the vehicle, for how long, and whether they looked after it. Certainly, you could do this on your own – especially if you turned your search for a reliable used car into a full time job. If that’s not something that you can do, and by the way, who could? Then it’s worth noting that those dealerships who offer AA Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles are required to ensure paperwork is above board and available for review.
A Look Inside The Cabin
A quick sit inside can reveal more than you think. Does the interior smell musty or mouldy? Are the seatbelts frayed or not working properly? Do the electrics (windows, lights, indicators) all work? Apart from the fact that you don’t want to be uncomfortable, a worn-down interior on a car with low mileage could hint to some fraudulent activity involving the odometer.
Conversely, certified vehicles, specifically those sold through AA Certified Dealers, are held to a quality standard that includes cabin condition and safety features – no surprise wear and tear when you drive away.
At the end of the day, not every car that looks fine actually is fine, and while most buyers are capable of performing these inspections on their own, you shouldn’t need to be a professional to feel safe and informed when buying a used car. Quite the contrary.
You want to engage with dealers who offer reliable, quality vehicles, who are willing to welcome your questions, and who are in a position to provide upfront, honest answers.
That’s where the AA’s Certification Programme makes all the difference. It’s your reassurance that the vehicle you’re looking at has been thoroughly inspected, honestly presented, and sold by a dealership committed to fair and ethical practices.
Next time you’re in the market, skip the stress and shop where quality is guaranteed.
Find a AA Certified Pre-Owned Dealer close to you.