Used Vauxhall Buyer's Guide

Purchasing a used Vauxhall can be a daunting experience. What if you forget to check the paperwork correctly and end up buying a vehicle that was stolen? What if you aren't sure what to look or listen for on the test drive and end up with failing Vauxhall parts that you have to replace immediately?

 

When you go to purchase a used Vauxhall, you need to understand what to look for, listen for, and check so you don't end up with a useless car or one that needs so many repairs you can't afford it.

 

Purchase Guide for Used Vauxhalls

There are several steps you'll need to take in order to ensure you're purchasing the right used Vauxhall. Here are the most important.

 

Exterior Checks for a Used Vauxhall

• Check to make sure the paint finish is consistent on the body work. If the paint isn't the same on even one area of the body, it could mean that damage occurred to the car and it has been resprayed. Check the boot and the doors as well. They should open and close easily and no paint should be present on the rubber seals. This also could be a sign of a respray. While this most often means the car was in an accident, it could also be a sign the car was stolen. Thieves will sometimes paint the car a different colour in order to avoid detection.

 

• Look out for bubbling paintwork. This is a sign of rust, and it is most commonly found around the window frames, wheel arches, and bumpers. Look everywhere, especially in areas that come into contact with water often.

 

• Check to make sure that all of the car parts that make up the suspension are in good shape. You can do this by pressing down carefully on each corner of the car and then releasing. If the car returns to its normal height easily, you can assume nothing is wrong. If it bounces, however, the suspension needs to be examined.

 

• The tyres on a car can tell you a lot. Use a tread depth gauge to evaluate whether the tyres are at legal tread depth, which is 1.6mm. Also check for abnormal wear and tear. If the tyres on one side of the Vauxhall are more worn than the other side, it could indicate trouble with certain car parts, like those related to alignment and suspension.

 

• Certain Vauxhall models, like the Astra and the Cascada, are available in the convertible style. If your Vauxhall falls into this category, make sure your exterior checks include a check of the roof. The roof should move up and down easily, and it should lock securely in place. Also check to make sure that the material the convertible roof is made of is free of any tears and isn't discoloured. Take a look at the rear window as well. It shouldn't have any cracks or discolouration either.

 

Under the Bonnet of the Used Vauxhall

Once you've done a thorough examination of the exterior of the used Vauxhall, take a look under the bonnet to see if the car was well cared for by the seller.

 

• Look at the VIN number, or Vehicle Identification Number. It should be the same number as recorded in the vehicle's logbook, as seen on a metal strip at the bottom of the car's windscreen, and beneath the driver's side carpet. If the number varies in any way, the car may be stolen.

 

• Take a look at the ground beneath the bonnet, around the engine, and around other car parts for signs of fluid leaks. Oil leaks are typically brown or black, transmission fluid shows up as a reddish colour, and coolant will be blue or green.

 

• Take a look at the top of the engine, (this may require unclipping the plastic engine cover,) and beneath the engine oil cap. If you spot a white substance, similar to mayonnaise, this could indicate the head gasket has been damaged and the engine may need to be replaced.

 

• Check all fluid levels, including the oil, coolant, brake, transmission fluid, and windscreen washing fluid. Low levels can indicate one of two things. First, you could have a leak. If this is the case, you may need to replace certain Vauxhall parts before using the car. If that isn't the problem, it could be that the seller simply didn't perform routine maintenance on the Vauxhall. This could mean that other car parts you can't even see have suffered as well and may need to be repaired or replaced.

 

• Take a peek at the battery connectors and terminals beneath the bonnet on the Vauxhall. They should be free of corrosion and rust and in good working condition.

 

Other Steps to Take When Purchasing a Used Vauxhall

While evaluating the exterior and interior of the vehicle are two important steps you need to take, and perhaps the first steps you'll take, there are other things you need to consider as well before you purchased a used Vauxhall, like:

 

• Evaluating the inside of the car

 

• Checking the paperwork

 

• Test driving the car

 

• Haggling, based on the condition of the car

 

• Doing the paperwork once you've purchased the car

 

Each of these steps will help you evaluate and ensure you're purchasing a vehicle you know will work well for your particular needs. You'll be able to determine if the car has been stolen or tampered with any way, be able to evaluate the amount of money you'll need to set aside to replaced failing Vauxhall parts, and you'll be able to get the best car for your money. In addition, with these tips you'll be able to ensure that your new, used Vauxhall is safe for you to drive and for your family to ride in.

 

So, are you ready to purchase your next used Vauxhall? You're just a few steps away from owning the car of your dreams.