7 Things to Look for When Buying a Used Car

In this economy, saving every pound you can is essential, and it’s for that reason that many drivers these days are leaning toward purchasing used cars instead of new ones. They are not only less of a blow initially to the budget, but they also offer other benefits, like lower insurance rates.

If you’ve decided to buy a used Renault, however, there are some things you should consider first in order to ensure you get the most for your money.

Tips for Buying a Used Car

• How it Feels- Always make sure when buying a used Renault that you take the car for a test drive before making any final decisions. Drive it on both the motorway and local roads to get a feel for how the car performs and responds. You’ll be able to feel how the car acts when you make a sharp turn and be able to notice whether the engine grows noisy when you reach certain speeds on the motorway. You’ll also be able to hear and feel anything unusual that could indicate problems with certain car parts.

• The Aesthetics- The interior and exterior of a vehicle play a big role in its value, so make sure to check both areas carefully. If any of the exterior has had to be repaired because of an accident, you’ll want to make sure that it and any Renault parts that were damaged were repaired professionally.

• Leaks- Leaks can be red flags that certain car parts need repairing. While you’re doing your test drive, park the car in a clean area and let it continue running for at least 30 seconds. Then move the car and inspect the area where you were parked. Black fluid indicates an oil leak, green fluid a coolant leak, and pink or red fluid a transmission leak.

• Repair Records- Service or repair records that accurately detail the service history of the Renault should be available to you before you make your purchase. If they aren’t, or the records aren’t complete, it often means that the seller didn’t bother to ensure maintenance was performed on the car.

• Suspension- The state of the shocks and suspension are Renault parts that are easy to check, especially with a test drive. However, before you head out, push down on every corner of the Renault. If the car bounces once and then returns to its previous position, the suspension is probably fine. If not, you could have to replace the shocks.

• Headlamps- These lights can be truly telling when it comes to the car’s electrical system. Turn them on to ensure your indicator lights, brake lights, and headlamps work correctly. If you notice dimming or flickering of these car parts, have the car inspected by a mechanic before handing over any money.

• Warnings- When you turn on the ignition, do any warning lights come on? Whether it’s the check engine light or the oil light, these can mean trouble. Check the instruments while you’re looking for these warning lights as well. The speedometer should reach correctly, as well as the fuel gauge and odometer.

Thinking of buying a used Renault? Before you take the plunge, be sure to look for these seven things so you will know you’re getting a car that will last.