Used Peugeot Buyer's Guide

Deciding whether to buy a used Peugeot is a tough decision. You have to consider a number of factors and take multiple steps to ensure the car you're thinking of purchasing is actually the one for you. Some of the steps, like checking under the bonnet and evaluating the exterior of the car will help you determine if certain Peugeot parts need to be replaced. Other steps, like closely evaluating the paperwork that comes with the car will help you identify whether the car has been damaged in the past or has even been stolen.

 

One of the most important steps to take when you're evaluating a used Peugeot, however, will be the test drive. Test driving the car will help you determine if there are problematic car parts you'll need to fix and if the car is actually worth the price tag the seller has placed on it.

 

Test Driving a Used Peugeot

 

The Golden Rules

 Before you test drive a used Peugeot, there are a few rules you'll need to consider.

 

• Print out this guide to help you when you arrive at the seller's house.

 

• Make sure you're insurance covers you completely; some insurers will only provide third party cover to drive other cars. If your insurance doesn't cover you, or isn't willing to offer cheap cover, temporary car insurance may help to protect you while you're test driving.

 

• Have the proof of insurance with you when you meet the seller. Keep it on you in case you are stopped by the police or happen to be in an accident.

 

• Never agree to meet the seller at any location other than their home. This will help to ensure they are actually the documented owner of the Peugeot being sold.

 

Checking the Used Peugeot

 When you're ready for the test drive, take these important steps to learn as much as you can about the car before you even get out on the road.

 

• Talk to the owner before you visit to test drive the car and ask them to make sure the engine is cold. This is most often when starting problems occur, and when you'll be able to determine if there is excessive exhaust smoke or unusual noises you should be concerned about.

 

• If the Peugeot doesn't start well or seems to struggle, this may indicate it needs maintenance or replacement car parts.

 

• A small amount of white smoke from the exhaust or steam is normal when you first start the car, and you should expect more on cold or especially humid days. If you notice an excessive amount of white smoke, blue smoke, or black smoke, however, be cautious. These signs can indicate problems with certain Peugeot parts. It may mean a head gasket failure, internal oil leaks, or a engine that has been poorly tuned.

 

• Listen for excessive noise coming from the exhaust. This can sometimes mean that there is a hole in the exhaust and it will need to be replaced. Rattling may also be a problem, as it could mean that there is a worn bracket.

 

• When starting from cold, it's normal for the engine speed on a Peugeot to rise over 1,000rpms for a couple of minutes, then settle to under a 1,000rpms. If the engine speed doesn't stay consistent, however, there could be a problem. To accurately determine this, turn off the air conditioner, as this can affect the speed of the engine when the car is stationary.

 

• Turn the steering wheel from side to side. If the car has power steering, you'll hear a slight whining sound, but it shouldn't be too loud. You shouldn't hear any screeching, feel bumps, or hear a knocking when you turn the wheel however. It should also require the same amount of effort to turn the wheel from one side to the other.

 

• If the car has a manual transmission, gently release the clutch and press in the handbrake. You should be able to feel the handbrake resisting any type of forward movement. If the car moves or there is no resistance at all, the handbrake will likely need adjusted or replaced.

 

Test Driving a Used Peugeot

 Once you're satisfied with the first part of the test drive, it's time to get moving.

 

• Choose a variety of speeds and roads on which to test the car on. You should drive at slow, moderate, and motorway speeds.

 

• The test drive should last between 15 and 30 minutes. Any less and you may not get a good feel of the car. Any longer, and you might inconvenience the seller (who might decide not to sell you the car because of it.)

 

• With an automatic gearbox, the gear selection should be smooth and quiet. Check that the gearbox 'kicks down' by accelerating hard while you're cruising on the motorway. The gearbox should be forced to change gear and provide you with a quick burst of acceleration.

 

• Turn the steering wheel a little bit and see what happens. If the car stays straight, it could mean that the suspension and steering car parts are worn and needs to be replaced.

 

• Pay attention to how the steering feels when you take left and right corners. It should feel the same. If it doesn't, this could indicate crash damage and a suspension that need attention.

 

• Drive on roads you know are rough and bumpy to see how the suspension soaks up bumps. You should be able to drive easily without any shaking or juddering in the cabin. If the suspension shakes, bounces, or is noises, it could need to be replaced.

 

• Brake sharply and see how your car reacts. If the car pulls to the right or left, it could need an alignment. If you hear noises or vibrations from the suspension or brakes, it could mean that some of the Peugeot parts are damaged or worn.

 

• When you're on the motorway, accelerate briefly (being careful to stay under the maximum speed) and look in the rear-view mirror for any excessive or colourful smoke coming from the exhaust.

 

Are you ready to purchase a used Peugeot? Make sure to take the correct steps to ensure you're buying a car that will be safe and truly yours.