Used Renault Buyer's Guide

When you attempt to purchase a used Renault for the first time, the task may seem a bit overwhelming. After all, what if you make a mistake and choose the wrong car? What if you purchase the car, only to find that the engine, or any other Renault parts, are faulty and need to be replaced? It's for these reasons you need a used Renault buying guide that will walk you through the most basic and important steps you need to take before purchasing a used Renault.

 

Buying Guide for a Used Renault

 

Check the Interior of the Used Renault

The inside of a car can tell you a lot about how the vehicle was cared for, whether it has been tampered with, and whether the previous owners were neglectful of the vehicle. When you get inside the car,

 

• Look at mileage on the Renault's odometer. This should match the advertisement for the sale of the car and the documents for the car. Take a look at the steering wheel and seats after doing this as well. Their wear and tear should be consistent with the mileage on the car. The steering wheel might have a shiny appearance after being used for years. Wear will often show on the side bolsters as well.

 

• Turn on everything. Whether it's in the cold of winter or the heat of summer, turn both the air conditioner and the heat on to see if they work. Check the electric sunroof (if applicable,) seat adjustments, and windows. Even check to see if the bonnet, boot, and fuel filter releases work.

 

• Look at the steering column and the ignition. If these car parts have been damaged, there's a good chance that the car has been stolen in the past. Do not purchase the car if no keys are available and the ignition has been 'rigged in a fashion that allows the motor to start.

 

• Check the Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, for signs that it has been tampered with in any way. This could indicate that the car, or some of the Renault parts, have been stolen. The VIN is inscribed on a metal strip that can be located in three places within the vehicle: under the bonnet, at the bottom of the car's windscreen, and under the driver's side carpet.

 

Paperwork Checks for Your Used Renault

Before you purchase a used Renault, take the time to make sure all the paperwork is in order and real. Remember, the paperwork that comes with a used Renault tells you a storey of how the Renault came to be. It's essential to look over every bit of it to guarantee its authenticity. 

 

• When you visit the seller, make sure it is at their home address. Check to make sure this address is the same as is indicated in the logbook.

 

• To determine if the car was properly cared for, be sure to check past MOT certificates, the logbook, service history, and any old receipts or bills that are available. This paperwork will also help you identify any car parts that have had recurring faults in the past and will help you ensure the mileage on the car is genuine.

 

• Don't accept copies of important paperwork; original is always better. Take the time to check for forgeries as well. This can be done by checking for a watermark in the logbook and by calling the garage where the car was taken for its last MOT inspection. You can, and should, also take an extra step and contact the previous owner of the car. They may be able to fill you in on further details about how the car was cared for in the past and what condition it was in when it was sold to the current owner.

 

• Take a look at each servicing stamp and MOT certificate. The mileage on the Renault should increase steadily between each one. If the mileage suddenly stops (or reverses,) the odometer may have been tampered with.

 

Consider a Rival

While the Renault is an excellent car, other vehicles may offer the same, if not better, options for you when you're buying used. Consider the Renault Twingo, for instance. It's known for its cabin layout and practicality, but does it offer everything that its rivals do? Let's take a look.

 

• Fiat 500- A rival to the Renault Twingo, the Fiat 500 has cute looks and an affordable price tag. It's skittery drive, though, makes it a car you might want to avoid.

 

• Hyundai i10- This car is the the reigning best in its class car, and it's a benchmark for excellence. It's quiet, practical, and inexpensive, making it an excellent alternative to the Renault Twingo.

 

• Volkswagen Up- In 2012, it was one of the best cars for sale. If you're interested in purchasing a used car like the Renault Twingo, this is one of the better options. The only problem is, it is expensive to buy new, and may be more expensive to purchase used than the Renault.

 

Other contenders to think about are the Citroen C1, the Toyota Aygo, and the Peugeot 108. While most of these cars will offer the same benefits as the Renault Twingo, they are often no better or worse to buy used. The decision, however, is yours.

 

Other Considerations for Buying a Renault

If you're interested in buying a Renault, checking the insider of the car and the paperwork is important. Some other considerations include:

 

• Exterior checks

 

• Under the bonnet checks

 

• Filing the right paperwork after the purchase

 

• Test driving

 

• Haggling over the price

 

By taking the time to evaluate the used Renault thoroughly, you can avoid making costly mistakes that could result in buying additional Renault parts you don't need or purchasing a car that has been stolen. Think carefully the next time you decide to purchase a used Renault, and use this buying guide to do it in a safe manner.