| Here are the top three standard checks to
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| | the boot and bonnet. Is the metal work in
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| make for each area of a used car. They
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| | good condition? Wherever there is exposed
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| will help you identify any misuse or
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| | metal you need to look for ill-matching
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| signs of neglect or accident damage.
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| | colours or buckling. These are signs of
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| INTERIOR - Do all the controls, switches
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| | an accident
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| and displays work properly? - Do all the
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| | ENGINE - Is the exhaust smoke-free when
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| lights work? - Are the carpets and seats
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| | the engine is warm? If not, there may be
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| all dry? If not, is there a leak?
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| | a problem - Is the coolant reservoir full
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| BODYWORK - Is the bodywork free from
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| | of brightly coloured coolant? It should
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| dents, scratches and rust? - Make sure
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| | not be empty or brown. If not, are there
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| you are not checking the car in the wet
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| | any leaks that need further inspection? -
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| or the dark, as you are more likely to
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| | Is there plenty of clean oil in the
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| miss problems - Squat down and look along
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| | engine?
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| the sides of the car to help you spot
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| | TEST DRIVE - Does the car drive in a
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| mild dents - Pull back rubber seals
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| | straight line when you loosen your grip
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| around windows. Is the paintwork free
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| | on the wheel? - Is the steering accurate
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| from over-spray and suspect repair signs?
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| | and free from play or judder? - Does the
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| - Look for signs of additional layers of
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| | car pull away and brake easily without
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| paint, or ill-matching spray marks where
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| | any noises or judder? If you are unable
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| an additional layer of paint has been
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| | tick one or more of the boxes, the car
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| added but the finish is not right. These
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| | should be inspected by a qualified
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| are signs of an accident repair - Open
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| | mechanic.
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