Renew Insurance

8 Things to Look Out For When Buying a Used Car

It has been said that a car is the second most expensive investment a person makes in a lifetime. Would that statement apply as well if you’re buying a second-hand car? Yes! Buying a used car though is trickier than buying a new one. So, how do you know that the second-hand car you’re trying to get is a good deal or not? Besides bringing along a mechanic you trust to help you look at the car, here’s a list of things you need to check in a used car that you’re bent on buying:
  1. Test drive the car.  Take it out for a test drive: it is the best way to know if it’s the right one for you. Try driving it at 40 to 50kph and step on the brake firmly, yet smoothly. Any vibration from the brake pedal means there must be a problem on the brake rotors or needs new pads. If the car swerves as you brake, this could also be a sign of worn steering components or faulty brake calipers.
  2. Check the car’s body.  Make sure the car is clean so you can properly inspect the surface and note any rust (which means the car is often exposed to rain), discoloration (which could mean it’s been repainted or exposed to acid rain), or scratches.
  3. Check the engine bay.  A look under the hood can tell you a lot about the car’s body and its engine. A welded or bolted frame means the car’s been in a front-end collision while scratch marks on the bolt heads at the top of the fenders could mean that the front panel has been replaced or realigned.
  4. Check the car’s undercarriage.  Check the car’s bottom for possible rust accumulation. If possible, check underneath by bringing it to a service center with either a car lift or an inspection pit.
  5. Check the tires. Tire wear should be even on all four corners. Uneven wear could mean that the tires haven’t been rotated properly, or worse, caused by bad wheel alignment due to worn steering or suspension components (or both) or even frame damage.
  6. Check the interior. Smell the interior. Usually, vehicles that have been flooded give out a certain stench. If the smell is okay, check for lumps in the seats as it's another sign that the interior has been through a flood, so stay away from those. Further, check the seats for any rips, tears, or stains that may require repairing or cleaning.  
  7. Check all electrical components. Bugs in a car’s electrical system is one of the most difficult to troubleshoot. Unless you bring it to a casa or dealership, fixing it usually comes down to trial-and-error so, best to check that everything’s working as they should be.
  8. Check all fluid levels. Make sure that all the fluid levels required by the car have been topped up, especially the essential ones like the engine oil, power steering, transmission, and brake fluids.
For engine oil, used car owners need to use Shell Helix High Mileage. This highly-developed lubricant utilizes Flexi-Molecule technology specially-formulated to protect high-mileage vehicles, especially those are over 100,000 kilometers. As your engine ages, it becomes prone to oil leakage, engine wear, higher oil consumption—which yields to poor engine performance. Developed to do wonders for both diesel and gasoline-powered engines, Shell Helix High Mileage also helps clean out 34 percent sludge on first oil change on average and provide up to 40 percent better wear protection to help prolong the life of your car. Shell Lubricants General Manager Dennis Javier said: “The development of Shell Helix High Mileage is meant to help more customers with well-loved vehicles to prolong the life of their vehicle, so that they can enjoy more memories with their trusted partner through the years.” Get your Shell Helix High Mileage oil change now at your nearest Shell retail station or look for it in your favorite Car shop or Auto supply store. For more information on the Shell Helix High Mileage products, you can check out the links to the Shell Helix High Mileage 10W-40 or Shell Helix High Mileage 15W-50 pages.

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • 'New' Isuzu mu-X to enter PH market this week
    'New' Isuzu mu-X to enter PH market this week
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Kia PH holds 1st DOYA
    Kia PH holds 1st DOYA
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Set your road trips on these dates this Apr.
    Set your road trips on these dates this Apr.
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 31, 2025
  • Zigwheels PH's March 2025 wrap-up
    Zigwheels PH's March 2025 wrap-up
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 31, 2025
  • Porsche Macan Turbo, Taycan Turbo GT star in short film alongside David Guetta
    Porsche Macan Turbo, Taycan Turbo GT star in short film alongside David Guetta
    Paulo Papa . Mar 31, 2025
  • Here’s a close look inside the BYD Shark 6 DMO
    Here’s a close look inside the BYD Shark 6 DMO
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 25, 2025
  • Ford ‘Raptor’ trucks, SUV showcased in Dubai dunes
    Ford ‘Raptor’ trucks, SUV showcased in Dubai dunes
    Paulo Papa . Mar 21, 2025
  • Here are the BYD Shark 6 DMO's 3 available colors in PH
    Here are the BYD Shark 6 DMO's 3 available colors in PH
    Paulo Papa . Mar 18, 2025
  • Women celebrities and their cars
    Women celebrities and their cars
    Paulo Papa . Mar 17, 2025
  • 5 reasons that make the Nissan Z NISMO an exciting coupe
    5 reasons that make the Nissan Z NISMO an exciting coupe
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 17, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
    Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
    Paulo Papa . Mar 06, 2025
  • Loving your car 101: how to protect your car’s interior
    Loving your car 101: how to protect your car’s interior
    Paulo Papa . Feb 17, 2025
  • Changan CS15: no-fuss daily driver
    Changan CS15: no-fuss daily driver
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 27, 2025
  • First drive: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line
    First drive: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line
    Paulo Papa . Mar 21, 2025
  • BYD Shark 6 DMO: first impressions
    BYD Shark 6 DMO: first impressions
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 19, 2025
  • Changan Uni-T: bold and classy
    Changan Uni-T: bold and classy
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 14, 2025
  • JAC JS2 Pro: ideal 'first car' option
    JAC JS2 Pro: ideal 'first car' option
    Paulo Papa . Mar 10, 2025

Copyright © Carmudi 2014-2025. All Rights Reserved.

CardekhoSEA
Oto Carmudi zigwheels