Check the car before making a decision
A good listing provides plenty of information, but you should not make a purchase decision based only on photos and a description. Check the vehicle's history, condition, documents and likely ownership costs.
Check the VIN and vehicle history
The VIN helps confirm that the available history belongs to the vehicle you are considering.
Check the mileage
Mileage should make sense relative to the vehicle's age, service history and general wear.
Inspect the body and previous repairs
Previous repairs do not automatically make a car a bad choice, but their quality and extent matter.
Check the engine and transmission
If possible, inspect the car with a cold engine and observe how it behaves when started.
Take a test drive
A test drive can reveal issues that may not be apparent while the vehicle is stationary.
Check the documents
Before completing the transaction, verify that the vehicle and seller information is correct.
Estimate post-purchase costs
A low purchase price does not necessarily mean low ownership costs. Some expenses may appear immediately.
Checklist before the transaction
Before completing the purchase, it is worth checking at least these points.
Do not rush the purchase
If the seller is unwilling to provide necessary information or prevents a reasonable inspection of the vehicle, evaluate the situation particularly carefully before proceeding.
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