Media post: Tips for Evaluating Used Cars: What to Check Before Buying One

Of course, buying yourself a new — but, well, used — car is all fun and adrenaline-filled, but there’s a bit of nervousness too. We all know that you want a bargain. I mean, who wouldn’t? That being said, you really don’t want to be driving around in a clunky shell of a car after making such a big purchase. When it comes to choosing the right used Volkswagen for sale, the Passat B7 is a pretty sweet option.

But, how can you make sure that you really do get the best deal out there? I’ll tell you how: You simply just go in knowing what you want already! You’ll be able to notice anything out of the ordinary and can then point it out to the seller right away if you do.

Start with the Basics: A Thorough Exterior Check

Number one rule: when looking at a used car, know that your eyes have the initial power. Check the body out for wear and tear, dents, rust, and crooked paneling. They can tell you more than what any seller would offer to tell. As you go along the frame, glide your hands over the surfaces of the car. Do you feel any spots on it possess a weird texture? That means it has been poorly repaired.

Also, check the car’s tires. Are the treads worn evenly? If not, pay attention. When you hop out of the car, test the doors, hood, and trunk. Do they open and close properly? If something feels off, you need to question the seller on why this is so. Last but not least, check the latches. If they don’t close properly, please be wary of the car.

Under the Hood: Checking the Heart of the Car

What usually tells you the car’s real condition is underneath the hood. Lift it up, and look around at the components. Do you notice any leaks in there? Are there any parts out of place? Just about everything has to be put under your microscope (or eyes). That includes the belts and the hoses. Do they have any frays, cracks, or holes in them?

Remove the oil dipstick, wipe it off, and put it back in to see if the oil is in good shape. What’s the oil level? It should ideally be clean and clear at the correct level. If in any case the oil level is low or dirty, it means the seller hasn’t looked after that car well. And this could mean that you’ll have to spend a fortune on repairing it down the road. This is why most buyers interested in used Passat B7 ads look for models that confirm good maintenance.

Interior Comfort and Features: Don’t Skip the Details

Before you call it a done deal, crawl into the “belly of the beast” — the vehicle, in this case. The interior conditions of a car speak volumes about its owner’s lifestyle. You’ll want to check out the upholstery in all seating areas. Are there any strains, if so from what, and how big are they? Also, notice the general smell of the place. A funky smell makes the vehicle that much harder to sell.

Test drive all the electronics such as air conditioning, heat, radio, power windows, and if it comes with it – the sunroof. A car like a Passat B7, for example, will come with a lot of modern amenities, and you’re going to want to know everything before you settle for it and make it official. If some small feature doesn’t work here and there — though it may not seem like much — but it really adds up in the long run and detracts from resale value.

Road Test: Get a Feel for the Ride

Time to get behind the wheel. Did you know that test drives are your best judge of a car’s performance in real-world conditions? Watch and feel how the car performs as you drive it. Are there any vibrations? Rattles? Squeaks? Those noises could indicate problems with suspension or alignment.

How does the steering wheel feel? You typically want it to move smoothly and nicely without any unevenness. And check your brakes too; the brakes should be solid and you should feel an instant response when they’re pressed. If your brakes are super soft and go to the floor then you may have an issue. You may have low brake fluid, or smoking brake pads, or even warped rotors.

Give her a little throttle on a nice straight and see how it sounds. If nothing feels out of place then that means, well, everything is working (mechanically speaking of course).

Checking the Paperwork: Ensuring the Car’s Legitimacy

Last but not least, check the car’s history. A well-taken care-of Passat B7 with consistent service records will be one of the safest bets you can pick. If the car for sale has poor documentation, walk away. Ask to see the service records — you can tell a lot from how well taken care of it is.

It’s also a good idea to ask for a vehicle history report; these reports give you a picture of the car’s past. Any accidents, title issues, and even odometer rollback alerts will be on there if they exist. If you have this information before you decide what to buy, you’re less likely to have surprises that equal long-term pain and suffering.

Conclusion: Drive Home With Confidence

Taking some extra time to check out a vehicle will save you a ton of heartache later on. By the time you’ve been through the inside, outside, test drive, and you’ve combed over the service reports, you have a decent idea if you can trust this car or not. If you’ve been looking for used Volkswagens for sale, check out available offers at Allegro.