NAIL THE CAR INSPECTION PROCESS

Don’t get taken for a ride when buying a second-hand car

Buying a second-hand car can be nerve-racking and most of us fear the stereotypical used-car salesman conning us into purchasing a lemon.

Recent research reveals 83% of buyers are concerned the car will have a mechanical fault. So here are a few tricks from automotive expert Adam Pay to ensure you nail the inspection process every time.

WHERE PEOPLE GO WRONG

Outside a test drive, most people don’t check essential vehicle functions when inspecting and purchasing their second-hand vehicle, including 34% who didn’t test the radio, 29% cent who didn’t check the oil and another 29% who didn’t even check the child-safety features.

The top things Kiwis are committed to checking are a functioning air conditioner, windows that go up and down, and a clean smell.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1 Inspect the car in the daylight – never in the dark or in the rain. (If you can’t meet in the daytime, take a torch.)