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What to look for, What to check!

From handy hints on how to spot if a car is stolen to alterations on the mileage, here's our essential list of questions to ask, and items to check when you're viewing a used car.

Documents

• Can the seller show you the vehicle registration document? You won't be able to tax the car without it.
• Is the seller the registered keeper shown on the registration document? If not, why are they selling it for someone else?
• Are there any spelling mistakes on the registration document?
• Do the VIN (vehicle identification number), engine number and colour match what's on the registration document?
• Does the number plate match what's on the registration document?
• Has the VIN plate been tampered with (it should be stamped onto the body or in the engine compartment)?
• If the VIN number is etched on glass are they the same and do they match those on the VIN plate and registration document?
• Can you see deliberate scratches on glass to remove etched-in marks?
• Does the fuel filler look as if it has been forced or replaced?
• Are there any signs of forced entry, damaged or different locks, suggesting they've been replaced?
• Does the seller have a current NCT certificate and certificate of insurance?

Mileage

• Does the mileage roughly tie in with the age and appearance of the car?
• Are there stone chips across the front of the bonnet, grille and bumper that could indicate lots of Motorway journeys?
• Are there worn screws in the dashboard suggesting that the instruments might have been tampered with? (modern digital odometers may be tampered with electronically so such clues won't exist)

Accident Damage?

• Are there signs of inconsistent gaps between panels or mismatched colours on doors, bonnet and tailgate which could indicate extensive repairs?
• Is the paint finish even across the car?
• Are there traces of spray paint on door handles, window seals and mouldings?
• Are there signs that the car's colour has been changed? (Look under carpets and in other hidden areas in particular.)
• Are there signs of unusual looking welding under the bonnet or in the boot?

Safety

• Are the tyres (including the spare) in good condition? Check there's no sign of excessive or uneven wear or damage and bear in mind that tyres with less than 3mm of tread will have to be replaced soon. 1.6mm is the legal limit.
• Do all the seatbelts operate correctly? Check there are no cuts or fraying that could affect the way they work.
• If airbags are fitted, Check that warning lights operate as described in the handbook - normally they will come on with the ignition and then go out?

Test Drive

• Are the brakes effective or does it take a long time or a lot of effort to stop?
• Is the braking even or can you feel the car pull to one side?
• Are there any unusual noises when you brake?
• Is the handbrake effective?
• Is the steering heavy? Can you feel it vibrate or pull to one side?
• If ABS is fitted, does the warning light go out after the engine is started?

Engine

• Are there any abnormal noises when the engine is started from cold?
• Does the oil warning light go out as soon as the engine starts?
• Are there signs of excessive visible exhaust emissions?
  • White water vapour from the exhaust is normal while the engine is cold
  • Blue smoke isn't normal - that's oil burning
  • Don't worry about faint blue smoke from diesels, but black smoke is serious
• Is the clutch in good condition? If you hear a noise when you press down on the clutch, this could mean the release bearing is worn and likely to fail. If the clutch bites more than halfway up, you may need to have it replaced.
• Is the catalytic converter in good condition? Look for a recent emissions test, either alone or as part of an NCT. This will confirm that emissions are within the stringent limits applied to modern cars.
• Is there sludge on the underside of the oil filler cap? This could indicate poor servicing or predominantly short journey use.
• Is the oil level correct? Too low shows neglect; too high could be an indication that the engine is using oil though it may simply have been over filled in error.
• Has the cam belt been replaced according to the manufacturer's recommended intervals? If you're not sure then replace it anyway - though not a cheap repair it is much cheaper than a new engine!

Locks and Windows

• Do all the locks, including central locking and remote controls, work properly?
• Do all windows, including any sunroof, open/close normally?
• Have you got all the right keys? Check the handbook to see which keys were provided when the car was new. Modern keys are expensive to replace, particularly the coloured 'master' key provided by some manufacturers to programme new spare keys to the car.

But if in doubt your local Opel Network Q dealer will take the worry out of buying a used car or van, we insure that each vehicle is rigorously tested and is up to our high standards. Each Network Q vehicle undergoes:

• Multi Point Check
• 12 Month Network Q Assistance
• 30 Day Exchange
• Verified Milage
• Vehicle History Check
• 12 Months Cover on Brakes, Battery & Clutch
• 12 Months Unlimited Milage Warrenty
• NCT Guarantee