Now remember that the person selling you the car is probably more keen on selling it than you are to buy one. It goes without saying that he has dolled up the car at the least possible expense to make it appear flawless. Here are a few pointers to sound the alarm bells when it comes to getting that used car:
· Look out for a body panel that seems slightly faded as compared to the rest of the car. Keep an eye out for bumpy finishing or rough paint edges. A brand new side indicator on one side of the car is also a sign of a past accident.
· Watch out for new tyres with low mileage on the odometer. These are sure signs of tampering to boost the car's resale value. A good indicator might be worn out brake pedals and floor mats.
· Dig for signs of rust under the door panels and in the wheel wells. This indicates a fresh paint job hiding an old body.
Maharsh Bhulani, 34, who is a used car dealer and an expert in finding out flaws in used cars says, "Worn out clutch plates are a good indicator of the wear and tear the car has undergone. Ideally clutch plates should be replaced after every 40,000 km run. Since they are expensive to replace, most sellers do not bother changing them during a car touch-up."
Also read: Finally, a budget you can stick to!
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