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    What's important to look out for when buying a second-hand car?

    What are the important things to look out for when buying a second-hand car? How can you tell if a car has been in an accident? How do you barter down on a price point?

    Answered by CarsGuide
    14 February 2019
    Graham Smith

    The things to look out for are overall condition of the body and paint, a service record showing regular maintenance, is the odometer reading lower or higher than you would expect, and the condition of the interior trim. Things that can indicate a crash are a mismatch of paint between adjacent panels, overspray, do areas of the body look fresher than other areas. Bartering is just that. Work out what the car is worth and what you are prepared to pay for a car and make an offer perhaps lower than that so you’ve got some room to move if the seller makes a counter offer.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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