Are you ready to buy a used car from an individual or a professional? Like you, many motorists take the plunge every year, attracted by the savings that can be made. Does the vehicle you want meet your expectations and needs? Have you traced its history and the registration document is in order? This is a good thing because you have further proof that it is not a scam. However, one essential point remains to be checked: the maintenance history of the car . Indeed, it would be problematic to buy a poorly maintained model that will have to undergo costly repairs only a few months after purchase. To make the right choice, Caroom guides you and answers all your questions.
Why should you check the history of a car before purchasing?
It’s a fact, the second-hand market contains many frauds and scams and this is why you must systematically check the complete history of the vehicle before making the purchase. You will then be certain of the quality and reliability of the car you want.
To trace the history of the model, several online platforms are available and will provide you with crucial information on mileage , number of owners , administrative situation and even maintenance . Precisely, it is this lat element that particularly interests us.
Indeed, with the maintenance chronology , you will know if the car has been regularly maintained, if it has not undergone major repairs or even if parts have been replaced.
How can you find out the maintenance history of a vehicle?
When purchasing a new car, the manufacturer must provide a maintenance logbook to the owner. We then find maintenance advice, the revisions recommended by the brand and their frequency. It is precisely compliance with these revisions that will allow you to evaluate the reliability, performance and longevity of a used vehicle.
During each visit, the mechanic is required to fill out the maintenance log, it is then a valuable document for knowing more about the used car. However, the seller is not obliged to provide you with this precious sesame. You can still ask him for it, which he will probably accept if he is in good faith. Otherwise, the current owner will be able to present you with the maintenance invoices which will also allow you to trace the history of the vehicle .
Likewise, find out about the next maintenance deadlines for expensive parts such as the clutch, the timing belt or even the automatic gearbox oil change. This will prevent you from being surprised at the last minute and having to spend money that you may have planned for something else.
Obligatoryly provided when selling a used car , the technical inspection reports will allow you to identify any failure linked to a poorly maintained vehicle. Moreover, if the model you wish to purchase is more than 4 years old, the owner will have to carry out a technical inspection dating back less than 6 months or less than 2 months in the case of a second inspection.
You will then need to carefully read the last technical inspection as well as the previous reports in order to take into account all the defects reported and to ensure that everything is working as expected.
To check the reports, you can also go to Histovec , which will give you a complete report concerning the vehicle’s history… Provided that the seller agrees to share the information on the platform. Likewise, the Central Technical Body (OTC) allows you to find out more about the technical checks carried out. However, to access the information, you will have to own the vehicle and will only be able to do so after purchase, which is not very prudent.
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