At Capels, we're confident of the quality of our used stock.  So much so, we don't mind giving you the following tips on what to look for when assessing a potential purchase.

We want you to buy with confidence.

Many checks on a vehicle, such as for rust, exhaust blow, or torn trim will be obvious to most buyers.  Listed below are the most commonly overlooked checks on a vehicles' condition.  Print out the list, or ask for a copy when you arrive.

INSPECTING the VEHICLE

START WITH THE OUTSIDE

Are the body panels ripple free?  Are the styling lines smooth from front to back? (Judge this by looking along the length of the vehicle).

Are the gaps around doors and lids consistent in width?  (If not, replacement panels may have been fitted).

Have the doors sagged, closing with a jolt and a jarring noise?  (Usually a sign of heavy use).

Is there paint overspray on the rubber trims or under wheel-arches?  (If so, ask why).

Are the tyres badly worn or of odd and cheap makes?  (A likely indication of poor service care in the past).

Are the panels and chassis members in the engine bay and boot, free from distortion and recent respraying?

Is there a little pool of liquid on the road where the vehicle has been standing?  (Could be expensive, depending on the cause).

IN THE ENGINE BAY

Is there water in the engine oil?  (If there's a scum-like 'mayonnaise' inside the oil filler cap, buy a different vehicle).

Is there oil in the cooling water?  (Look inside the overflow bottle or radiator.  Advice as above).

What colour is the engine oil?  (If it's a petrol engine, light-med brown is good.  If it's a diesel, it'll probably be black. That's OK).

Is the coolant reservoir filled to the correct level with bright, coloured coolant?  (If the water is brown or missing altogether, pass).

Are there oily smudge marks around the engine bay?  (Could be a sign of recent engine work.  Be very cautious. Ask for details).

THE INTERIOR

Are there signs of leaks on interior trim?  Does it smell of Dog?  Do all the controls actually work?

Is the windscreen pitted?

STARTING THE ENGINE

Check the engine's temperature before you start. (If it's warm, the seller could be trying to hide a starting problem).

When starting the engine, do all the warning lights operate, then extinguish within 4 seconds?  (If not, leave it).

Is the exhaust smoke-free when the engine is warm? (Rev it up after it's been idling for 1 minute.
Significant smoke here =£££).

With the rad-cap removed, are there bubbles coming up through the water?  (Could be a blown
head gasket.  More £££)

NOW YOU GET TO DRIVE IT                                                                                 

Does the clutch only start biting when the pedal has nearly reached the top? (It could be worn and need changing).

Does the car drift to one side when you loosen your grip on the wheel?  (It could just be a low tyre pressure. Check for power steering problems though).

Does the car pull to one side when you brake?  (A possible brake-pad problem, or maybe warped brake discs)

Is there a grinding noise when turning the wheel from lock to lock with the vehicle in motion?
(Probable CV problem. A few more £££).

When traveling slowly forward, does the handbrake stop the vehicle reasonably well?

After the test drive, are there any leaks underneath?

IS IT AN HONEST VEHICLE?

Do the widow etching and VIN plate details match the V5?  (Find VIN plates on the windscreen, under the bonnet and (usually) front door sills).

Does the stated mileage match the MOT's?  (Also, you can check the MOT is valid at www.motinfo.gov.uk).

Does the wear condition of the steering wheel, pedal rubbers, carpets etc look consistent with the stated mileage?

Does it need a new air-bag after an accident?  (This can be VERY expensive).

ALSO, A BIT OF ADVICE ON HOW TO DESCRIBE YOUR CAR FOR SALE*

Whatever medium you use, follow this industry standard format when describing your car-

Manufacturer / Model / Variant (e.g. Gti) / Mileage / Engine size / Year and number plate mark (e.g. 'X' or '52') Added extras and specification /  Service History (if there is one) / Condition / Sale due to
(reason) / Price.

* When buying from us, you can put your old vehicle on our forecourt.  We'll sell it for you.