WARNING: read this is you plan to buy a second hand car in Redland

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Buying a second hand car can

save you a lot of money - but it can also cost you a lot of money as several

buyers in Redland found out recently.

The Bristol Evening Post

carried a court report recently about Alexander Archer, 30, of Redland Road,

who was done for handling stolen goods after he was sold a stolen car by

another Bristol man.

But it's not just outright stolen cars you need to be on the lookout for.

I may not even be 30 yet but I have had more than a dozen second hand cars in

my life, only one of which cost more than £500 (the gorgeous red mini

pictured). Needless to say I know my cheap cars now, I know what to look for

and how to avoid getting completely ripped off so pay attention!

I've always avoided second hand car traders, favouring private buys - from the

Free Ads, Gumtree or eBay but just because the seller is an individual person

(rather than a wheeler dealer) it doesn't mean that they should be trusted.

I once bought a Rover Metro off a seemingly nice guy in Somerset for £300 only

to find he's botched a head gasket out of a cereal box. Well - that car ended

up costing me almost what I paid for it. FAIL.

Then there was the Ford Fiesta I picked up in Dorset for £100. Boy did I love

that car, but the dent in the door which the previous owner assured me was a

car park prang - was infact the death of that car. Turns out they'd rolled it

into a ditch and the whole chassis was bent. FAIL.

I've also had Renaults, Peugeots and Suzukis but none have been as reliable and

trustworthy as the good old Volkswagens. Think about it, the old cars you see

going strong on the streets of Redland (that is pre L reg) chances are, they're

VW Polos or Golfs. The Germans sure do know how to make solid cars!

This isn't a foolproof guide but here are some things to look for when buying a

second hand car (I'm talking pre 2000 identikit new cars).

 * Check the wheel arches for rust. Some people paint over this so don't

be scared to poke around.

* Check the engine for any brown gunk in or around the water tank - a sure sign

of a dodgy head gasket (common in Rovers)

* Give the windscreen a once over for any chips as these can soon grow into a

giant crack. (one of the only problems you'll see in a VW)

* Make sure you take if for a test drive and see what the temperature gauge does

- it shouldn't go up too quickly. (another Rover flaw)

* Check there's no squeaking sound on the brakes and that they can be used for

an emergency stop. (Renault failed me here)

* Try all of the electrics - windscreen wipers, radio, lights etc it also

indicates whether there may be a prob with the battery or cam belt. (again, be

particularly vigilant with Rovers)

It's not just me offering advice. Bristol City Council's Trading Standards

department has issued a statement following the conviction of local tradesmen

who took hundreds of miles off the clock on second hand cars. 

How to avoid

buying vehicles that have their clocks altered

The MOT history of all vehicles is now online. Five minutes on the internet can save car buyers months of anguish. You need

the vehicle registration mark and the test number of the existing mot

certificate or the reference number on the log book.

Service history - Check the mileage figures displayed in the service history

and look for service stamps from a genuine dealer. Ideally the service invoices

will accompany the service history. Phone the garage who serviced the vehicle

and ask if they had any problems with it

Speak to the previous keeper - Get in contact with the previous keeper (you

should be able to find their details in the DVLA log book). They can identify the

mileage of the vehicle when they sold it and you can check to see if this adds

up with the current mileage.

 

Check the mileage and get the seller to record it in writing.

Look for signs of wear and tear - Does it match its mileage? Be careful to look

out for signs such as worn seats, shiny steering wheels, worn brake/clutch

pedal rubbers and other vehicle parts. 

If you think a car has been clocked contact Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06 or

your local trading Standards Office for more advice.