by If you are thinking about purchasing a new car, you should be aware of certain procedures before finalizing the deal, and one of them is to review the car’s history.
Unfortunately, this information is not always easy to find, but there are companies that specialize in providing this service along with evaluating the car’s condition. By following a few simple steps, you can obtain a Carfax report, which contains all the necessary information about your future car to ensure that you get a good deal. Want to know why this is important and how to conduct this investigation? Keep reading.
Why is it important to refer to the car’s history?
Purchasing a new car requires a lot of attention and care. Although it’s a great deal for those who don’t have money to buy a new model, this purchase can turn into a big loss if you’re not sure about the car’s history. Some unsuspecting people might buy cars with hidden defects or even fall victim to fraudsters, buying cars with fake mileage or document problems. So, if you want to avoid headaches and financial losses, give the car’s evaluation the necessary attention.
What needs to be checked?
- Find out if there are fines and restrictions
You can check for unpaid fines and even verify if the car was stolen. Another valid inquiry is the payment of the license fee, which is part of the mandatory insurance.
Checking all these items is necessary as the transfer can only occur after all restrictions are cleared. That means even overdue IPVA payments must be settled before the car sale.
- Has the car been involved in an accident in the past
There’s also the possibility of evaluating the car and trying to detect some signs of accidents. For example, check the doors: do they close properly and don’t scrape the body, do they align with the body, and are there no differences in paint tones? Conduct the alignment check procedure on the bumpers, trunk, and hood as well.
Besides looking for signs of accidents, it’s important to check if the car has been in a flood. Analyze the smell inside the car and look for traces of dirt under the seats and carpets, on the dashboard, and along the door sides. Also, pay attention to the operation of electrical components, as water damages electrical and electronic parts.
It’s always recommended to have a reliable mechanic analyze the vehicle. He has more experience and can notice signs you might otherwise miss. Some workshops and specialized companies offer an inspection service, providing a report on the car’s condition.
