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Part 2 ... Checking the vehicle identification number

 

There are several things that you need to check for when viewing a used car. Firstly pop the bonnet and see if the engine is warm as this could be a sign that the car is hard to start when cold. While the bonnet is up check the vehicle identification number (VIN) against the registration document (V5) to make sure that they match. The VIN is usually a stamped metal plate and consists of a series of numbers and letters usually 17 digits long. Sometimes the VIN will be machined onto the engine block. Most common places to find the vehicle identification number are as follows...

• The radiator support bracket
• Firewall
• On the front of the engine block

Other places that you can find the VIN are ...

• Drivers side dashboard where you will be able to see the number though the windscreen.
• Drivers or passengers door post.
• The Cars Maintenance/Service Book.

When you locate the VIN number take a while to check that it hasn't been tampered with. Its common for car thieves to alter or deface the VIN number to hide the vehicles true identity. If you can find the VIN number in several locations on the vehicle make sure that they all have the same number. When you are happy that the VIN matches with the registration document you can go ahead and look at the engine in more detail. Unscrew the engine oil filler cap and look underneath it. What you are looking for is the colour of the oil. If the oil looks milky grey in colour it could mean the engine has a blown head gasket. Next lift the dipstick out and check that the engine oil is the correct level. Also look at the cooling system expansion bottle and make sure that the coolant is between the higher and lower level marks. Next check the brake and clutch fluid levels. If any of the above engine checks are not correct it could mean that the car has been poorly serviced. Just a couple of more checks before you lower the bonnet. Have a glance around and look for any frayed wires, excessive oil around the head and the condition of any belts that you can see. If the car is high millage ask the seller when the cam belt was last changed. If you do go ahead and buy the car its probably a good idea to get it changed anyway. A top end rebuild on an engine can be Very expensive indeed.

Buying a used car ...part 1

Checking the outside ...part 3

Checking the interior ...part 4

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• Motoring : Directgov (opens in new window)
• Advice on buying and selling a vehicle (opens in new window)

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