How to choose a used car

Buying a used car is a sensible solution that allows you to get a complete version for a small amount of money. The advantages of such a purchase are many: a rich equipment, a confirmed condition, as well as amenities, like paid insurance and all sorts of improvements. However, such a purchase is “a cat in a bag”, and in order not to get at the disposal of the problematic option, the choice should be approached with all the responsibility.

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1. Top car manufacturers. Which to choose
   
2. Classes of cars
3. The main criteria for choosing a used car

Top car manufacturers. Which to choose?

The advantage of buying a used car is the ability to select a high-end quality model for the same money that is asked for a new “state employee”. It is not surprising that, finding themselves in a similar situation, buyers are looking in the direction of premium car brands:

1. BMW;

2. Lexus;

3. Mercedes Benz;

4. Audi;

5. Acura;

6. Infiniti;

7. Honda;

Before choosing a specific car model, it is useful to study user reviews and identify problem areas of the car. Their condition and attention should be paid first. It is easiest to get acquainted with information of this type on thematic forums on the Internet, as well as on social networks in groups dedicated to a specific car brand.

Classes of cars

All modern cars are divided into types depending on the size of the wheelbase, weight, engine size and other operational characteristics.

Class A cars

Compact machines designed for urban use. The body has a short base with minimal overhangs, which makes it possible to park in cramped spaces and lanes, as well as turn around and perform maneuvers in cramped conditions.

Virtues

• Miniature sizes;

• Small taxes and insurance;

• Maneuverability and dynamism due to low weight;

• Small turning radius;

disadvantages

• Low-power motors;

• At speeds above 130 km / h do not feel comfortable;

• Poor cross;

• Tiny trunk;

Class B cars

Larger machines for everyday use and short trips out of town. The wheelbase of such cars does not exceed 3000 mm, and the engines installed on most models, can not be called powerful. In demand, mainly among those who selects the first car in life.

Virtues

• Compact wheelbase;

• Thrifty;

• Available in classes hatchback, sedan and wagon;

• Maneuverable and compact;

• Small overhangs on the bumpers;

disadvantages

• Miniature cabin dimensions;

• Drive in the bulk of the front;

• Mediocre patency;

• Small clearance;

• Unable to reach significant speed;

Class C

The most popular class in our country.Already roomy enough, but its dimensions still do not create trouble for the owner. Suitable for everyday use due to low fuel consumption, affordable price tag and acceptable dynamics. Available in classes hatchback, sedan, wagon and coupe.

Virtues

• Spacious lounge;

• Inexpensive maintenance;

• Low fuel consumption;

• Clearance 15-17 centimeters;

• Roomy trunk;

disadvantages

• The turning radius is larger than that of a car B class;

• Mediocre dynamics;

D-class

Full-size middle class cars, characterized by large body dimensions (up to 4.5-4.7 meters), various types of drive and powerful engines (the volume can reach 3-4 liters). Spacious interior, roomy trunk. Maneuverable and able to accelerate well, not to feel uncomfortable in the stream.

Virtues

• Spaciousness;

• Good dynamics;

• Tyagovity engines;

• 5 full seats in the cabin;

• Spacious trunk;

disadvantages

• Expensive repair;

• High fuel consumption;

• Large turning radius;

E-class

Cars belonging to the executive class. The length reaches 5-5.2 meters. Completed with all-wheel drive systems, as well as a large number of various assistants to help ensure exchange rate stability. High-quality interior decoration, a variety of different functions that directly affect comfort. Roomy trunk and spacious interior.

Virtues

• Spaciousness;

• Extensive functionality;

• A wide variety of models and configurations;

• Endurance motors;

• Workmanship;

disadvantages

• Many systems that can run with mileage;

• Significant transport tax amounts;

• Good options cost money;

• Consume a lot of fuel;

• Roads to maintain;

The main criteria for choosing a used car

Having decided on the brand and class of a particular car, it is necessary to examine the condition of the main components and assemblies that can become potential sources of problems and, as a result, financial investments. Pay attention to the nuances that are indirect signs of repair work and the fact that the car was in an accident.

Car mileage

Figures reflecting the number of kilometers traveled by the car in its entire "life." Without confirmation of history, there can be absolutely any - unwind the odometer of the car at the present time is not difficult. The averaged figures are as follows: 15-20 thousand kilometers of the annual mileage "wind up" the Russians and 30-40 thousand - the Europeans. Multiplying this figure by age, you can approximately calculate the mileage of the car. Figures are averaged, but close enough to reality. You should not be afraid of cars with a mileage of 200-250 thousand kilometers - with timely maintenance and use of high-quality parts and technical fluids, the car is quite capable of running back as much again. Of course, only if the mileage is real.

Car issue date

The age of a car is a psychological rather than a practical application, because often older machines work better than their young “brothers”.

It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of the so-called “restyling” - global updates of the model line, the elimination of identified deficiencies and the modernization of the appearance.

We should not forget about the difference in generations. Very often the age of cars can vary by 1 year, and the difference in price can reach 50-70%. This is due to the fact that a younger car belongs to a new model range and is relevant at the present moment.

The condition of the car body and paintwork

The condition of the body is the determining criterion when buying a used car. In order to determine the thickness of the paintwork and detect hidden repairs, you should use a thickness gauge. This is a special device that allows you to determine the thickness of the layer of paint, varnish and other polymeric materials separating the sensor and the metal surface of the body. Read more article - thickness gauge recommendations.

1. The value of no more than 150-180 microns indicates the factory color of the car;

2. A layer of 300-400 microns indicates that the car has been repainted;

3. A layer of more than 500 microns, says that under the paint of the car there is a filler, indicating the accident, which he visited;

Evidence that the car was in an accident can also be gaps between car body panels. In the factory state, they all have the same width and are completely symmetrical to each other. If their width varies, and it is not possible to join the wings, bumper and other elements into one, it is possible to draw conclusions about the displacement of the power elements of the frame design. From the purchase of such a car should be abandoned.

Condition of the chassis and suspension

In most cases, the chassis and suspension are "consumables" that require regular replacement, regardless of whether the new car is bought or "used". In order to diagnose the suspension, you must raise the car on a lift or carry out a dynamic test on a special stand. Pay attention should be silent blocks, ball bearings, the state of the levers and rods, as well as springs and shock absorbers.

Gearbox operation

1. Manual should have a hard entrance and a clear inclusion of gear. The clutch should be activated in the middle of the pedal stroke or at the very beginning, when shifting gears, all other extraneous sounds, crunch and clicks should be absent. The presence of vibrations, crunches and clicks may indicate a strong wear of the flywheel, "setting" at the very end suggests that the clutch kit will require an immediate replacement;

2. Automatic transmission should shift gears smoothly, without jerks and delays, regardless of whether the car is warm or not. Sudden shocks and blows indicate the failure of the executive unit of the automatic transmission, the change in speed by 100-150 with a uniform arrangement of the gas pedal - a sign of the imminent failure of the torque converter;

Engine and its operation

A cold engine start should be carried out clearly and accurately, the speed after the start should not “float”, extraneous sounds, whistling, clattering and knocking is absent. It is the charging of the cold that very often indicates the condition of the engine;

1. While driving, the speed should change in parallel with the accelerator pedal, there should be no failures and self-boosting;

2. The dynamics of the car should be uniform, devoid of failures and power surges;

3. Smoke during engine operation should be absent (except for diesel engines, for which the presence of a small amount of black smoke is a feature of the work). The presence of gray smoke indicates that the engine consumes oil, white smoke indicates a malfunction of the cooling system and antifreeze leakage;

4. The level of technical fluids should be at the same mark and not change, regardless of driving style. Oil consumption of 500 ml or more per thousand kilometers may indicate that the engine will require serious repair in a short time. An indirect sign of problems with oil consumption may indicate a canister of oil in the trunk of a car, the so-called "topping up";

5. Fuel consumption should be at the level of factory values ​​plus minus 15-20% when operating in the cold season.Excessive consumption of gasoline may indicate a malfunction of the fuel equipment;

Vehicle condition

1. The general condition of the cabin should not cause rejection of its appearance. Door seals and technical rubber bands should be soft and fit snugly to the doors and car body;

2. Details of the interior with which the driver contacts should have a good condition, not be peeled off and scratched. The rubbed steering wheel, the “bald” gear knob, the push buttons can indicate that the car’s mileage is well over 200 thousand kilometers;

3. Seats can say a lot. The lateral support, the lower roller of the popliteal support, the back and the pillow must be intact, with no serious creases, no signs of exploitation or defects;

Electrics and electronics

1. The dashboard and the on-board computer should not have any additional characters, except for the workers. Check engine, pressure and oil service lamps, as well as other indicators indicate serious problems.

2. Once in the cabin, you need to check all electrical equipment. Air conditioning, climate control, lighting, multimedia - all this equipment should work as provided by the manufacturer;

3. After the initial inspection, it is necessary to resort to the use of dealer equipment. It makes it possible to determine the true mileage, current and old errors, to diagnose equipment and identify those faults that should soon require intervention;

type of drive

Front-wheel drive is installed on most modern cars. The engine is installed transversely and with the help of special devices - CV joints transmits torque to the front wheels.

Rear-wheel drive involves the transmission of torque to the rear wheels. For this purpose, a number of accessories are used - a driveshaft, a gearbox. Installed on powerful and sports cars and shows excellent performance on dry pavement.

Four-wheel drive combines the two mechanisms described above and is capable of transmitting torque to all four wheels. Allocate a permanent four-wheel drive, in which all four wheels rotate, the torque and degree of rotation of each of them is controlled by electronics, and the plug-in — the leading wheels are either front or rear by default, and when they slip, the system forcibly connects the second pair.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.