Trade Secrets

We also have a few little trade secrets which you should try, these are

Carry a small magnet with you, if you think a particular area has been repaired see if the magnet sticks to it, as if it doesn't it will mean the car has been repaired using a type of car bodywork filler.
Look at the owner's driveway to see if there are any oil patches.
Once the car has been running reverse the car back and look at the floor to see if there are any traces of oil.
Ask for a bucket of water to be tipped over the top of the car to check if the sunroof is sealed correctly.
If you view the car on an evening, which isn't ideal, park the car under a street light, this can show up different shades of paintwork which would suggest the car has been repaired.
When you arrive to view the vehicle ensure you have adequate insurance to enable you to test drive the vehicle, when on the test drive make sure there are no bangs or excessive smoke from the exhaust. Make sure the brakes are responsive and that the gears are easily selected.

These checks need not take a considerable amount of time to complete, typically they will only take 15 minutes to check, but could save you thousands of pounds in the future.

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