Buying a used car can be one of the smartest financial decisions you make — but only if you know what to look for. A car that looks great in photos can hide expensive problems underneath, and a rushed decision often costs far more down the road than the price of the car itself.
At Basa Motors, every vehicle on our lot goes through a full inspection before it’s offered for sale. But whether you’re buying from us or anywhere else, here are the ten things every buyer should check before signing on the dotted line.
1. Service History
A full, documented service history tells you how well the car has been looked after. Look for regular oil changes, timing belt replacements, and any recurring issues noted by previous mechanics. A car with gaps in its service record may have been neglected.
2. Mileage vs. Age
Compare the mileage on the odometer to the car’s age. The average driver covers roughly 10,000–12,000 km a year. A car with unusually low mileage for its age isn’t always a red flag, but it’s worth asking why — short city trips can actually wear an engine faster than steady highway driving.
3. Exterior Condition
Walk around the car in daylight and check for mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps, or ripples in the bodywork — all signs of prior accident repairs. Rust around wheel arches, doors, and the underside is also worth a closer look.
4. Tyres and Brakes
Uneven tyre wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Check the tread depth on all four tyres, and if possible, have the brakes inspected — pads, discs, and fluid condition all affect both safety and your near-term running costs.
5. Engine and Under the Bonnet
Start the engine cold if you can — a rough or noisy start can reveal issues that disappear once the engine warms up. Check oil levels and colour, look for leaks, and listen for unusual knocking or ticking sounds.
6. Interior and Electronics
Test every button, switch, and system — air conditioning, windows, infotainment, lights, and indicators. Worn pedals or a sagging driver’s seat can also hint at higher actual mileage than the odometer shows.
7. Ownership History
Fewer previous owners generally means a more consistent maintenance history. Ask how long the current seller has owned the car and why they’re selling it.
8. Outstanding Finance or Legal Issues
Always confirm the vehicle isn’t still under outstanding finance and has no legal disputes attached to it. Buying a car with unresolved finance can leave you personally liable for someone else’s debt.
9. A Proper Test Drive
Don’t settle for a five-minute loop around the block. Test the car at different speeds, on rough roads if possible, and try the brakes, steering response, and gear changes. Listen for anything that feels or sounds off.
10. An Independent Inspection
If you’re not confident assessing a car yourself, get it inspected by a trusted mechanic before you buy. It’s a small upfront cost that can save you from a much larger repair bill later.
Buy with Confidence at Basa Motors
Every car at Basa Motors is inspected, mileage-verified, and backed by clear ownership history before it ever reaches our showroom — so you don’t have to do the detective work yourself. We also offer part-exchange and flexible finance options to make your next purchase even easier.
Ready to find your next car? Browse our current stock or contact with our team today.
