Buying a used car? Check these details — they don’t lie, even if the odometer shows a ‘fresh’ mileage.
A used car often gives itself away not by the numbers on the odometer, but by the interior details and body condition. If the meter shows 90,000 kilometers (about 56,000 miles), but the seats look like they’ve been used for many years, the steering wheel seems polished by the hands of thousands of drivers, and the pedals shine like a mirror — there’s reason to doubt the seller’s honesty. At such mileage, the upholstery is usually slightly worn but without pronounced wrinkles, and the steering wheel and gear shift lever retain their factory texture, albeit with a hint of use.
It’s important to check the glass markings. If all the glasses are from the same production year, while the windshield looks new — you should find out the reason for its replacement. Pay attention to the condition of the headlights: cloudiness and yellowing indicate prolonged use. Conversely, if the optics look new on a high-mileage car — they might have been polished or replaced. Assess the tires: even with deep tread, the presence of micro-cracks on the sidewalls indicates that the rubber is old and hasn’t been changed, despite the claimed low mileage (which might suggest its adjustment).
Looking under the hood is worthwhile. Even if the engine has been washed, signs of use are noticeable on the bolts and joints. They’ll tell more than any words from the seller.
A car with 150,000 kilometers (about 93,000 miles) cannot be like new — it will definitely show signs of age. Smooth gear shifts, response to gas pedal pressure, vibrations in motion — all these sensations indicate how active the car’s life has been. Such things can’t be hidden by dry cleaning or covers — an attentive driver will notice them immediately.