You couldn’t resist: You’ve noticed the car offer online, and you had to buy it. The seller’s story moved you. A woman was selling the car of her late father, who didn’t use the vehicle often. She didn’t want to keep it; she had too many memories. As for the car, you found it was a bargain to get a vehicle with such low mileage. However, while you are sure you can trust the seller on this, you also need to be careful about maintaining the car. Indeed, you’re buying a car that didn’t drive a lot and might have spent several days, weeks, or even months untouched. Now that the deal is done, you need to start looking after your new acquisition with extreme care.
Give it a full clean
Nobody implies that the car is dirty. However, it’s unlikely that the seller managed to clean the interior thoroughly. It’s the first thing you want to do when you get the car. You might find some trash under the seat and debris on the floor. But, more importantly, you could also come across papers and documents left by the previous owner – and you can be sure the seller would appreciate your returning them. Start by decluttering the car – you can create a pile for the stuff to throw away and a pile for everything that the seller might want to keep. Cleaning the dashboard is easily done with a wipe. For the button, though, you may want to use an old toothbrush to clear the dirt away.
The car didn’t drive a lot
Typically, if the vehicle has been used a lot, it’s a good idea to ask the seller how it was maintained. Indeed, a car that is safely stored away from the weather is less likely to develop rust and other weather-related weak spots. Additionally, you might want to know if the car was drained regularly, as the gasoline and oil can congeal when the vehicle is stored for too long. Another common issue is the battery, which can lose its charge when the car is left for several months! Knowing what to expêct makes it easier for you to avoid high repair costs.
Despite maintenance, some parts might get rusty
Even if the previous owner was careful about the vehicle, some repair costs are unavoidable when nobody drives the car for a long time. In a moist environment, the wheels can rapidly show signs of damage, such as rust. Additionally, the disk brake and the caliper are also among the first parts that can get rusty over time. A rule of thumb is to tackle rusty elements as quickly as possible to avoid putting too much pressure on the rest of the mechanics.
It needs a complete service
Last but not least, someone who doesn’t use their car often may not have kept on top of the servicing appointments. Unfortunately, when you don’t service a car regularly, you might fail to spot issues in time or to keep the vehicle road legal. It’s therefore recommended to give the vehicle a full service soon after the purchase.
Elderly owners tend to be more careful with their vehicle. Many of them keep the car clean and well maintained. However, being aware of the potential dangers when buying a car that used to belong to a senior can help to preserve the vehicle performance and value
