You'll want to avoid a visit to the garage immediately after buying a second-hand car (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Driving expert shares five simple checks to avoid being scammed when buying a second-hand car

by · Daily Record

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A motoring expert on TikTok has shared crucial advice for those considering a second-hand car purchase.

Highlighting the pitfalls of buying used vehicles, the guru, who goes under the handle @master_driver666 and boasts a following of 1.2 million, points out five critical areas to inspect before sealing a deal.

In a recent video, she instructs her audience: "When buying a second-hand car just check these five places and you won't be able to buy accident, flooded or scrapped cars."

She elaborates: "There is a production date on the bottom of this belt, compare this production date with the production date on the vehicle's name plate, if they do not match it means the airbag system has been triggered before and it may be an accident car."

"Second, open the main driver's door, squat down and look under the steering wheel, turn on your phone flash, check the steering column and brake pedal for rust. If so, it means the car was soaked in water in the past," she advises further.

There's a number of checks you should make before taking the keys (Image: Shared Content Unit)

Continuing her tutorial, she shows: "Third, there are two rubber plugs next to the A-pillar of the vehicle, let's open it. Look there's a screw inside, these two screws are used to control the frame of the centre console, let's check whether these two screws have any signs of being removed."

She recommended: "If so, it means the centre console of this car has been replaced. Why replace the centre console?" She then urged opening the front hood to search for black sludge, adding that any dirt is a sign of poor maintenance.

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"Fifth, check whether the front frame of the left and right sides of the car is symmetrical. Then check whether there are any knocking or welding marks on the front frame," she went on.

"There are traces of welding here indicating the front of this car has been in a serious accident. If you don't check this place out before buying a used car you will definitely be scammed."

Winter driving tips

The savvy motorist insists that by following these five checks, shoppers can spot if a car has a dubious history. Car purchasing can feel daunting, but homework and thorough scrutiny are pivotal.

Her advice went viral, garnering 2,300 likes and multiple comments, with one user remarking: "Good to know," another said: "That's really useful." And yet another thanked her, saying: "Thanks for the information."

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