|
 If you're buying a campervan or car for your travels, you will need to do a thorough check of any vehicle you are considering buying. Read our list of things you should check before you buy.
If you are travelling to popular backpacking destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, you will find when you arrive that
there is an abundance of cars and campervans being sold by other travellers. If you are doing a trip by car or campervan, make sure you get insurance to cover you. Downunder Insurance do a specific car & campervan insurance for backpackers -
Want Cheap Van Insurance? Free and Instant Quote Now!
The advantage of buying from other travellers is that the vehicle has already been tried and tested in the conditions in which you will be driving it. Also you may find that camping gear and the odd atlas or guidebook is thrown in with the package and there is no over-zealous salesman trying to trick you into buying a piece of scrap. In general, most travellers are honest, however, it is still necessary to thoroughly check the vehicle's physical condition and all documents: Engine
- ensure the car revs consistently and idles evenly
- check that the engine starts readily and that the exhaust smoke is not in thick clouds
- check the oil is brown and runs freely and not dark black and lumpy or frothy which is a sign of engine damage
- check the radiator container, gear-box fluid and brake-fluid containers - if these are under-filled then it could be a sign the car has not been
well cared for by its current owner
Body Work
- check the body looks in good condition, all the panels match up, and there is no rust on the underside
- check the exhaust is in decent condition and not in need of replacement
Tyres
- uneven tyre wear could indicate uneven wheel alignment
Test-Drive
- make sure you are insured on the car to test drive it
- ensure each gear engages easily and smoothly with the clutch fully down
- check that all warning indicators (such as for the airbag) go off after ignition
- test that the brakes work sufficiently at different speeds
- ensure the steering-wheel turns smoothly and easily in both directions
- test all other items such as air-con, sun-roof, windows, seats, doors
Paperwork
- If the car is fully-serviced, check the details on the service documents match the registration documents
- check the car identity numbers on the documents match those on the chassis and engine and that the name of the owner on the documents matches with the person you are buying from
- check the date of service to ensure it is still valid and look at the service history
- if you want to be really thorough, get a history check - this will ensure the car has not been registered as written off or stolen
- some countries may require additional paperwork, such as police checks
- ensure your name and details have been filled in correctly before you sign for ownership
- before you drive, make sure your vehicle is taxed and your driving licence is valid for the country you will be driving in. |
