Common Problems to Look For When Buying an Old Car

Older cars come with their own set of common problems. Knowing what to look for can save you from buying a money pit. Here are the most frequent issues we see at TRD Moters when customers bring in cars they have just bought.

Rust and Corrosion

Rust is the biggest enemy of older cars in the UK. Check the sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, boot floor, and suspension mounting points thoroughly. Surface rust can be treated, but structural rust is an MOT failure and expensive to weld. Take a magnet around the car to check for filler hiding previous rot. If the car has fresh underseal, be suspicious it could be covering corrosion.

Timing Belt History

A broken timing belt can destroy an engine. Most manufacturers recommend replacement every 4 to 6 years or 60,000 to 80,000 miles. If the car has no proof of a timing belt change, budget for one immediately. It is far cheaper to replace a belt than to replace an engine with bent valves.

Clutch Wear

Test the clutch biting point. If it takes up very high, the clutch is worn and will need replacing soon. Listen for any squealing or juddering when pulling away. A clutch replacement costs several hundred pounds, so it is a good negotiating point if the car needs one.

Gearbox Issues

Manual gearboxes should feel precise and not crunch. Crunchy gears, especially when cold, could mean worn synchromesh or low gearbox oil. Automatic gearboxes should change smoothly. Any hesitation, thumping, or delayed engagement suggests transmission problems that are expensive to fix.

Smoky Exhausts

Blue smoke from the exhaust means the engine is burning oil, usually due to worn valve seals or piston rings. This is an expensive repair. White smoke on a warm engine can mean a blown head gasket, which is also costly. Black smoke indicates over-fuelling, which might be simpler to fix but still needs attention.

Dashboard Warning Lights

Check that all warning lights illuminate when you turn the ignition on and then go out after starting. A seller who has removed a bulb for the airbag light or engine management light is hiding a problem. An illuminated engine warning light could be something simple like a lambda sensor, but it needs investigating.

Suspension Noises

Knocking noises from the front or rear when driving over bumps suggest worn drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, or shock absorbers. These are not hugely expensive to fix, but they add to your post-purchase costs. At TRD Moters in Newport, we stock a wide range of suspension parts for most popular models.

If you find problems with a car you have bought or are considering buying, TRD Moters can help with affordable parts. Visit us at Unit 15, Lilleshall Grange, Newport TF10 9HL or call 07721 551617.