First Things First: What is a repossessed car?

A repossessed car is a car that has been reclaimed by the lender due to the previous owner’s inability to keep up with payments. While these cars can often be acquired at lower prices, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough inspection to avoid potential pitfalls. 

Why should you inspect your repossessed car?

Detailed inspections are important to ensure you’re making a good investment. Whether the car is repossessed or not, regular checks help you identify hidden issues that could affect the vehicle’s performance and safety. Repossessed car sellers like AutohousePH conduct routine inspections to ensure that the vehicles being sold are in good condition.

How to do your research?

Research the Make and Model

Start by researching the specific make and model of your desired car. Look into common issues associated with the model and check reviews for reliability.

Set a Budget

Determine your budget for buying a repossessed car. Make sure to include any additional costs for repairs or maintenance.

Check the Mileage

Check the vehicle’s mileage so you have an idea of how much the car has been used. Repossessed cars with higher mileage may require more frequent maintenance and repairs.

Exterior Inspection

Body Condition

After doing your research, examine the repossessed car’s body for any rust, dents, and/or scratches. Inspect the car’s panel alignment to detect any signs of past accidents.

Tires and Wheels

Check the depth of the tire tread (the pattern on the tires) and look for any uneven wear, which might mean alignment problems. Inspect the wheels for any signs of damage or bends.

Under the Hood

Engine Compartment

Once you’ve finished exterior inspection, check the car’s fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid) and inspect the belts and hoses for wear. Keep an eye out for any signs of leaks or corrosion. If you’re not sure how to check this, it might be best to consult a professional.

Battery and Electrical Components

Assess the battery health and age. It might help to ask for help from an inspector. Test the car’s lights, signals, and horn to ensure they function correctly.

Interior Inspection

Seating and Upholstery

After inspecting the vehicle’s hood, inspect the seating for any wear and tear. Test the seat adjustments and seatbelt functionalities to ensure they work properly.

Dashboard and Controls

Test all the dashboard lights and gauges. Check the functionality of the air conditioning, heating, and audio systems.

Test Drive

Start the Engine

When you start the engine, listen for any strange noises or vibrations. Check the accelerator and the brake pedals to see if they respond well.

On the Road

When test driving the car on the road, evaluate the steering wheel’s responsiveness, alignment, and transmission shifts. Observe the overall engine performance during the drive. The engine should feel smooth and powerful, with quick acceleration, smooth transmission shifts, and no presence of warning lights or sounds.

Documentation and Records

Review the Maintenance History

Request for the repossessed car’s service records and receipts to understand the car’s maintenance background. Repossessed car sellers typically provide information on the vehicle’s history.

Red flags to look out for when buying from sellers include incomplete documentation, inconsistent vehicle history reports, unusually low prices, and refusal of inspection or test drives.

Verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Lastly, make sure to verify the repossessed car’s VIN against registration documents and check for any previous recalls.

Still Unsure about Your Repossessed Car?

It might help to consider a mechanic’s opinion on the repossessed car. Consider hiring a trusted mechanic for a detailed inspection to get an expert assessment and recommendations. At AutohousePH, all repossessed cars are checked beforehand so you won’t have to do a total inspection on your own.

Conclusion

When it comes to repossessed cars, thorough inspection is very important to avoid any unexpected additional costs and to ensure the vehicle’s reliability. For more tips on buying repossessed cars in the Philippines, check out How to Buy a Repossessed Vehicle in the Philippines.

More Questions or Concerns?

Contact AutohousePH at (032) 239 7904 or 0906 536 9342.

To contact specific warehouse branches, check out AutohousePH’s website contact page.

If you want more details on buying used and repossessed cars in the Philippines, consider reading about the advantages and disadvantages of repossessed cars.