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On the move

Once you are out on the road; try to stay alert for unusual symptoms that the ride may occur:


  • Brakes. Juddery brakes can be sign of warped discs so beware. A grinding sound may indicate worn pads and discs, if the vehicle hasn’t been driven for a while it may grind to begin with but this will disappear once the brakes have warmed up. Make sure the handbrake works too as these are common to fail.


  • The handling. Rides that have a tendency to ‘Wander’ in a straight line normally indicate suspension problems and that’s not good. It’s also worth checking that the ride doesn’t wander upon braking too.


  • Engine knocks or clatters can indicate poor maintenance and it is worth avoiding cars like these unless you are clued up when it comes to engines.


  • Suspension. The suspension should generally be quiet with no rattles or knocks. Suspension components can wear away quite often and it’s not unusual to have the odd bush or spring replaced. Dampers or shocks sometimes seized up or leak after a few years so unless the suspension has been recently replaced there is no need to panic.


  • Sluggishness on engines is not really normal. If you think the ride is under performing and slower than it should be then this can indicate a very hard worn engine. The other alternative is to check to make sure the engine fitted is the right one for the model as it’s not uncommon to have had an engine replaced at some stage, especially on older vehicles.


  • When you are driving along the road listen out for any high pitched whirring noises or clicking sounds. On rides fitted with aftermarket alloy wheels it is not uncommon for wheel bearings to begin to separate or CV joints to split. These are relatively cheap to have replaced but make sure the seller knows that there is a possible fault and they may offer to have it fitted for you.