Volkswagen is renowned for its quality, fuel efficiency, and affordability. However, buying a used Volkswagen can be quite a gamble. So, you need to know the history of the car, the owners, the miles it traveled, and whether it has a clear service history. When searching for a used Volkswagen for sale, you can make the odds work in your favor by thoroughly examining various features of the vehicle. You need to check the rust, cooling system, cruise control, and ignition switches for starters. Moreover, there are other factors you need to be mindful of, which are discussed below:
Service records
The first thing you should consider while browsing used Volkswagen for sale is its service records and how its previous owners treated it. It is also crucial to check the history report of a car and get the details on its mileage, the number of owners, sustained damage, and the purpose for which the owners used it. In addition, you must go through the details of factory prescribed maintenance and oil change intervals present in the owner’s manual. It is even better if you have a receipt or record for everything. Also, make sure that the engine has been treated to timely oil changes, filter changes, and spark plug changes. You may avert potential issues with intake valve gunk when you can tick off all these factors.
Condition of intake valve gunk
A used Volkswagen with a direct-injected engine may have valve gunk deposits. The spray action in regular engines eliminates these deposits or build-ups. However, the position of the fuel injector in these direct injection engines prevents the clean-up action. So, without checking the intake valve gunk, you may experience poor vehicle performance, rough idle, weak throttle response, and long cranking periods while starting up. Therefore, it is advised to do a thorough check to diagnose the reasons for the build-up and take necessary actions.
Diagnostic scan
When you do a diagnostic check, it reveals the potential problems in the systems and components of the used vehicle. It may also help a technician zero in on various issues and concerns to identify the causes and repair them. Moreover, it can add to your peace of mind and boost your confidence regarding the purchase.
Modifications
Many Volkswagen owners modify the vehicles with non-factory parts to give a unique look to the cars. It is mainly done in Volkswagen’s sportier models like Golf R, GLI, or GTI. While some users know the proper means to install and use such modifications, some may not use them appropriately, resulting in component damage or accelerated wear. Hence, when purchasing a modified Volkswagen, make sure the installation and usage have been done correctly by the previous user.
Diesel or hybrid models
The most commonly used Volkswagen models are powered by gasoline. Diesel and hybrid engines are also available in the market. If you are going for a diesel engine or a hybrid model, it is best to do a pre-purchase inspection. When a hybrid or diesel-powered model is compared to a gasoline-powered one, you can find various additional components and systems which need to be checked over by a trained technician. At the time of inspection, the professional will have a thorough look at the expensive stuff in the car and make sure it is in the right state.
You need to check if the TSI 1.8 and TSI 2.0 engines are in the proper condition. It is best to buy a model with a toothed belt to ensure better reliability and stability. If you purchase models with diesel engines, make sure you comply with production standards to avoid tax losses and operational barriers.
Extended warranty
When considering extended warranties, you become a lot more confident about your purchase decision. However, buying extended warranties depends entirely on your risk tolerance. If you like the assurance of added protection and roadside assistance, you can buy it. Meanwhile, some shoppers may not go for extended warranties and want to keep the funds aside for future repairs and services.
Conclusion
Opting for a used car does not have to be associated with a lack of options. Moreover, you can play with various used Volkswagen models, which could be advantageous in many ways. However, you need to assess all the aspects discussed here to avoid any nasty surprises and enjoy a smooth run for years to come.
