Buying guide

Used car checklist

Before you buy, check these known problems on the car. Each line comes from our Problems page.

Reverse gear hard to engage on the first try
Look for: Reverse will not go in on the first try; it goes in after releasing and trying again
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Vibration at idle or with the A/C on
Look for: Body and steering vibrate at idle, more with the A/C on; some feel it at 70–100 km/h
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Tapping noise on a cold start
Look for: Loud knock or tick for a short time after a cold start, gone when warm
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Front wheel bearings wearing out again and again
Look for: Humming or growling from a front wheel that gets louder with speed; bearings replaced more than once
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A/C stops: compressor clutch does not turn
Look for: Fan blows but no cooling; burning smell and squeal when A/C is pressed
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AGS: engine cuts out and the key is not recognised
Look for: Engine switches off while driving and takes time to restart
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Check engine light with a jerk and unsteady rpm
Look for: A jerk while driving, then the check engine light comes on and rpm goes up and down
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Low fuel average in the city
Look for: About 11–12 km/l in the city with A/C, where owners expect 13.5–14.5
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Also: have the engine scanned with a scanner that works on this car, look at every warning light at key-on, and check the service record. Scanner guide · Warning lights