Buying a used car remains the most affordable option for many drivers, but specialists warn that appearances – and seller promises – can be misleading. Mechanics say a vehicle described as “perfectly fine” can turn out to have hidden damage once inspected by a professional.
Speaking to Pravda.az, automotive expert Hasanaga Alili outlined the key red flags buyers should look for and the tricks often used by both sellers and dishonest mechanics.
Two risks: the seller may lie – and the mechanic might too
Alili stresses that the buyer’s first line of protection is the honesty and competence of the mechanic inspecting the car.
“The buyer checks the car visually, but a full inspection requires a professional. The main thing is to avoid being deceived – not only by the seller, but also by the mechanic. Some mechanics intentionally hide obvious damage.”
According to him, evaluating a vehicle’s mileage requires more than looking at the odometer. Buyers should also examine:
technical inspection documents,
computer diagnostics,
the service history,
and overall wear of interior and exterior parts.
Repainted panels, corrosion and flood damage: the most common hidden problems
Sellers often claim the car has never been repainted – yet a closer inspection frequently shows otherwise.
More serious is the attempt to hide flood damage, which can drastically reduce a car’s lifespan and safety.
Alili advises checking:
under the seats for rust and moisture,
exposed metal areas for rough corrosion,
for unusual noises while driving,
under the floor carpet for water traces or damage.
“If metal under the carpeting is rusty, if there’s moisture or a musty smell, or if the car makes strange noises – it likely stayed in water,” he said.
When the seller and mechanic “reach an agreement”
The expert has witnessed cases where mechanics deliberately mislead buyers:
“I’ve found serious problems while inspecting a car, even when the seller insisted everything was perfect. When I tell the buyer, the seller becomes angry: ‘Why did you say that? Why are you ruining the sale?’
Sometimes the seller and mechanic make an arrangement beforehand – the mechanic lies that the car is in good condition, and the seller ‘thanks’ him later.”
Alili warns that certain issues do not appear suddenly – they develop over years, and hiding them can be dangerous:
excessive engine oil consumption,
hidden airbag malfunctions,
structural damage from past accidents.
“If a mechanic sees that airbags will not deploy and says nothing, the result can be fatal. Concealing such things is unacceptable.”
