What Young Drivers Should Consider When Buying a Second-Hand Car

New car prices, lack of subsidies, and uncertainty about the future of mobility lead young people, who generally have lower purchasing power, to opt for second-hand vehicles as their first choice when they obtain a driving license.

In fact, 67% of drivers under 25 own a second-hand car, according to GIPA. This can pose a safety risk, as the design and materials used in older cars may not absorb crash energy as efficiently as modern vehicles, increasing the risk of cabin deformation and serious injuries to occupants.

Older cars typically only have front airbags, whereas newer models include side, curtain, and knee airbags, offering much greater protection in the event of a collision. They may lack pretensioners and force limiters, crucial elements for reducing impact on the body in case of a crash.

Moreover, over time, all car components wear out, increasing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns in the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, etc. Older cars are more prone to rust and corrosion, which can affect the vehicle's structure and the integrity of important components. Additionally, it is more likely that older cars have had inadequate maintenance or skipped inspections, exacerbating the risk of failures.

It should not be forgotten that older engines tend to be less efficient and emit a higher amount of pollutants (CO2, NOx, particles), contributing to poor air quality and climate change.

Norauto, the comprehensive car maintenance chain, offers 8 recommendations that young drivers should consider when acquiring such vehicles.

Therefore, in addition to conducting a visual inspection and test driving it, it is important to take the vehicle to a workshop for a thorough examination.

Certain elements, such as the suspension, tires, battery, engine, or braking system, are better checked by professionals. It should be noted that a professional diagnostic machine can detect electrical faults recorded by the vehicle itself (problems with the airbag, ESP, or ABS, among others) that may have been concealed. This is crucial to avoid surprises.

Before buying the car, the usage history should also be considered. It is not the same if a vehicle has been used for passenger transport or if it has had individual use with very few kilometers.

Do not forget the origin. If the vehicle has spent a lot of time in a beach area or with humidity, certain elements may be rusted, especially in metal areas. If the car has spent most of its life in humid areas, check the chassis beams, exhaust system, wheel arches, suspension, and joints. Of course, also consider whether the vehicle has been parked in a closed garage or if it has spent most of its time parked on the street.

Special caution in adverse weather conditions. Unlike newer ones, older vehicles have fewer driver assistance systems and may lack useful technology such as heated windshields, automatic lights, or LED bulbs, among others. Therefore, it is recommended to check the vehicle also in anticipation of rain, snow, wind, or ice, and, of course, drive with special caution.

Regular inspection is the best prevention against breakdowns. As the years go by, the chances of the car suffering a serious breakdown increase. Not only that, but the risk of a traffic accident also grows. Vehicle inspection is an effective measure to detect incipient faults in time and tune up the vehicle.

Follow the manufacturer's recommended inspections. Even if the car is many years old, the brand's maintenance instructions should be followed. Manufacturers have established periodic inspections based on time or mileage, essential to ensure the car's proper functioning.

This inspection does not have to be carried out at the brand's dealership. The company reminds that having the official inspection at workshops like Norauto maintains the manufacturer's official warranty. It can be verified that the vehicle has all the inspections done in the maintenance book or by providing the corresponding invoices.

Consider future expenses. The cost of maintaining a vehicle can increase with years or mileage. For example, the timing belt is usually changed between 60,000 and 240,000 kilometers depending on the brand and model or between 5 and 10 years, and this usually represents an extra cost to consider when negotiating the sale price. If the car has a timing chain, this operation is not necessary.

Documentation must always be in order. Cars must have a circulation permit and the ITV card or technical sheet. Norauto reminds that cars must pass the ITV from four years old, every two years between four and ten years old, and annually thereafter.

The company recommends requesting the vehicle's technical and administrative data from the Directorate General of Traffic to know if it is up to date with the ITV or when the next inspection is. Additionally, this report can verify the existence of liens, bankruptcy proceedings, or any other administrative or judicial charge.

Norauto offers a specific program aimed at young people aged 18 to 25: Norauto Joven. In this way, the brand seeks to facilitate their visit to the workshop and access the most essential products and services to keep the car in good condition.

On the other hand, a study on responsible driving by the VINCI Autoroutes Foundation highlights that young Europeans do not show great respect for traffic rules, in terms of observing behaviors that do not pose a risk when driving.

One of the main conclusions of the barometer is that a large majority of European drivers use smartphones or program the GPS while driving. In the 11 countries where the study was conducted, this usage reaches 76% of drivers, while in Spain, it reduces to 66% of people using their phones while driving. Generally, drivers' responses indicate that in most cases (82%), they attend to private matters.

The collected data shows that regarding Bluetooth use, this is already a common behavior among European drivers. 56% of them talk on the phone while driving, and 71% do not consider this a risky behavior. However, 18% admit to having been close to an accident for this reason.

The barometer especially aims to observe the behaviors of younger drivers to help develop future prevention messages. The results for drivers under 35 are even more striking, showing that they do not respect traffic rules. Thus, 12% of those under 35 surveyed admit to sometimes doing so after consuming alcohol. Additionally, 17% confess to having driven under the influence of drugs. 30% say they do not always use a seatbelt, and this increases to 41% among drivers aged 16 to 24.