There is probably no better feeling than driving off the dealer’s lot in a shiny new car, but not everyone can afford that luxury.

Thankfully, with almost 22,000 cars cruising Bermuda’s roads, it is inevitable that many of these vehicles will find themselves on the second-hand market, and more affordable to those with a smaller budget.

Industry statistics show that almost three times as many people buy second-hand cars as new and if the thought of buying a car someone else has been driving for years seems daunting, you are not alone.

With a little know-how and following some simple guidelines, you can get out there and find yourself a reliable and safe second-hand car.

Since Bermuda has no second-hand car lots per-say, The Mid-Ocean News consulted with Mikko Ingham who owns Bermuda Traders, one of the Island’s only independent second-hand car dealers.

Mr. Ingham put together a basic list of things to check for before buying a used vehicle.

[bul]Inspect the mileage as this is a good indicator of the vehicle’s age. In Bermuda anything between 10,000 and 12,000 a year is acceptable.

Mileage up to 15,000 is pushing it, but still not too bad, but if you buy a car with over 20,000 miles a year, you should be aware that you will most likely run into problems along the way.

[bul]Check the mechanical condition of the vehicle and if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, take the car to a garage and have a mechanic check it for you.

Fluids, lights, belts, power steering, the charging system, the air conditioner, the engine cooling system, the brakes and the suspension should all be carefully inspected for any defects and wear.

If you are checking the engine, be sure to check the engine block and look for any signs of oil leaks.

You should also check the radiator for leaks and can usually tell if there is a problem or not by the colour of the water. If the water looks dirty, be sure to have that checked by the garage.

[bul]Test drive the car. It is all about using common sense.

“Before I sell a car for anyone, I always check that the air conditioner works by leaving it on for a few minutes,”<\p>Mr. Ingham says.

“Another policy I have is that the owner has to show me proof of a tune-up within the last three months and I suggest everyone buying a second-hand car to do this.

“Also make sure the tune-up was performed by a reputable garage.”

[bul]Examine the tires for uneven tread wear. When cars are transfer tested in Bermuda, TCD will check tires and it is always a good idea to only buy a second-hand car that has been transfer tested.

[bul]Watch for frame damage as seriously damaged cars may have been repaired, re-titled and sold in some cases, masking a vehicle that may not be structurally sound.

[bul]When looking at a second-hand car, check for rust around the door hinges, fenders and bumpers, around lights, under doors and in wheel wells.

You should also check for dents and mismatched body parts as cars that have been previously damaged may be more likely to have mechanical problems and do not withstand accidents as well as cars that are structurally sound.

[bul]Look for cosmetic problems. Some common signs include cigarette burns, dirty upholstery, smoke stains, and paint scratches and chips.

But remember: You are buying a second-hand car and not a new one, so do expect a few things wrong.

No car will be 100 percent if it is second-hand, so there is always an element of risk involved so be weary at all times.

Bermuda Traders is located at 121 Middle Road in Warwick and can be contacted at 236-7944.