Buying guide

Used car checklist

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

Steering stiff or knocking (steering rack)
Look for: Steering gets stiff or sticks, with a tak-tak knock when turning fully
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ABS and VSA lights on together
Look for: ABS, VSA and brake lights come on while driving
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Battery loses water and goes flat
Look for: Battery water dries out quickly and the car will not start
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Noise on a cold start that goes away when warm
Look for: Grinding or whirring for 5–10 minutes after a cold start, mostly in D or R
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A/C cycles warm and cold after a repair
Look for: After an evaporator repair the A/C blows warm, then cold again
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1.5 Turbo knocking and the 2017 production stop
Look for: Knocking or missing under load
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Jerks at low speed after a gear oil change
Look for: RPM dips to about 600 when stopping and the car jerks at low speed
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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