Tips for buying a used car
When you buy a secondhand car you need to do your homework in order to find a car which is not only right for you but one that is roadworthy too.
Research is important and test driving the car is also a prerequisite before you purchase the car.
Don’t be hasty when making your decision to buy the car or you may live to regret it.
Set your emotions aside
First things first, don’t be swept away by your emotions. A car is an expensive asset to buy and you need to make sure you make a logical and sound decision when you purchase your car. You may like your uncle Jimmy or you may be impressed with the seller of the car, but don’t let emotion trap you into buying a car speedily. You need to first make sure the car is roadworthy and you won’t encounter vehicle faults over the long haul. Don’t rush into the first good deal you come across.
Price
When you buy a used car you can find it at a reasonable price which will help you save on costs compared to if you buy a brand new car. The new smell of a car and the untouched leather seats don’t come cheap. But when you’re buying it secondhand, you can get the same model at an affordable price.
Negotiation skills
If you buy a car from a private seller, you might be able to negotiate the price. A private seller is likely to be more flexible when bartering the price compared to a dealership.
Investigate
Do your homework on the car by reading car magazines and online forums, which can help you decide if the car you want to purchase will have all the benefits you need. Online forums can also help you discover any unique problems with a certain model, as well as give you tips.
Variety of options
If you’re specifically looking for an older model to add to your vintage collection then you probably won’t find one that’s in brand new condition. For example, you could be looking for a 1965 Mercedes Benz and the chances of you buying it in brand new condition are slim. A key way to find a specific older model is to search for it through an online auction.
Speaking of auctions, they are the best place to buy a used car because some of the cars are repossessed by the bank and were only driven for a few months. Which means you can buy the model you want at a cheaper price. Whether you choose an online auction or a traditional auction house, you can encounter some pretty good deals.
Take the car for a test drive and inspection
This step is crucial when buying a used car. Before you even consider signing the deal, make sure you’ve tested it out. When you drive the car, check for mechanical problems (such as overheating of the car, faults with the brakes, or vibration of the steering wheel). Make sure that while you’re test driving the car you turn down the radio so you can pay attention to any strange sounds. The car should not rumble when you start it up.
Avoid inspecting the car when it’s raining outside or when it’s dark. You need to inspect it when it’s in the daylight. You need to inspect every inch of the car externally and internally.
You also need to make sure that the paint of the car is consistent throughout the whole body. A change of colour may mean a few things. It might be that replacement bodywork has been done or the car was repainted after an accident. If the car was involved in an accident, you might encounter mechanical faults with the car in the long run. They may have taken it to a panel beater, but that’s not a guarantee that they did a good job in fixing the car. if you want to take the inspection a step further, use a paint gauge to assess if it’s been repainted or not. This minor detail can help you decide if you want to risk buying the car or not.
Avoid car scams
If the seller insists on selling you the car but they first want a cash deposit without having handed you the car, you should proceed with caution. They might be scam artists who want to take advantage of you.
Buying a car is a huge commitment and you need to make sure you weigh all your options. Buying a secondhand car is affordable but also has pitfalls you need to watch out for in order to protect yourself as a consumer. Regardless of if you’re buying a used Ford or an Audi, you need to do your homework before you make the purchase.