When buying used make sure you know what you’re getting
So you’re in the market for a new ride. Finding a good deal in the used car market is a brilliant idea but the used car market can be difficult to navigate.
Finding a car that doesn’t come with never ending problems and that won’t be costing you money all the time is not an easy find.
Knowing how to spot one that’ll end up giving you problems is the real trick. But not everyone is a car guy. Not everyone has the know-how about cars, new or used.
What you need to figure out is the level of reliability of the vehicle you’re interested in. Car reliability ratings abound online and you can create comparisons between your preferred vehicles. You have to know what you want, though.
What do you require when driving?
What are your personal specifications? Are you a mom who needs space for a baby seat or a big boot for a pram? Are you someone who enjoys a proper sound system to blast while you’re stuck in traffic? Perhaps you’re a tech fundi and you want the latest and the greatest gadgets and gizmos in your car. There is a car that can suit your every requirement and whim. Nowadays, cars are built to provide driving comfort and even pleasure. Before cars were built to get from A to B but currently getting from A to B takes longer than before. More people, more traffic and busy roads that’ll see you in your car for hours as opposed to minutes. Being comfortable while driving is now a prerequisite when shopping around for a car. And, everyone’s comfort is different. Some people even install small dvd players and screens to entertain. What’s more, your phone can now integrate with your car. Take a look at NissanConnect which has been designed to prevent drivers from being distracted by their phones. It offers a single dash-mounted system that operates in a completely hands free manner. If you’re a Nissan fan then look into purchasing a used Nissan which is a modern enough model that has this featured technology.
Once you know what you want you need a clear understanding of what you don‘t want
You need to do a little research and educate yourself on what the problems are that will cost you money long term. You must know and understand how to investigate secondhand vehicle to prevent yourself from buying a lemon. You must be able to ascertain what is good value for money. And remember, not everyone has the same standards when it comes to purchasing a used car. If you are in fact a car fundi then buying a car with problems that you know how to fix at a good price can be a steal too. However, finding this type of information out takes you knowing how to do a thorough inspection and paying attention to problem components with understanding.
How to do a thorough vehicle inspection
First try to take a qualified mechanic with you to view and test drive the vehicle. Even if you’re purchasing from a used car dealership, take someone with keen insight and understanding along for the ride. Make sure you view and drive the car in the middle of the day so you can see every detail and hear every rumble. Ask the seller to park the car on level ground and request that the car not be driven for at least an hour before you drive it. This means that you can check things such as suspension and wheel alignment right from the start. You can inspect the tyres and body condition properly, looking out for dents, scratches, rust and so on and have a good feel of how the car drives after standing still. You need to be aware of the starter motor and whether the car takes a couple of tries before switching on. After all of this you can begin a thorough inspection.
If necessary, make a list of what you need to check up on
This list must include everything. If you’re lucky enough to have a mechanic by your side then run this list past them and make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Don’t forget to include things that many forget. For instance, pedal rubber – is it worn through and going to give way soon? Do all the buttons work? Does the radio get reception on both the FM and AM channels? Make sure that the car seals as it’s supposed to too. Check for tears in the rubber of the roof trims and the car doors. And, most importantly, check for water damage, leaks and if there’s any mould and mildew present in the car.