In The Market For A Used Car? Follow These Tips

You scour the newspapers and the internet for your dream car and are happy to pay for this shiny hatchback carefully driven by its elderly owner. But before you embark on that “once-in-a-lifetime deal,” do your due diligence on the car’s condition and make sure you’re not buying a pig in a poke.

Here Are 10 Things To Consider Before Signing On The Dotted Line:

1. Do Some Research

Read reviews and online forums to see if the car you’re looking to buy is less likely to have problems and to get an idea of ​​the reasonable price for the car you’re looking to buy.

2. Inspection

Purchasing from reputable used car dealerships with a solid customer service record is the first prize. For private sales, ask as many questions as you need to avoid getting in trouble at the wheel.

3. Look Around

Don’t settle for the first seemingly great offer you come across. Visit other dealers and private dealers to see and test drive similar vehicles. When searching online, many websites offer a “favourites” tab to narrow your search to a few cars that you can easily compare.

4. Check your mileage

High-mileage cars are generally more expensive to maintain and tend to be more expensive to repair. While it may seem like savings in the short term, the long-term costs can weigh heavily on your wallet.

5. Confirm The Service History

A car with a full-service history at an agency or a reputable authorised service center is generally a better buy. If the car’s service is not up to standard, have the car serviced by the dealer as a condition of sale.

6. Accident and Theft Reporting

A car that has been damaged in an accident or that has been stolen is a high-risk purchase. This is especially true if your car’s engine or electronic components are damaged. Make sure your car is accident-free and use a vehicle history check service here.

7. Check For Leaks

Leaking oil or other fluids from your car is a slow but telltale sign of poor maintenance or damage. Check under the car as well as in the engine compartment for oil leaks. Dirty, oily engines are best avoided. 

8. Check Tyres

Slippery or unevenly worn tyres can mean everything from poor wheel alignment and balance to worn shock absorbers and a collapsed suspension system.

9. Cabin Check

Note any chips, rips or tears in the interior trim and seat covers. Normal wear and tear depending on the year of the vehicle are acceptable, but things like a cracked dashboard or missing trim can indicate a much bigger problem. 

10. Start The Car And Take A Test Drive

Proper road testing on different surfaces and traffic conditions is highly recommended. Make sure you turn off the radio so you can hear any alarming or annoying noise.

In Closing

A hasty and spontaneous decision to buy a used car is almost always an expensive one. Spending more time researching, asking the right questions, and talking to experts can help you make more informed decisions and help you feel more comfortable and confident when you start out in your new car.