Buying a used car can be a wise investment option and also a personal choice. The market for used cars is massive with more and more people eyeing used cars. You can also get the best bang for your bucks when you choose the right used car. With plenty of options in the market, choosing the right used car is a daunting decision. You cannot tend to make costly mistakes when you are in the market for used prestige cars. If you don’t know where to start, don’t fret as this post rounds up some crucial tips which you should remember while buying a second-hand car.
Set a budget
The first step you should do before buying a second car is to set the budget for the car. As in the case of buying a new car, it is easy to spend over the budget when looking for a used luxury car. You can decide the budget based on various factors such as how long you plan to keep the car, how much you plan to spend every month on the car, general maintenance and repair costs of the car. Based on the above-mentioned factors, set a realistic budget to buy a used car. Setting a budget gives direction while choosing a luxury car.
What type of used car should you select?
Once you have set the budget, it is important to choose a car that suits your lifestyle. For instance, people living in an area with bad roads should go for a car that has high ground clearance while people who look for a comfortable highway cruiser that can carry more luggage, should go for an MPV or a sedan. Basically, write down a list of things that you would do using the car. Once you have made a list, start searching for the car that meets your needs. Don’t forget to check the resale value of the car that you are checking out.
Car buying checklist
The second-hand car might sometimes look to be in good condition from the outside but it may cover some flaws. It is always better to check the car by a mechanic before finalizing the purchase. By checking the car you can find any flaws which you can get fixed by the car owner or you can negotiate the price based on the problems. Here is a small checklist for you to check while selecting a car
- Document check: Check the insurance papers of the used cars for sale which you are about to buy. By going through the insurance papers of the car, you can identify if the car had been in an accident or if any claims had been made. also make sure that the VIN matches with all the registration documents.
- Filter check: Thoroughly examine the filters of the car and get them changed if it is worn out or damaged. All filters including air, fuel, transmission and oil require regular cleaning and oiling. Failing to check and change the filters will significantly affect the performance of the car. The filters will also tell you how well the cars have been maintained.
- Tyre check: Don’t leave out checking the tyres of the used car. Examine if all the tyres are in a good condition and also check whether all the tyres match.
- Engine check: during the test drive pay attention to any sound from the engine. Take a look at the oil dipstick too ando if it is not a honey colored oil or black oil in case of diesel, book a thorough inspection.
- lights check: taillaights, indicators, number plate lights, park lights and reverse lights and everything should be in a working conditions
- Check if the brakes of the used car work properly. Do a test drive at 40-50 Kmph and see if there is any vibration, strange and squealing noise while applying the brake. If the brakes pulsate, it also means that the rotors require replacement.
- Apart from this also check the radiator coolant, equipment, seat belt, and the body.
Test drive tips
Do a test drive at 40-50 Kmph and see if there is any vibration, strange and squealing noise while applying the brake. If the brakes pulsate, it also means that the rotors require replacement. test the transmission of the car and make sure it shifts up and down smoothly. make a test drive on different surfaces to understand its behavior in different conditions. Don’t forget to check the handbrake on a steep hill.
Get the car checked by a mechanic
A lot of people do a test drive before getting a second-hand car but fail to get it checked by a mechanic. Even if you have to pay for the inspection, get the car checked by a trusted mechanic. Checking the car by a mechanic will surely save a lot of money in the long run. If the seller doesn’t allow you to have the car checked by a mechanic, it is a red flag for you to be aware of.
Ask for the history of the car
The odometer number alone doesn’t reveal the history of the car. You should be aware of various other factors related to the condition of the car. You can ask the car owner without any fear about the records related to the car. Take a look at the service and maintenance records related to the car. Also do some research about the model of the car, the year it was launched, the availability of spare parts and also see if there is any recurring problem with the car. If you find that you won’t get spare parts for the model easily after the purchase, it is a serious problem.
Bottom line
With the important tips in mind select the best used car dealer and get the best value for your money.