Top tips on how to buy a used car

Many potential car owners are attracted to the purchase of a second hand car because of the lower price. For example, a three-year old used car may only be worth 60-70% of its original price, as a new car depreciates quickly in the first few years. Other advantages of buying a used car may include lower taxes and insurance costs. If you are the type of car owner who would like to have additional gadgets and features installed in the vehicle, then you just might be able to find a fully set-up used car at a price you can afford.

However, buying a used car is always a risk. There are no guarantees that the vehicle has been properly maintained. Unlike a new car, buying a second hand car does not usually come with a warranty and there is always a chance that you might face engine problems that could be costly and frustrating.

To help you avoid any potential troubles, here are 5 tips when it comes to purchasing a used car.

Know what you want

To save on time, you have to first decide what car you want to buy before heading out to your local car dealership or private seller. Are you using the vehicle for transportation to and from work? Perhaps a sedan will suit you. Do you have children? Perhaps consider an SUV or mini-van. Are you looking for a vehicle that is easy to maintain and repair? Then a small to medium sedan or a hatchback may be the car for you. You should also consider the maximum age of a vehicle you will accept.

Once you have decided on what type of car to purchase, you can check out the market, see the models available and choose the one that fits your requirements and your budget. In this way, not only will you save time but you also might as well get a good deal on your desired vehicle.

Do your research

Do as much research as you can. Read reviews, car magazines, search the Internet, ask friends, family members and colleagues who are knowledgeable about cars. If you don’t know yet which model and make you would like to purchase, then doing some research will help you determine which vehicle is right for you.

If you have decided which model and make to purchase, researching further will give you some insight on the current cost of the vehicle and its maintenance. Knowing the going price of the second hand car you would like to buy will help you land a good deal with your dealership or private seller.

Check car history

Do a background check on the used car you would like to purchase by checking its history records. It’s very important for you to know if the vehicle has been flooded or restored after an accident, if its odometer has been rolled back, if the vehicle has been heavily used, or it if has outstanding debts. Knowing the car’s history will help you predict if the given car will cause you costly troubles in the future. It would be best to not look further into a second hand car until you have thoroughly checked its history.

One of the important things to look out for is the mileage of the vehicle. Mileage is the total distance the car has travelled, measured by its odometer. A good average annual mileage is about 10,000km. So if you have a 3 year old car, the reasonable mileage should be between 25,000 and 35,000. But keep in mind that low mileage doesn’t always mean that the vehicle is a good car. Again, check the car’s history to make sure that it is well maintained and accident-free.

Have an expert and trusted mechanic inspect the car

While the make and model you are interested in can boast of quality and reliability, the particular used car you are looking at may not be well-maintained and may have hidden damages that will cost you a great deal of money to have repaired in the future. It would be helpful to have a third-party mechanic, preferably one that you know well and trust, to inspect the overall condition of the car.

You may also ask your mechanic to test drive the car with you. Their knowledge and experience in vehicles will enable them to pinpoint any unusual noises or anything that’s not working properly during the test drive.

Read the fine print

If you do decide to purchase a used car, be very careful in doing the paperwork. If you are buying directly from a private owner, make sure there are no registered debts against the vehicle and that the person signing the sales contract is the actual owner. It is also recommended that you check with authorities to ensure that the car is not a stolen vehicle.

If you are purchasing from a dealer, make sure to read and examine the contract and warranty policy including the fine print. Make sure that everything you and the dealer have agreed upon is in writing. If the used car has the remaining original warranty, find out if it can be transferred to your name. Before signing, make sure that you have thoroughly checked and inspected the vehicle.

Some Final Words

Buying a used car may be less expensive than buying a new one and in some cases, a used car may already be fully fitted with additional features that are expensive to have installed in a new car. Remember to be smart and meticulous when purchasing a second hand car to make sure that you are not buying someone else’s nightmare. With some caution and advice from car experts you trust, you will be able to find a used car that you can rely on for years to come.