It is indeed challenging to buy a used car than making a new purchase, because one needs to put efforts to verify the usage and condition of the vehicle before making the purchase. The given article tries to provide some guidelines that you might find useful when you take the decision of choosing the used car you want to buy.
Factors to be considered:
Budget:
The first thing that you need to decide is that how much you are willing to spend for the car. Hence, you must try choosing the cars that fall within your estimated budget. If you want to purchase the car on loan and have estimated the EMI you can afford every month, online calculators will help you identify the EMI based on amount being financed.
Necessities:
The second thing is to identify the need that the vehicle has to fulfill. Depending on your family size and the amount of travel that will be involved, you accordingly have to make the choice of going for small cars, SUV and the likes.
Fuel Economy:
With spiraling fuel prices, this often becomes one of the main criteria for selection of vehicles. Estimated mileage of vehicles is known and one needs to consider that the used cars will offer 2 to 4 km lesser mileage per litre.
Searching for the Car:
The best method these days is to search online for the used cars, keeping in mind the following:
- Most car manufacturers of today like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota and Hyundai have a separate unit managing business on used cars. Their dealers can be contacted through the net or contact info given on their websites. Another option available is to contact specialist dealers of used cars, who aren’t associated with particular brands; however it has to be ensured that these dealers have a good reputation.
- Searching of car portals will give you access to a request form, filling of which will make your nearest dealers contact you.
- Classified ads on business magazines and newspapers can also be a useful option. The sellers have their contact info given in these ads.
Research for short-listing the vehicle:
- Car portals can be checked to find vehicle models matching your requirements.
- Once a list of 10 odd vehicles is prepared, info on these vehicles have to be gathered, car sites provide very useful for the same.
- Carefully go through the online reviews.
- Check out the performance and service aspects of the vehicle from your relatives or friends, who own the same.
- Get an idea on the vehicle prices; the best way is to get an online quote from the manufacturers.
- Do not restrict this exercise to just one car; evaluate a minimum of 3 to 4 cars before making your purchase decision.
History of the Car:
Factors that have to be looked into regarding the history of the car are:
- Distance Travelled: Petrol and Diesel cars hold well if they travel yearly 12,000 and 15,000 kilometers respectively. If the car has traversed more every year, then it is safer in not going for it.
- Age of the Car: Vehicles above 3 years age will have greater maintenance issues; hence they should be avoided, if possible.
- Number of Owners: Used cars are better deal if only used by a single user in the past rather than the same having multiple owners.
- Original Documents: All details pertaining to insurance and vehicular registration have to thoroughly check out. Original copies of all docs have to be mandatorily handed over to you when you make the purchase.
Checks to the Exterior:
Dents, scratches on the car body as well as signs that the vehicle has been re-painted have to be looked for.- The tires should be checked, if they are showing wear and tear, reasons for the same should be identified.
- Check for oil leakages when the vehicle is in standing position.
- The bonnet is to be checked properly because it can reflect whether the vehicle has met with any frontal accidents, also check within for probable replacement of any original parts.
The Interior Checking:
The engine condition should be checked and it should also be ensured that the car has the same engine as specified in the docs, if not ascertain the reason for the same.- Steering wheel, dashboard and brakes quality should be checked.
- Check the comfort aspect of the interiors and the features provided therein for the same.
- If one checks under the rubber lining, chances of discovering whether a re-painting exercise has been undertaken increases as many owners leave out the portions not visible to the eyes, while doing a paint job.
Test Drive the Car:
Once all the above evaluations are complete, you need to test drive the vehicle before finalizing. While doing so, you should check out:
The ignition system should be efficient with the car starting on first attempt.- Proper synchronization of steering wheel with clutch, brakes and gear box should be checked out.
- Try to listen to possible unwanted vibrations or noises in the car, while driving the same at varying speeds.
- The promised mileage and the acceleration and stopping efficiencies should be verified.
Pricing Aspects:
Once you are fully satisfied, you make the purchase decision but do follow these useful guidelines for the same:
- Start your negotiations with the cheapest price possible for the vehicle.
- Price should be raised according to the vehicle conditions.
- Negotiate the best deal and stick to it, in most cases the seller comes down to your price. However, keep a leeway of around 10% for yourself as well.
- While finalizing the mode of payment, try to avoid paying by cash.
- Be very careful while completing all necessary legal formalities.
- Finally after having the vehicle transferred into your name, have one servicing done, get the battery changed and refill the oil.