Buying a car second-hand is both a thrilling and daunting process as you wade through many wheelers and dealers – both online and in various local showrooms. How can you guarantee that you end up with a car that has a good track record and hasn’t been through the mill? When it’s finally time to sell your vehicle and buy a used car, it’s vital to check all the boxes to ensure a long road ahead with a smooth ride. Besides looking at the numbers, it is important to ask some basic questions when buying a used vehicle.
Here is an extensive list of questions to consider from the very beginning of the search process to signing on the dotted line and receiving the keys:
#1 What are my requirements?
Before you get taken on a joyride through hundreds of glistening nearly new vehicles that will offer you the earth, get back to reality and draw up a comprehensive list of your needs (and wants) that the ‘new’ car must fulfil.
Some factors might include: 300l boot space, a four-wheel drive function, a hybrid, fuel economy below 12l per 100km, leather seats, automatic drive etc.
Many used car buyers end up compromising on their requirements during the search process and buying a more high-end vehicle with all the bells and whistles that actually fails to meet their initial pragmatic requirements.
Narrow down a list of models that are right for you as well as the number of kilometres you are willing to accept on the odometer.
#2 Who should I buy from?
There are a myriad of options out there when it comes to buying a second-hand car – from family members who want to make sure their old wheels are in good hands and private sellers on Gumtree (or a number of other sites) to buying from a recognised used car dealership.
Not all the options, however, are equal in their offering.
Dealerships generally have limited stock of pre-owned vehicles, but they might come with warranty services and the assurance that they are not taking you for a ride.
Private sales may be cheaper, but they are riskier. You may encounter scammers or people looking to make a quick buck off a vehicle that is littered with mechanical troubles or has been in a number of accidents (which are not disclosed).
There are also a few trustworthy online buying platforms where you can either participate in an auction or buy a used vehicle from a wider range of cars in comparison to local dealers, with the added bonus of a solid reputation and reasonable price.
It is worth weighing up the pros and cons of all options before making a final choice.
#3 What is my target list of cars?
Draw up a list of used cars that you not only like but that also match your budget and the corresponding sellers’ details. This list can be used to compare models and contact relevant owners/dealerships to ask questions.
This list is a great asset in assisting you find a car quickly when you are ready to buy and not allow you to be distracted by other offers.
Compare prices on each car and eliminate options that no longer work for you and then go ahead and narrow the list down to 2-4 cars that you can inspect and test drive.
#4 What is the vehicle’s backstory?
Doing your due diligence on the car’s past will help you avoid costly mistakes when buying a second-hand car and ensure that the car is not reported stolen.
Find out the car’s VIN number and receive data on the vehicle’s accident history, previous owners, mileage, service records, maintenance history or whether the car was ever considered a total loss by an insurance company.
Get to know the previous owner (if possible) and find out about their motives for selling.
#5 What should I have in mind when I book a test drive?
Make sure you test drive the car both on the highway and in traffic to assess whether there are any strange noises, the efficiency of the brakes, functionality of the aircon and heating, media player, steering etc.
Also check the car’s upholstery for wear and tear, the vehicle’s exterior for scratches and whether the car has a functional spare wheel and jack.
If you find minor faults like a dent in the exterior or a tear in the leather seats, you can use this as leverage when negotiating the price.
#6 Have I double-checked each point?
Reading the fine print is always worth the time and effort. Take the purchase agreement home with you and highlight any points that are unclear.
Go back to the dealer or call them to work through your queries and adjust any issues before signing on the dotted line.
#7 Should I trade-in my previous car?
It may seem easy and convenient to trade in your old car as part of the new car’s settlement, but you must be aware of the pitfalls of such a plan.
Trade-ins rarely give you the best price because you only receive a single offer.
A lucrative alternative is selling your car on a trusted, reputable online sales platform that ticks all the following boxes:
- Quick, hassle-free process
- Safe, streamlined user experience
- Multiple offers ensuring a competitive cash price
- 1 000s of satisfied customers
Now that your eyes have been opened to the vehicle’s past and present, you can make an informed decision about whether to buy this used vehicle. Happy motoring!
