The lives of most South Africans have changed quite dramatically during the Lockdown period. Many have suffered severe financial loss. In such difficult times, buying a used car becomes more attractive than purchasing a new vehicle.
Thus, if you are planning to buy a used car, it is essential to pay attention to the below tips that will help guide you towards the right decision.
First things first – know what you are buying1
You may be planning to buy this lovely-looking car, well-looked after and owned by a dear old lady. Don’t be fooled – you first need to make sure that everything that is hiding behind all that metal is in good working condition. The last thing you want to do is end up with a disaster on wheels, that may cost you a fortune to fix.
Below are 7 recommended steps that one can follow to ensure you end up with what you want.
- Research the make of car1
Research online forums and reviews on the make of car you wish to purchase. Even if the vehicle is brand-new, know what you are buying. Your research will show what the going price is for a new vehicle, as well as what used cars for that specific make are currently going for. Knowing this will enable you to either accept or reject the amount that the dealer is offering you.
- Conduct a background check1
Ensure that the dealer with a so-called ‘great reputation’ is living up to that. A background check may reveal something that you don’t want to discover afterwards. In the event of a private deal, think carefully of all the questions you would like to ask so that you can get a good idea of what the car has been exposed to during its lifetime. If need be, ask a car specialist what sort of questions you should be asking. You may have to verify afterwards all the answers you are given.
- Browse the Internet1
Go to as many websites as possible that show similar cars that satisfy your requirements. If available, click on the ‘favourites’ tab, so that you can begin to start comparing apples with apples by visiting several dealers and private persons, a picture will start to crystalize in your mind of precisely what you want.
- What about the mileage? 1
Cars with high mileage will usually require more costly maintenance.
- The complete service book1
Be very suspicious of a seller who has no service history of the car you wish to buy. You are safer with dealers who have the full-service record, or with RMI-accredited service centres. If the service is overdue, make the dealer service the car as a condition of the sale.
- Let an experienced mechanic examine the car1
Make sure the vehicle has not been in previous accidents and hasn’t been criminally tampered with in any way. As part of your sale, you can request that the vehicle be thoroughly checked first by an experienced mechanic. He or she should look for any leaks and the tyre condition.
- An extended warranty1
You may want to take out an extended warranty on the used car so that you are covered for some time after the purchase.
Now that you have finally made the decision to buy a used car, the next step is to insure it. It is wise to insure it even before it leaves the dealer. PMD offers affordable car insurance – why don’t you contact them?
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Source:
1https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/avoiding-a-skorokoro-16-smart-tips-for-buying-a-used-car-14281026
Also view:
Buying a Quality Used Car and Safety on the Road
Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety
Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer
The Online Vehicle Retail Market and Safely Selling Vehicles Online