So, you just got your first job. Public transportation isn’t working out for you, and you need a better way to get around. Solution? Get a car. At least, that’s the idea. Thing is, some of us can’t afford to get a brand new car right off the bat, so we look towards the secondhand market, and with good reason.
After all, getting a perfectly good car at a much lower price? Imagine the affordability and, most importantly, the savings! That sounds tempting, but there are a few things you need to consider before buying a secondhand car, and we’re here to share a few tips.
1. Outer Appearance
When purchasing a secondhand car, inspect its appearance closely. Look for scratches, dents, paint chipping and any other exterior damage on the vehicle. Conditions of the vehicle can be a bargaining chip for you to haggle for a lower price, or to have the vehicle fixed prior to purchase.
You are likely to get a lower price if the vehicle has a damage history. Don’t forget to check underneath the vehicle as well for any damage to the outer components. Pay close attention to the tires to see if it is due for a change. Try to avoid cars with rust spots if you can since they can be difficult and expensive to fix and restore.
2. Interior
The exterior is important, but the interior is also equally important when examining a secondhand car. Pay attention to the condition of the seats, cushions and steering wheel. Observe for any water spots or possible leaks that may indicate that the car has been in any accidents. Check if the wipers, hazard lights and signals are all functioning as well. Air conditioning is another thing to examine, especially if you drive around in a hot climate.
Repairing the air conditioning is also usually not worth the time and money due to how expensive it can get. Don’t forget to have a look at the radio too. A busted radio makes for a long and boring ride. If you find the condition of the interior lacking, you can try to get a lower price to cover for any potential repair costs as well.
3. Service History
When looking for a secondhand car, you should also ask for its service history. Not only this will give you an insight into how well the car was maintained, but also tell you what has and hasn’t been changed during servicing. This helps you make a more informed decision when buying a secondhand car. As such, try to avoid cars that don’t have a service history.
4. Performance
Take the car out for a test drive. Try to get a feel for whether the car is nice enough to drive for your daily needs. This step is particularly important since test driving may reveal hidden problems a car may have such as weak absorbers or weird engine noises. If the dealer refuses to let you test drive, it’s best that you walk away from the deal. Something is definitely suspicious if you are not allowed to test drive. After all, getting a car is a big investment, even if it’s a secondhand one.
5. Mileage
Usually overlooked, but mileage can play a factor when purchasing a secondhand car. A low mileage car may seem attractive at first, but the lack of use may also make a car more prone to breaking down as the parts may have been broken due to inactivity. As such, take caution if you want to get a secondhand car with low mileage.
6. Leaks
These are easy to spot, but nonetheless an important step in the purchasing process. Be thorough when doing this. Look carefully underneath the car and around the engines for any signs of a leak. If there is one, haggle for a lower price, or ask the seller to repair the leak issue first before selling it to you.
7. Compare prices and buy from a trustworthy and reputable seller
That one offer you see for a used car on your social media marketplace looks pretty cheap, so much so that it feels like a wasted opportunity not to get it. Think about it though, do you really want to buy a secondhand car from a complete stranger on social media?
Especially if it’s dirt cheap? It’s definitely a gamble at that point. Could be stolen, or maybe not. You have no idea, so it’s better to not risk it. That said, if the seller has a history of selling second hand cars and has good reviews about them, then at least you have the confidence that they are at least somewhat legitimate. If you’re still feeling skeptical, there are always a number of websites that specialize in selling used cars.
8. Check through all documents thoroughly
The transaction process is usually the most exciting part of getting a car, but you still need to be wary during the process. Have a look through the documents that come with the car. Make sure the seller’s credentials actually match up.
Last thing you want is to be scammed at this point. If buying from a private party, read through the inspection report to see if the vehicle is in good condition. It also helps you to determine whether the car will need to undergo additional repairs.
Conclusion
You’ve done your due diligence before buying your car. You’ve checked everything that you can, gotten the proper documents and went through the proper channels to get your car. Now you’re satisfied with your purchase and are ready to take your (technically) new car for a spin.
Still, it doesn’t hurt to be extra careful, especially if this is your first car. Better yet, save up on your insurance too by getting your car insured today with PolicyStreet!
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