Buying a car is undoubtedly one of the most significant decisions in a person’s life. We all dream of owning our own ride one day; however, most people cannot afford one due to sky-high vehicle prices. But thanks to the availability of used, second-hand and pre-owned cars in the market, many people who weren’t able to buy one can finally afford it.
Despite lower prices, unfortunately, buying a used car isn’t an easy process, and there are a lot of factors to take into account. So, to help you with this, today we’re going to discuss the entire car buying process in detail.
Then, what should someone check before buying a used car from a dealer when looking to buy a second-hand car? And what should someone check when buying from a private owner? These are the two main questions every buyer asks.
With this being said, let’s take a look at some essential things that every buyer needs to check before sealing the deal:
Check the vehicle’s history
Before purchasing a second-hand car, this must be given top priority. When buying a used car, always ensure that you receive ample information from the current owner.
Furthermore, numerous websites exist that provide you with information on whether the car has been in an accident, whether any claims have been filed on it, and much more. In most cases, vehicle history reports and information can be obtained by running a VIN (vehicle identification number).
To avoid getting stuck in any kind of unusual situation, it is necessary to know the history of the vehicle you intend to buy. Knowing the car’s history is also important if you need to apply for a car loan; for more information in this regard, check out https://nectar.co.nz/blog-buying-a-second-hand-car/. The purpose of this blog is to shed more light on the complexities involved in buying a used car.
Verify the Registration Certificate (RC)
Are you sure the seller of the vehicle is its real owner? Do you know if this is the first time the car has been sold? Anyone thinking of buying a second car naturally asks these questions.
The owner serial number found in the RC can be used to check these things since it indicates the number of times the car has been sold. Simply fill out and submit Form 29 and Form 30 issued by the RTO to get this information. When you do this, be sure to have the previous owner sign the form as well.
Furthermore, make sure all dues, including road tax, were paid by the previous owner. Finally, ensure the car has a valid Pollution Under Certificate (PUC) and a Bi-fuel certification if it is LPG/CNG-compatible.
Registration is an important thing to check before purchasing a used car, and that is why we are mentioning it at the start of the list.
Make sure the car is in good condition
A key consideration when purchasing a second-hand car is the condition of its exterior and interior. Although it may be a used car, the vehicle you plan to buy should be in good running condition, making it worth every penny.
Inspecting the condition of the car is crucial. You should check the car thoroughly or get it checked by a professional before buying it. This includes checking the bodywork and paint of the vehicle and checking the pillars and roof in case the car has been in a major accident.
You can also get your car checked by a professional workshop for a fee. You might want to spend these few hundred dollars instead of regretting your decision after buying an expensive car. Your car will be inspected better by professionals, and you will be informed about any problems you may face while using it. In this way, you can be confident about your purchase.
Test it Out
Make sure to test drive the used car to check all major systems, including steering, engine, cooling, wheels, etc. Do not forget to have the second-hand vehicle thoroughly inspected by a mechanic you trust. Buying a car shouldn’t be done without taking it for a test drive. No matter how closely you examine an automobile, there are many problems you cannot physically see.
The real state of the vehicle will become apparent once you drive it. As soon as the ignition is turned on, listen for unusual sounds like tapping or clicking. When driving, make sure that the car’s brakes and electronics are working properly.
In the future, these checks will help you plan for unavoidable maintenance and repairs that may slip into your budget.
Check the vehicle’s mileage
Are you considering buying a used car? But you’re not sure how to check its mileage. You can determine whether the vehicle you’re thinking of buying has high mileage or low mileage by dividing the odometer reading by its age.
Although this one’s a no-brainer, you should always check the car’s mileage before buying it. Using the odometer, you can get an idea of the car’s age and health condition. Keep in mind that you should prefer buying a car with 130,000 km or less mileage. The longer the car’s mileage, the more likely it is to have problems, so it is best to buy a less used car.
The mileage provides important information about how the car was used in the past. High mileage cars often have more wear and tear on their mechanical components. It is undesirable to buy a vehicle manufactured a few short years ago if its mileage is high because it appears to have been driven a lot.
Carefully check the exterior & body
Make sure you look around the car to check for any rust marks or paint scratches. Generally, rust patches that aren’t major shouldn’t be a concern because they are easy to repair. It might be worth reconsidering the purchase if parts of the metal are completely rusted through.
Inspect the exhaust manually using your finger to see if any greasy grime is present, as this could indicate major defects with the used vehicle. Whenever a white vapor forms while the engine is running and it isn’t cold outside, it’s a bad sign. Don’t buy that vehicle.
Moving Forward!
In all, you should remember these things when you are purchasing any second-hand car. Make sure to check all of these signs and make an informed decision.