You have the money and you are planning in buying a second hand car for your everyday use or for family use. However, there are factors to consider before buying one. And you need to make a wise decision that you wont regret when you get to buy a used car.
Buying a used car can either be a wise or a foolish move. Someone with no background or knowledge whatsoever on finding a good buy might just be duped into a bad deal and end up with somebody else's garbage. But for the knowledgeable buyer, a significant amount of money might be saved by settling with a secondhand car.
Here are some tips to set you on the right track.
1. CONSIDER THE KIND OF CAR YOU NEED.
It's okay to stick to a price range or budget. But first consider the kind of car you'll be needing. Prices vary according to the brand and make of a car. For instance, a small sedan is cheaper, if you have a small family then you might consider getting it, but on the opposite (i.e. big family, always with friends) then small sedan is not to adequate. Possibly need to consider getting a van or a wagon. Or if you have a bigger budget, consider an SUV.
Here are some tips to set you on the right track.
1. CONSIDER THE KIND OF CAR YOU NEED.
It's okay to stick to a price range or budget. But first consider the kind of car you'll be needing. Prices vary according to the brand and make of a car. For instance, a small sedan is cheaper, if you have a small family then you might consider getting it, but on the opposite (i.e. big family, always with friends) then small sedan is not to adequate. Possibly need to consider getting a van or a wagon. Or if you have a bigger budget, consider an SUV.
2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
Check out the local car classified ads for the regular market price ranges on the type of used car that you are going to buy.
Or, you might consider asking a friend who is knowledgeable in cars to help you or suggest something that you might need to know in buying a used car.
Check out the local car classified ads for the regular market price ranges on the type of used car that you are going to buy.
Or, you might consider asking a friend who is knowledgeable in cars to help you or suggest something that you might need to know in buying a used car.
3. CHEAP IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST.
Don't be fooled by the price. Consider the amount of money you will still need to shell out to recondition the used car once you buy it or you may soup it up with car accessories you like.
Don't be fooled by the price. Consider the amount of money you will still need to shell out to recondition the used car once you buy it or you may soup it up with car accessories you like.
4. WHERE TO SCOUT
Private sellers usually sell at a cheaper price. One good thing is that you directly negotiate with them on discounts. The advantage though of buying from a dealer is that it usually comes with good warranty.
Be bold enough to scout from private sellers if you are confident that you can assess the condition of the used car fairly well. If not, this is where your friend who has knowledge in car will come-in or maybe you could bring a real mechanic to check out the vehicle.
When opting to buy from used car dealers, be careful not to be taken in by persuasive talk. Don't take their word for it, check the car yourself.
5. TEST DRIVE BASICS
Be sure to watch out for these:
Private sellers usually sell at a cheaper price. One good thing is that you directly negotiate with them on discounts. The advantage though of buying from a dealer is that it usually comes with good warranty.
Be bold enough to scout from private sellers if you are confident that you can assess the condition of the used car fairly well. If not, this is where your friend who has knowledge in car will come-in or maybe you could bring a real mechanic to check out the vehicle.
When opting to buy from used car dealers, be careful not to be taken in by persuasive talk. Don't take their word for it, check the car yourself.
5. TEST DRIVE BASICS
Be sure to watch out for these:
- Does the car swerve on either direction? (Also, see if the tires have uneven wear.) If so, it would need a wheel alignment.
- Is the air cool enough? If not, check if it's simply a lack of freon or worse.
- Are the brakes in good condition?
- Do you hear unusual sounds? If so, the engine might have problems.
6. INTERIOR CHECKLIST
The condition of the interior gives clue to how much the car has been used and taken cared of. Also, a very low mileage reading on a badly looking interior is a sign of meter tampering.
7. CHECK THE EXTERIOR FOR RUST AND PAINT OVERS.
It might have been in an accident before.
The condition of the interior gives clue to how much the car has been used and taken cared of. Also, a very low mileage reading on a badly looking interior is a sign of meter tampering.
7. CHECK THE EXTERIOR FOR RUST AND PAINT OVERS.
It might have been in an accident before.
8. CHECK THE GROUND UNDER THE CAR FOR SIGNS OF LEAKAGE.
9. CHECK THE OIL.
Oil should be clear. BLACK colored oil is not a good sign.
10. CHECK THE MUFFLER FOR LEAKS.
Oil should be clear. BLACK colored oil is not a good sign.
10. CHECK THE MUFFLER FOR LEAKS.
A WHITE or BLUE colored emission would be the sign.
The above considerations are the basic things that a car buyer should do before buying. If you consider this basics, it will then boost your satisfaction on the car that you're going to buy. Happy used car hunting!
The above considerations are the basic things that a car buyer should do before buying. If you consider this basics, it will then boost your satisfaction on the car that you're going to buy. Happy used car hunting!
