Buying a second-hand car is more complex than choosing a brand-new one because you can face some potential administrative and hidden mechanical issues. Administrative issues involve getting a car that was stolen, used as security on a loan, a repaired write-off under the radar while mechanical conditions are red flags that can only be properly assessed by vehicle experts. If you`re eyeing to buy a second-hand car in Australia, you need these 5 tips to avoid financial disaster and frustration before signing the dots.
Know the Vehicle
It is extremely crucial to have information about the used car that you are planning to buy. Car check service companies like Carify offer PSSR Check to help you find out vital and substantial facts such as car history reports, details of vehicle registration, stolen status records, finance loans data, written-off damages details, and more
Make a Checklist and Consider All the Options
Do your research by looking online, browsing classified ads, visiting local car dealerships, or asking for friends for leads and referrals to people selling their cars. Having several options and understanding the current prices of second-hand cars will also enhance your bargaining power.
Before visiting a local second-hand dealership or meeting a private seller, you need to know what you are looking for – the type of car, the size, and the specs to suit your budget. It is recommended to have a car buying checklist to save your time and get the most for your money. The list would be your guide to refine your choices and should cover the following:
- Car`s interior (seatbelts, lights, electronics like air conditioning and audio, upholstery, control switches)
- Car`s exterior (engine, radiator coolant, engine body number and VIN, tires alignment, window glasses, exterior lights)
- Car`s body (no-rust/accident damage, no panel flaws, intact seals of the boot and doors, etc.)
- Paperwork you need (PPSR certificate, registration papers, transfer or ownership documents)
Get an Expert to Provide a Physical Health Check
Protect your investment by having the vehicle thoroughly assessed for physical and mechanical red flags that can also cost you extra hundreds of dollars for repairs in the long run. An independent expert like a professional mechanic or someone from your state`s motorist association can help you look for evidence of abuse or crash repair that would compromise your future insurance claim.
Conduct a Test Drive
Once you are satisfied with the results of your personal inspection and professional evaluation of the car you want to buy, it`s time to take it for a test drive. This will give you a hands-on assessment of whether it really fits your driving skills and do additional checks to confirm that the car is perfect for you.
Some tips to help you:
- Test the transmission if it is shifting smoothly.
- Drive on different surfaces and at highway speeds to determine how the car behaves in a variety of road conditions.
- Test the brakes and the handbrake by taking the car on a steep hill to know if they work seamlessly and properly.
Choose Used Car Financing Options
If you cannot pay out-of-the-pocket cash, then consider the kind of financing options that are available for second-hand cars, such as dealer finance, secured car loan, or unsecured loan.
Takeaway
When all these are covered, you are ready to make a smart decision. A well-researched, informed decision when buying a pre-owned car would help you get a good deal and a vehicle in great condition. When it`s time to sell it off for a new one, you know better how to negotiate with buyers.
