A Handy Guide to Buying a Second-Hand Car

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Buying a used car is great for people who don’t want to spend on a new car and get the most value for their money. A used car can serve you for four to six or more years, depending on the condition and validity of the registration.

Second-hand cars are available at a price of about half the cost of a new car or even less. Moreover, the taxes like road tax and product tax are already paid by the first owner. So, you get the most value of your money.

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However, there are many things you need to check, like the condition of the engine, body parts, battery and registration of the vehicle before buying it. Missing a single thing can put you in trouble later while using the car. Let us check the complete checklist to buy a second-hand car in any country.

1. Choosing the right car

While buying a second-hand vehicle, it is very easy to get swayed away due to plenty of attractive options. For example, if you visit a dealership to look for a second-hand car, you see a six-year-old Honda city for $8500. Then you see a five-year-old Toyota Camry standing beside at the cost of $9700.

Chances are there that you convince yourself to buy Toyota Camry by spending $1200 extra that is only five years old. You will get a premium luxury car for $9700, but the cost of maintaining it is far more than Honda City. Therefore, it is essential to make the right choice and consider the maintenance costs while looking for a second-hand car.

2. Check the condition of the car

The first essential thing to check in a used car is to check the condition of the vehicle. Don’t get swayed by the cleanliness and shine of the vehicle as dealers polish them to shine and attract customer’s attention. Sit in the car and go for a test drive to check the working of the engine.

Also, check the clutch, gear, and acceleration of the car to see the working of these essential components. It is best to bring a mechanic with you to check the condition of the vehicle. Such tests will help you determine if the car is maintained as well as the claims of the seller. You should prepare and include the same in your budget for inevitable repairs and maintenance.

Tip: Make sure that when you take delivery of your vehicle, to carry out a thorough check. It is necessary because a dealer could replace some of the components from your car viewing to the vehicle delivery-for example, he could substitute new tires with old tires.

3. Certification of Registration

Is the seller the car’s actual owner? Is this going to be resold for the first or second time? Check the Serial Number in the RC which shows how many times the car has been sold till date. Also check whether the previous owner paid all the taxes, including taxes on the road?

Ensure that the seller provides you with other documents to be checked, including the initial invoice, the car loan provider’s NOC, and the receipt of the road tax. Reviewing these essential documents can help you to verify the ownership history and authenticity of the vehicle.

4. Insurance

Driving a car without insurance is an offense in many countries. You must check the insurance history of the vehicle before buying it and also check the latest insurance and its validity. If there is no insurance for the car for the present year, you should not buy it.

checklist buying secondhand car

If the seller has the insurance, you need to check the insured value of the vehicle. Also, track the no-claim bonuses for the past three years as the number of claims implies the accident-history of the car. When you buy the vehicle, don’t forget to transfer the insurance in your name or buy a new policy within 14 days of the transfer date. Not transferring the insurance can lead to rejection of claims in case of an accident while driving.

5. Potential modifications

Can you turn the car into a dual-fuel vehicle? Could you opt for more convenience, protection, and value upgrades? Older vehicles may be cheap, but they may not be upgradable. For example, the new models of cars come with a CNG fitted kit, which enables users to run the vehicle on CNG. However, older models run only on gasoline or diesel. If you prefer CNG, then those models are not a suitable option. Therefore, you need to consider the modifications that you want to make on the car.

6. Service and Maintenance Record

Every car needs service and maintenance at regular periods, as recommended by the manufacturer. Check the service and maintenance history of the vehicle. A vehicle not serviced at recommended intervals may not perform well over time. You can check the service book of the car to ensure it is serviced at regular intervals or not.

Final Words

These are the things to check while buying a second-hand car. No matter, you buy it from an owner or a dealer, this checklist will help you to get the right car for you. If you are looking to buy used cars Brisbane, you can search online or visit a second-hand car dealer in Brisbane. Using the checklist in this post, you can choose the best car and value for your money.

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