Tips for Buying a Used Car From Car Dealers and Private Sellers

September 28, 2014 sarah Uncategorized

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Most of the used cars buyers feel happy and satisfied when they manage to successfully negotiate the price with the seller. But what they sometimes miss out on is finding out the car’s real condition and its actual worthiness. So before you buy a used car, always thoroughly inspect the car and analyze each and every detail. It may be time consuming and may require extra efforts, but at the end of the day you get a more reliable and dependable used car.

It is a true fact that a used car needs more maintenance and is more prone to frequent breakdowns than new cars. But that isn’t an excuse to rush off and buy a used car blindly. Firstly decide on your budget for purchasing a used car. Always keep in mind insurance, registration and other running costs that have a direct effect on your pocket. Keeping in mind your requirements and your budget, narrow down your search and always place best selling cars on top of the list. Popular car models can be little overpriced, but then its price is completely justified by its brand value. You should try a discontinued model of a used car especially if you are looking for a long term investment. A discontinued model has less spare parts and would be costly too. 3 to 5 years old cars are ideal ones to buy. Also look for car which has spent less time on the roads. You may buy a used car from an individual or from a dealer, but in either case, it is advisable to get it inspected by a car mechanic. Avoid buying a car in rain as its bodywork always looks better when it’s wet.

Do a visual inspection of the car first. Look for any signs of holes, dents or rusts in the bodywork. See beneath the car; make sure the exhaust system isn’t a rusty one. Check the trunk, hood and doors and inspect the chassis for any signs of accidental repairs. If the car has an accidental history, you need to know its details and make sure everything has been fixed up properly since. Take a look at battery and air-conditioning system. If the air conditioning system isn’t working effectively, get it repaired. Make sure all the wheels are balanced and aligned properly. You need to find out if the car has any suspension issues. Use a tire tread gauge to determine tyre life remaining. Never opt for vehicles with completely worn out tyres. Also make a note of the hubcaps to see if they all match. Do check springs, bushings and the bearings. The bearings should not make noise. The exhaust pipe should not be emitting oil.

It is very common for seller to do a painting work before they put the cars up for sale. You need to see if they are not hiding something here. Always go for a test ride before choosing a car. You should drive the car for at least 5 kms and feel for yourself what the real condition of the car is. A used car may or may not have a smooth engine, but never compromise on gears and transmission, they shall be smooth and there shall be no incidence of false neutral. The engine should start instantly and should work properly. Make sure the car isn’t noisy and doesn’t vibrate at high speeds. Check for the condition of clutches, brakes and electrical fittings like headlights, dippers, cabin lights, turn indicators etc. The window glass should not have any cracks on them and windshield wiper should work properly. If the car has audio system installed, check its condition. You need to also check the vehicle’s service book to make sure it has been regularly serviced and maintained well. Be vigilant of odometer tampering.

Once you carefully inspect all this, you can very well negotiate with the seller. Make sure the vehicle’s paperwork is in order. This includes registration certificate, taxation book, pollution certificate, insurance policy, warranty cover etc.

Whether new or old, buying a car is always a very important investment. So take your time in deciding and never risk your judgment by rushing off things. Last thing you wanted is your car to become more of a liability than an asset.

Motoring expert James Greenaways specialises in online advertising for Car Dealers in the UK. Every year he purchases many Used cars for sale and carries out consultancy for car dealers in the UK.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6409931

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