The Dummies Guide to Buying a Used Car
When entering the used car market the first decision that needs to be taken is what kind of car you need? Depending on your needs you may choose a hatchback, a sedan, a convertible, a mini-van or an SUV. This decision would largely depend on the amount of space you need, the use the car would be put to, etc. After you have chosen the type of used car, you need to determine your budget and shortlist the makes and models you prefer. Keep in mind that the more upmarket the brand the higher will the car's maintenance costs due to more expensive parts and service. So while a used Mercedes may seem like a bargain, keeping it running would be much more expensive than say a used Toyota or a used Honda.
Once you defined your budget and made a selection of the makes and models it's time to decide if you wish to buy the used car from manufacturer's used vehicle department, from an independent used car dealer or directly from the owner. If you pick the first two options, remember that the dealer would typically charge you a premium of 8-12%. The manufacturer owned used car businesses usually sell certified cars which come with a limited warranty and some free services as well. If you don't want to shell out the extra premium dealerships command, you could go through online and local auto classifieds to find the car you want and get in touch directly with the used car seller.
Now that you have shortlisted a few used cars which are on sale, it's time to visit the seller or the dealership and inspect the cars. The key aspects to look at include the car's engine, transmission, suspension, electricals, bodywork and interiors. You should request for a test drive as that would give you a real feel of the used car's condition. While taking the test drive, keep your ears open for any unusual noises coming from the engine, transmission and suspension. See if the used car starts in one go as if takes more than once the car's battery or starter could be damaged. When the car is on, check the tailpipe for signs of excessive smoke as this can point to a tired engine. When on the move, listen if the engine sounds smooth as any unusual sound could lead to future problems.
Note the way the used car steers and goes over speed breakers. If the steering is hard to keep straight and the car is pulling to one side, its suspension or wheels could need immediate attention. Also check the gearshift for smoothness and play. An excessively loose or hard clutch is also a sign of trouble and points to worn out clutch and pressure plates. Listen to the suspension as you go over bumps, it should not make a crude sound and should also not feel too bouncy. Make sure you check the air conditioning, audio system, power windows, central locking and all other equipment during the test drive.
Now that you have inspected the used car's mechanicals and driving characteristics, walk around it and see the bodywork and condition of the tyres. An irregular paint finish is a sign that the used car was involved in an accident and has been repainted. Check the tyres for condition of the tread and make sure they will last for some time. Also check that all lights are in working condition and that the car has a proper spare wheel and all tools in place.
Once you are satisfied with the used car's condition it's time to check that its papers are in order. A valid registration, insurance, pollution control certificate etc are mandatory. You should also ask the seller for service records to see if the used car has been maintained regularly and at a reputed workshop. If everything looks fine, negotiate on the seller's asking price and haggle based on the condition of the car if certain things were found to be worn out etc. Ultimately you should pay no more than your budget and also consider the cost of ownership transfer etc in the final price.
About the Author
Anil Tandon is a reputed automotive journalist based in India. Anil has written columns for numerous Indian dailies and auto magazines. He is currently working as a consultant to the Indian used car industry. Anil is also involved with India's leading used car classifieds Indimoto (www.indimoto.com). Indimoto has helped thousands of used car buyers and sellers transact in a transparent and convenient fashion.
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