Buying a Second-Hand Car – What you Should Know

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If you have just passed your driving test, that’s a big congrats from us and you are probably thinking of buying your first car and unless you are one of the lucky few, that means a used car. In this short article, we offer some useful information to help you find the best deal for your budget.

Decide on a budget

Of course, your budget determines the kind of vehicle you will buy and whether you are using your savings or taking out a finance deal, you can start looking at cars that are within your price range. We recommend that you buy from a dealer because you have some form of warranty, whereas if you buy privately, the car is sold as seen.

Full service history

Known in the trade as FSH, this is evidence that a vehicle has been serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The dealership should be able to furnish you with all receipts and documentation to show the car has been serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations; cars with FSH sell for a higher price than those without. Buying from a dealer does offer you a level of protection when compared to buying from a private owner.

Vehicle maintenance

Regardless of make or model, every car needs regular maintenance and with affordable mobile car detailing in Perth, you can keep your wheels looking good. Engine oil should be changed every 5,000 miles, all drive belts checked for wear and tension, engine coolant, brake and power steering fluid should be checked and topped up as required. Choose a garage that is approved to work on your car and don’t miss a service date!

Viewing cars

If your knowledge of cars is limited, take a mechanic with you when you view potential cars; let him drive the car and check under the hood and he can give you a professional opinion. For the little it costs, it does make sense to bring a mechanic to inspect any car you are thinking of buying. Always test drive a car you are thinking of buying and use this drive to check grip, brakes, lights, acceleration etc. Listen carefully to the engine pitch, making note of any unusual sounds and put the car through its paces during the test drive.

Market prices

You can buy a small trader’s book that lists the market price of all makes and models; prices depend on the make, model, year and condition, VGC means very good condition, average condition and poor condition are also terms used to describe a used car. A dealer would look up any car to see what kind of mark up there would be if they purchased the car, but the general public can also make good use of a trade prices book.

Trading a car in for part exchange

If you are looking to sell your car as part payment of a newer model, this is standard practice with a car dealer; typically, you can receive a very fair price from a dealer when looking for part exchange. The dealer usually resells these vehicles to other dealers, rather than put them on their own forecourt.

Interior condition

This is a sign of how well the vehicle has been maintained; a looked-after car would have a decent interior; most motorists have their car detailed on a weekly basis, which keeps the interior looking good.

Negotiation

Buying a second-hand car means using your negotiating skills; when looking at a car, point out minor issues and use this as leverage when bartering the price down. In many ways, it is a buyer’s market and using patience might be the best approach. The car dealer will expect you to barter and most are willing to drop their price if a deal is on the cards. Make sure that you have some form of warranty when buying a used car from a dealership.

To conclude, buying a used car does involve a degree of risk and we hope that the information contained in this article helps you to find the right car at the right price. Things to consider include spares availability, running costs and general condition.

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Mick Pacholli

Mick created TAGG - The Alternative Gig Guide in 1979 with Helmut Katterl, the world's first real Street Magazine. He had been involved with his fathers publishing business, Toorak Times and associated publications since 1972.  Mick was also involved in Melbourne's music scene for a number of years opening venues, discovering and managing bands and providing information and support for the industry. Mick has also created a number of local festivals and is involved in not for profit and supporting local charities.        

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