Buying a car is always an exciting process, even if you are looking for a used car. There are different groups of people who opt in the used car market; first-time car owners, students, Uber drivers, immigrants and temporary residents and some budget-conscious families.
Each group has its own preferences but they all have some common questions and challenges regarding buying a used car in Australia.
So if you belong to any of those groups mentioned above don’t miss out the rest of this article as we are planning to prepare you for the challenge ahead.
What to do before buying a used car?
Before you dive into the epic journey of buying your trusty metal steed, let’s hit the brakes for a second. Check out this ultimate map to cruising through the used car scene like a pro!
Budget Planning:
Know your spending limit. There are good car marketplaces and online car sales websites which help you get a clearer grasp of how much your desired brand & model cost. Or you can simply set the budget and see what you can get with that money. The worst thing to do is to think of your budget as a flexible band. The price is not the only cost of the vehicle and you should know that if you don’t stick to your budget, chances are you will get in trouble financing other required costs.
What’s it for and who is it for?
If you are a student who uses their vehicle only to commute between home and university, your needs are completely different from a family. For example If you do most of your driving in the city, a four-wheel drive is hardly necessary.
Safety Check:
Don’t skimp on safety! Check out the used car safety ratings – they’re the real deal since they’re based on actual road encounters.
Security:
No one likes an uninvited guest, especially in their car. Take a peek at the security features and let the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council give you the lowdown on car security scores.
Insurance:
Insurance costs can creep up on you. They’re like the toppings on your burger – the costs vary. So, narrow down your shortlist and ring up some quotes.
Environment:
Check the car’s fuel consumption and emissions rating. The Green Vehicle Guide is your ultimate guide regarding this matter.
Regulations:
Knowledge is power, and knowing your local regulations is like having a backstage pass. Check out your state or territory’s playbook on buying and selling used cars, and keep the surprises at bay!
What to inspect?
It’s not different if you buy your vehicle from a Dealer, on auction or on a private sale, you need to inspect the following before closing that deal:
Documents:
Car registration documents, car owner id and their driver’s licence and the paperwork of the car should all match specifically in a private sale. Remember that in some states you need to get a certificate from the seller as well. It’s important to note that you also need to check that the car’s VIN matches the VIN on the registration papers.
If you need to know the government rules about buying used vehicle just check out here
Body & Paint:
When it comes to the car’s physique, think of yourself as a detective in a stylish noir film.
Dents & Waves:
Scan the body with a hawk’s eye for dents, ripples, or creases.
Panel Party:
Next, check for any loose, misaligned, or mismatched panels.
Paint Prowess:
Keep an eye out for paint overspray. Also, be on the lookout for signs of rust, crash repairs, or hail damage.
Doors & Latches:
Do the doors, boot, or tailgate swing open smoothly and they latch firmly? If the answer is yes you are good to go.
Interior
stains, damage, cracks or wear and tear that’s not consistent with the age and kilometres of the car should be checked for the seats, carpet and interior plastics for.
Engine oil
if a car has been serviced at regular intervals you will find a proper stamped service book.
Engine
testing this requires driving. You need to check the engine in action and see if it’s smooth.
Radiator coolant
The coolant – green or red – should be clean and brightly coloured.
Tyres
Check the tyres quality, pattern and even brand. They all should be in good visual condition without signs of damage or uneven wear, and with tread depth above the minimum wear indicators.
Fluid leaks
around the engine compartment and underneath the car should not be any signs of oil, coolant or other leaks that might indicate poor maintenance and potential repairs.
Exhaust
One way to detect an engine problem is checking the colour of the exhaust. Black, blue or white smoke should make you worried about the engine’s health.
Seat-belts
Simply put they should be in a good condition to keep you safe in a bad situation.
Lights
Head lights, taillights, indicators, park lights, reverse and number plate lights and warning lights should all function correctly.
Accessories
The air-conditioning and fan, power windows and mirrors, audio system, satellite navigation, parking sensors and reversing camera are some other accessories you need to check when buying a used car.
Jack and tool kit
These companions of difficult times must be in the best shape possible.
Driving test
In some sorts of sale just like auction you can not have a driving test and you can just rely on what you see of the car. But even if you do all the inspection based on the checklist presented above there is nothing compared to the feeling you get when you sit behind the wheel and drive the vehicle yourself. Do you feel comfortable? Do you feel safe and sound? Does it feel like your next vehicle? If the answers are yes, congratulations.
What to do after the sale?
After the purchase is complete you need to take care of transferring the ownership as well as the insurance for the vehicle. Remember to check your state’s regulations regarding transfers, insurance, warranty and cooling off period before going for finalising the paperwork.
