It is always better to go for a used car if you are a greenhorn and have just learnt driving. This way you can refine your driving skills and gain the necessary confidence before investing a substantial amount on new car.
Some of the reasons, which have made used car market, a big attraction are:
* Less capital investment
* One can afford a luxury model in relatively less price.
* Lower depreciation
* Used car market has developed these days and most car makers now sell certified used cars, which include warranties.
* Financing rates for used cars have dropped in recent years.
But buying a used car has a few downsides too. Used cars have higher maintenance cost as compared to new cars. You may have to go for replacement of old tyres, battery, clutch plate etc. Used cars have low reliability and they are susceptible to frequent breakdowns. New cars tend to have advanced and more safety features as compared to old cars.
Now that you have decided to buy a used car just follow these simple tips to get the best bargain.
1. Decide your budget: It is always better to have a rough idea of the amount that you can afford to spend on buying the car before starting the car buying process. This way you can avoid overshooting your budget. While deciding about the budget also account for the insurance and other running costs.
2. Finding the right car: Unlike buying a new car you can't be fastidious while buying a used car. You have to be flexible. If you're set on one model, in a specific color, with a certain mileage or specification you may find it hard to get a bargain as you're focusing on a narrow market. If you're prepared to consider something similar to what you want, you'll find a much wider choice available and it becomes easier to negotiate.
3. Communicate with the seller: You can buy the used car either from a dealer or from an individual. While buying the car from an individual enquire why he/she is selling the car, how the car was used (single hand, daily commuting etc.), and finally ask for permission to get the car inspected by a car mechanic. If you get the right answers only then proceed further otherwise look for some other seller.
4. Thoroughly inspect the car: While an individual seller may permit you to get the car inspected by a mechanic, a dealer may not be so obliging. Don't let this stop you from doing some inspection on your own.
Keep following things in mind while inspecting the car.
* The engine should idle smoothly without surging or sputtering, and accelerate from standstill without bucking or hesitating.
* Inspect the chassis of the car. The bodyline will give you an indication whether the car has met an accident or not.
* Look for signs of repainting. Check whether all the body parts are of same colour. Open the trunk, hood and doors. Look for paint specs or over spray-a telltale sign that all or part of the vehicle has been repainted.
* Check the wheel alignment of cars. Uneven wear and tear of tyres-balding on the sides or in the middle-indicate poor alignment.
* Check the condition of battery.
* Check whether all the headlights and indicators are working properly.
* Check air conditioning for proper operation. Sufficiently heat up the engine to test the efficiency of air conditioner. Check the operations of defroster, heater and fan.
5. Take a test drive: A test drive will give you the feel of the car and help you arrive at the decision whether the car is fit for you or not.
Look out for following things while taking a test drive:
* With the engine idling before you start your test-drive, turn the steering wheel right and left. There should not be any play in the wheel before the tyres start to turn.
* The engine should idle smoothly without clattering or metallic sounds, or sharp hissing, in the engine compartment. Normal sound is smooth whirring of belts and fan.
* Check the condition of clutch plates.
* Test the brakes on an empty stretch of road. From a speed of 30 kph, apply the brakes hard. The car should stop straight and quickly, without pulling to one side and without any vibration. The pedal feel should be smooth and linear, and stopping the car shouldn't take a huge effort.
Some of the reasons, which have made used car market, a big attraction are:
* Less capital investment
* One can afford a luxury model in relatively less price.
* Lower depreciation
* Used car market has developed these days and most car makers now sell certified used cars, which include warranties.
* Financing rates for used cars have dropped in recent years.
But buying a used car has a few downsides too. Used cars have higher maintenance cost as compared to new cars. You may have to go for replacement of old tyres, battery, clutch plate etc. Used cars have low reliability and they are susceptible to frequent breakdowns. New cars tend to have advanced and more safety features as compared to old cars.
Now that you have decided to buy a used car just follow these simple tips to get the best bargain.
1. Decide your budget: It is always better to have a rough idea of the amount that you can afford to spend on buying the car before starting the car buying process. This way you can avoid overshooting your budget. While deciding about the budget also account for the insurance and other running costs.
2. Finding the right car: Unlike buying a new car you can't be fastidious while buying a used car. You have to be flexible. If you're set on one model, in a specific color, with a certain mileage or specification you may find it hard to get a bargain as you're focusing on a narrow market. If you're prepared to consider something similar to what you want, you'll find a much wider choice available and it becomes easier to negotiate.
3. Communicate with the seller: You can buy the used car either from a dealer or from an individual. While buying the car from an individual enquire why he/she is selling the car, how the car was used (single hand, daily commuting etc.), and finally ask for permission to get the car inspected by a car mechanic. If you get the right answers only then proceed further otherwise look for some other seller.
4. Thoroughly inspect the car: While an individual seller may permit you to get the car inspected by a mechanic, a dealer may not be so obliging. Don't let this stop you from doing some inspection on your own.
Keep following things in mind while inspecting the car.
* The engine should idle smoothly without surging or sputtering, and accelerate from standstill without bucking or hesitating.
* Inspect the chassis of the car. The bodyline will give you an indication whether the car has met an accident or not.
* Look for signs of repainting. Check whether all the body parts are of same colour. Open the trunk, hood and doors. Look for paint specs or over spray-a telltale sign that all or part of the vehicle has been repainted.
* Check the wheel alignment of cars. Uneven wear and tear of tyres-balding on the sides or in the middle-indicate poor alignment.
* Check the condition of battery.
* Check whether all the headlights and indicators are working properly.
* Check air conditioning for proper operation. Sufficiently heat up the engine to test the efficiency of air conditioner. Check the operations of defroster, heater and fan.
5. Take a test drive: A test drive will give you the feel of the car and help you arrive at the decision whether the car is fit for you or not.
Look out for following things while taking a test drive:
* With the engine idling before you start your test-drive, turn the steering wheel right and left. There should not be any play in the wheel before the tyres start to turn.
* The engine should idle smoothly without clattering or metallic sounds, or sharp hissing, in the engine compartment. Normal sound is smooth whirring of belts and fan.
* Check the condition of clutch plates.
* Test the brakes on an empty stretch of road. From a speed of 30 kph, apply the brakes hard. The car should stop straight and quickly, without pulling to one side and without any vibration. The pedal feel should be smooth and linear, and stopping the car shouldn't take a huge effort.
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