Used Car Buying Tips: Guide on How to Buy a Used Car

Many customers prefer choosing an used car over a new one for a variety of reasons. Buying used cars has become easier than before, but there are some precautions that you need to follow before you actually end up buying a used car. This is to ensure that you don't loose your valuable money for something that is worthless and of no value later. This article outlines some tips and precautions on purchasing old cars.

Many cars even today are sold in an "as is" condition. However that can be very risky if you do not understand what could be wrong with the condition of the car. Also, you might not be sure about its insurance and warranty aspects. It's always advisable to thoroughly inspect the condition of the car and investigate its ownership before you sign on the dotted line. Make sure you aren't buying a lemon, but something that will give you peace of mind and value for your money.

Despite many common notions, not all aspects of a used car are bad. If you are sure about what you are purchasing, then a used car can still be a great value for money. For instance, you many not need to pay a hefty insurance amount on an old car due to its depreciated value. Also, you might be able to obtain a cheaper loan for a used car.

Before you venture out to buy a used car, it's always advisable to set a budget on how much you would like to spend. It is likely that you might need to touch up the car to match your tastes once you have purchased it, so include this amount in your budget too.

The next important question is what car or model you should buy. This usually depends upon your lifestyle and your needs. If you are considering a car for work or doing errands for family, then a smaller car will suit your needs. If you have more of the lifestyle aspect in mind, then a mid range car should suit you good. However, a used midsized car could demand more attention in the form of maintenance, fuel, tires, and spare parts.

The best advice is to take into consideration your future needs as well since your car will be around for quite some time after you purchase it. Another good advice is to talk to friends and colleagues on which makes and models are worthy as a used buy, since some can turn out to be more reliable than the others. Also gather tit bits of information from a variety of sources to keep your self informed about used cars and their performance. Word of mouth is also a good way to know about the used car market.

While purchasing an old car, you might want to know how old really a car should be. Unless you intentionally want to purchase a very old car, a car which is about two or three years old should ideally fit the bill. In some cases where the car is between three to five years old can also be ideal for your purpose, provided it has been well maintained by its previous owner.

Since you are on your way to purchase an old car, there's no reason why you should you should spend too much for it. Normally, a used car shouldn't cost you the moon. If you are facing problems on how much money you need to spend for the car, start with doing some research on the internet. Alternatively, ask a valuator to give you a proper valuation of the car. It is always advisable to get a mechanic along to check the car especially the engine and the underneath.

Always endeavor to take a test drive of the vehicle. Look for signs of trouble in the engine, and check if there's any unusual noise or vibration coming from it. Also make sure the engine starts instantly. Test other components of the car like the brakes, the accelerator and the steering wheel. If you require the car for city driving, then check if the car has a power steering which works perfectly. If the car has manual transmission, check if the gears shift properly. Enquire about the car's mileage, and also do your own exercise to find that out. Test drive the car in various conditions such as lean and heavy traffic, on the highway, and off-road/hilly conditions if possible.

Another important aspect is to examine the car's exterior. Look for any signs of an accident, which will be indicated by dents in the body or the fenders. If the car is too old, or has been exposed too much to the weather, then there will be obvious signs of cracks and rust. Check for other signs of wear and tear, such as worn out tires, cranky jack, leaking oil, worn shock absorbers, and rust on the car floor under the mats.

After you are done with examining the exterior, examine the interior as well. Check simple things like the headlights, tail-lights, horn, mirror, seat belts, dashboard, stereo, condition of the upholstery etc. Also check whether the doors open and close properly, and take your own time to inspect other minor things that might escape attention.

At the same time it is always advisable to check the car's papers. Always insist that you want to see the original papers or at least a certified copy. During the closing stages of the deal, insist that the owner hand over the original papers. Also, verify if there are no outstanding loans against the car, or if the owner is not selling you a car which was leased from someone else. These days, a lot of stolen cars also end up in the used car market, so verify if the car is not a stolen vehicle as well.

When you make an offer to purchase, you might want to specify some conditions to your purchase. For example you might want your mechanic to inspect the car before you make a purchase, or you would purchase the vehicle if the bank clears your used car loan application. If possible, make a written offer along with the conditions you specify. If the owner asks for a deposit, specify that the deposit be refunded if the mechanic does not approve the car or if you fail to get the loan. Also suggest that the seller takes back the car if major problems arise with the car such as its engine within, say, a month of purchase.

When you buy a car make sure the ownership gets transferred to you and the seller has realized the payment completely. Talk to the owner of the car in person rather than his or her agent. These steps will ensure that the buying-selling process goes smoothly. Many a times, the car is sold through a used car dealership. In this case, don't commit anything and tell the salesman that you are looking for more options before you are willing to buy the model you are interested in. Also, find out if the dealer is willing to offer any warranty on the used car.

Many used car dealers utilize a lot of tricks to get their sale and commission, so ensure that you are in control of the conversation and the buying process rather than the opposite. If you feel that you are being tricked into a deal, don't hesitate to leave that dealership. Buy your used car from somewhere else!

To summarize, examine all aspects of the used car from its condition to ownership before you actually purchase it. Check the car's previous maintenance record and mileage with the owner or the car dealer. If the car has undergone too many repairs before, avoid that car. Make sure you get a written agreement done for your used car purchase and the ownership vehicle is transferred to you. Let's hope that your used car gives you the reliability and satisfaction that you deserve.

By: Nihit Aurora

Related Books:
NADA Official Used Car Guide
Ins and Outs of the Used Car Business
Successful Car Buying