The auto industry is changing rapidly and car prices are only going up. So to speak, new cars are getting costlier each year, making them a very high-value purchase for the common man. But on the other side, manufacturers are launching newer versions of their models sooner now as compared to a few years ago and because of it, more and more modern cars are now entering the used car market, which makes it easy for you to make a good buy without having to spend a lot. So, here’s a guide on the second-hand cars you need to know before buying one.
1. Choose a model according to your needs
Make a thorough research about the desired car and compare it with its various specifications. Once the specifications are known, the search can be narrowed down and a better choice can be made. Also make an apt comparison between the base price of the car and the price offered for the pre-owned, to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth.
2. Buying from the right source
You can either get the car from an individual, a dealer or online. The web offers many exciting offers and discounts. When bought from an individual, make sure to carry out background checks and verifications. Proceed only if you are 100% satisfied, otherwise proceed to a new dealer or a site.
3. The car should have Original Documents
The paperwork to be done before buying a car is absolutely necessary to avoid being lured by the exciting cheap price provided by the dealer. Some of the essentials include:
Registration Card/Registration Certificate: The car’s date of registration, Engine number and the Chassis number is included in the RC. It is issued by the Regional Transport Office(RTO).
Invoice: It carries the engine number, chassis number, date of delivery and many other important descriptions of the car.
Taxation Book: This indicates the status of taxes paid by the owner, key feature to be noted is the one-time RTO tax paid by the original car owner.
PUC certificate: This is necessary for every car out there. It will be valid for a period of one year and for all new cars and subsequently, a new one has to be re-issued every six months.
4. Engine Oil Change
Buying a car from a private dealer usually doesn’t make sure that the car’s engine oil is in good condition. Apart from this, if there are certain indicators, get it changed by either a shop or a dealership, as soon as possible. It is usually very cheap and be done by yourself.
5. Check for the Maintenance history
It is absolutely necessary to ask for the maintenance history of the car, to know any frequent repairs made to the car. If you are buying from a private buyer, get in touch with the garage from where the owner used to buy the repair parts and make a thorough research about it, but in the case of a used car dealer, you are by all means entitled to all the records that the dealer has on the car.
6. A clear picture about the Accidental history
Buying a used car with an accident history is disputable. A dealer might not know the full extent of a car’s damage history or how severe the reported damage was. Unpredictable damage might cause many issues down the road. These details are why every car should be given a full damage inspection by a certified mechanic.
7. Take it out for a Test drive
Check the brakes and gear shift mechanism, there should be no serious vibrations in the pedal or a sort of squeaking noises in the brakes. Try making a sharp U-turn at low speed to check for any rattling noises from the suspension. Sometimes the dealer might allow a small amount of time to test drive, take you through a dedicated route, skip the test drive on a whole or even fail to explain the features of the car. Be aware of these tactics.
8. Check the interior of the car
As you step inside the car, look around the cabin to spot any irregularities in the features. Spend some time sitting at multiple seating positions, checking for cushioning and under-thigh support padding, looking for any stains, holes or scratch marks. While examining the AC and the audio unit, check the dials and buttons on the central console, steering wheel and on the instrument cluster as well. Closely examine the floor mats, remove them all and have a closer look at the floor of the car as well for any rust or additional tampering. Each and every detail has to be thoroughly checked and brought to the notice of the seller before actually making the purchase.
9. Transferring the ownership of the car
The ownership has to be transferred legally to prevent any sort of issues. This prevents any hassle in the future, during the selling of the car again. To make this transfer, the buyer and the seller have to sign RTO form 29 and 30.
10. Car kilometres or Age
A car used for 2-3 years which is a good shape can be a good option because it is fairly new and has some updated mechanical features. On the other hand, a car which has not been driven much but has a well-maintenance is the best buy. The bodyline, condition of the tyres, engine’s health and the suspension system play a vital role in making this decision.
A second-hand car is the best option, especially for amateurs who have just learnt driving. The above-mentioned points will help you make the right choice about pre-owned cars and gain more knowledge about them.
Pitstop offers a door-step checking process to help you analyze the various parameters to be kept in mind while choosing a second-hand car. Our expert technicians check:
- Current vehicle condition
- Engine scanning and reporting
- Dashboard warning lights checks
- Tyre, Brakes, Battery and fluid checks
- Suspension Analysis
- Checking the Glass and Mirrors
- Body Panel well-being
- Electrical Aspects
Book a “Used Car Inspection” with us to simplify the decision-making process, reduce the risks and converts the transaction into a hassle-free affair.
