Buying a car can be a tedious task, especially if you are considering going for a second-hand or a pre-owned vehicle. The trust factor aside, you are several things to look into like searching for the right car, inspecting the vehicle for problems, negotiating the perfect deal, and more. While nowadays you have several organised sellers that take care of most of these things to offer you, such cars come at a higher premium. You can save some money by doing all these yourself, but there will be a lot of legwork involved. In both cases it's important to know what kind of car will best suit your needs, and here's our 5-point checklist that can help you choose the right used car.
Before you buy a used car or even a new car for that matter, it's important to know what kind of car you should buy. Is it a hatchback, a sedan, an SUV or an MPV? This depends on whether you are looking for a car for individual use, for a nuclear family, or for a big family. So, it's important to know what kind of car you need, and then start looking at options.
Before you start looking for a used car, know what kind of car do you need.
It's important to consider the use case as well before you head to choose a used car. If it will be a daily driver or for commuting to the office, then a compact frugal hatchback or a subcompact SUV would be enough. If you plan on using it for intercity commutes or weekend getaways, then a compact sedan or an SUV/MPV should do the trick. Your use case will also help you decide whether you want to get a petrol or a diesel or a CNG vehicle.
Also Read: Here Are 5 Things You Must Avoid When Buying A Used Vehicle
Looking for a used car without finalising a budget is also a big NO-NO. It is another common mistake and you'll either end up confused about your choices or worse, with the wrong car. Get your priorities straight and decide what you want to spend before even start looking for a used car. Of course, if you find that right car, in the best possible condition, and you can go over budget then surely go for it. Otherwise, try and find the best possible option within your stipulated budget.
Also Read: Buying Used Cars: Simple Checks To Perform While Taking A Test Drive
Do a thorough inspection of the car and take a proper test drive as well.
Always inspect a used car properly before buying it. From the outside, the car might look in mint condition but it's always possible the mechanicals are not in good condition. If you know a trusted mechanic take them along and let them have a look and give you an assessment before you make the decision. Take a proper test drive, at least 7-10 km, as it will not only allow you to assess the car for any issues but also help you find out how comfortable you are with it.
Also Read: 5 Reasons Why You Should Replace A Used Car After Every Few Years
If you are buying the car from an organised used car seller, they will usually have the records for you to verify. If you are purchasing the vehicle from an individual seller/owner, ask about the history of the car and check all documents, especially if it has had past owners. You can even check for past accident claims and records using the insurance number as that information is generally available in the public domain.
