If you're in dire need of transportation and
sick of using public transport, what you really need is a good car. However, if
you're worried about your budget constraints, you must consider buying a used
car, or a second hand car, as opposed to a new one. Whichever you choose, make
sure you have car insurance first!
Buying a used car can take its toll on you,
especially, if you don't know much about the process of doing so.
Unfortunately, buying a used car is not as simple in terms of decision making
as buying a brand new car. There are many factors to consider while deciding
which vehicle will serve you better and meet your needs and requirements. Here
are few tips on buying a used car.
· Take
the car out for a test drive - This is one of the prerequisites to
buying a car, whether a second hand one or a new one. Driving your prospective
car will let you get a feel of it, whether or not you like the way it turns,
whether the steering wheel is hard or lose, whether or not you feel comfortable
in it and so on. These are highly important factors in owning a car as they
help determine how well you drive and handle your car. So, take it out for a
spine and see how well things fit together.
· Understand
your needs first - This is highly vital because what you may want may
not necessarily co-relate with your needs. Figure out what the car will be used
for the most. One may want to use the car for simple errands, or commuting to
work and back, picking up kids from school or travelling long distances over
the weekend, for which, you require specific tyres, fog lights, and extra
luggage space and so on. Pick a car that suits these needs and then make a
purchase decision accordingly.
· Research
the market and see what your car is worth - If you've found a car that you already
like and does meet your needs and requirements quite well, research it in the
market. Find out the market value for it and check the price you're being
offered to make sure you're not being cheated. Also, visit consumer forums and
find out what consumers are saying about the car in terms of not just comfort
but also issues such as engine noise, braking, turning, suspension check,
rattles and squeaks, the gearbox, the space and the under body as these may
cause issues in future. Since your car is second hand, these issues may already
be developing or have taken root in the system so you must know what you're
going in for.
· Look
into the background of the car you're buying - Most
dealers, or private parties, would be willingly to share information about the
car such as the mileage and its performance. Try getting in touch with the
previous owners of the car and direct all your questions towards them in order
to gain a better understanding of what to expect. Make sure that you inspect
the paper work handed over to you at the dealer's agency or by the private
party as they include the history of the car, including any major accidents
that might have taken place, and may affect the car's performance later on.
· Get car insurance - This is
extremely important as there is nothing more damaging than having an uninsured
car in your hands. Due to the fact that roads are unpredictable, as is climate,
as well as traffic and your frame of mind while driving, getting into an
accident is a possibility that you must factor in. With a tight budget, one cannot
afford to deal with the bills of a car wreck as they can be as expensive as
buying a car in the first place. So, it is extremely essential to have your car
insured.
Now that you're well acquainted with the steps of buying a second hand car, what are you waiting for? Begin jotting down the cars
you like and roll the dice.
About the Author:
The article is written by Daniel NG.
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