In addition to buying a new car, it is also a common sight to see people buying a used or what is also referred to as a ‘second-hand’ car. Buying a used car has its fair share of advantages. With the right knowledge and mindset, you can score a great deal by buying the right used car. In the effort to help you, let us take a look at some tips and know-how to choose the best second-hand car for you.
In India, the second-hand car market is huge. There are a lot of dealers that refurbish used cars and sell them. Some of the cars offer a great value proposition for the buyer compared to buying a new one. Firstly, it is crucial to gather your requirements and jot it down in a systematic fashion. This exercise will help you get clarity of thought. The next factor to take into consideration is the finance. It is no secret that a lot of financial planning goes into buying a car be it used or new. It is important to determine the budget or the limits of EMI before starting anything else. Once this is established, you can shortlist a number of cars that meet or rather fit your criteria.
The next phase should involve research, analysis, and comparison. Luckily, with the advent of the internet, you can get this job done online with ease. You should research about car prices, features, specifications, reviews, market value and so on. You can visit a lot of car aggregator websites for this purpose. Once you have identified some potential good buys, it is time to give the cars a visit. A test drive is crucial when buying a used car. An important point to note here is to make sure that the car registration should be done in the same state that you are residing.
Once the aforementioned is done, it is time to make a thorough evaluation. It should begin with a test drive of minimum fifteen minutes. After a test drive, you should be in a good position to gauge the condition of the car. That said, it is also important to conduct a thorough visual inspection too since it is possible that a major repair or damage might be camouflaged by the car owner. In order to be safe, it is always a good idea to take a car mechanic with you to help in this endeavor. In case you are too skeptical about this, you can buy a used car from a certified dealer. These dealers, typically offer a warranty as well that ensures your peace of mind.
In the final stages, you need to iron out the minor specifics. Make sure to check the
car insurance documents. Check if any claims were made and request the bills pertaining to the motor insurance claim. If there has been a huge claim, it is wise to drop the deal. Last but not the least, negotiate a good price for the car.