A Guide to Help You Buy Used Cars
Choosing
to buy used cars rather than
out-of-the-box vehicles can save you thousands of rands. And, if you buy
wisely, used cars can offer you the same quality and comfort, meaning you do
not have to compromise on what you truly desire.
However, if you are not vigilant and prepared when
you buy used cars, you are also exposing yourself to risks. These include being
overcharged for the vehicle you get or buying a vehicle with underlying
problems that might cost you a lot more in the future. To help you navigate the
market when you set out the buy used cars,
we have put together a few tips. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but
it does help to put you in the right mindset to make an informed decision
before committing to a purchase:
Set
a budget: This might sound obvious, but
before you start looking to buy used
cars, first determine what your budget is – this can either be a lump
sum or an affordable monthly instalment. Remember to take things such as
maintenance, insurance, and fuel consumption into consideration.
Do
your research: There are a few things for you to
read up on. Search for reputable dealers and read testimonials about their
service to make sure that they have your best interest at heart. Research the
vehicle types you are interested in to make sure you are comparing apples to
apples and that you don’t perhaps miss out on an unexpected deal. Research the
maintenance of the different models you are interested in to make sure they are
affordable and that the necessary service providers are available in your area.
Do
comparisons: Unless you regularly buy used cars, you might not recognise
a great deal – or a bad one – right away. Take your time to compare different
models and different dealerships. You might find the same vehicle at a better
price, or at the same price but with lower mileage or a better service plan if
you take the time to look around.
Use
your head, not your heart: We all dream of
a fancy sports coupé or powerful off-road vehicle, but this is not always a practical
solution. In addition to the added maintenance costs, models like these may not
be practical for city life, long-distance driving, or other requirements you
may have.
Keep
it mainstream: If you are unsure, or on a tight
budget, stick to popular well-known models. Lesser-known models might result in
higher maintenance costs or difficulty in sourcing parts.
Put
it through its paces: Never buy used cars without test
driving them. First, if it is a model you have never driven before, you want to
be sure that you are comfortable driving it. Second, you want to make sure that
the vehicle is in top condition. Pay careful attention to things such as
strange noises (rumbles, knocks or rattles); excessive smoke coming out of the
exhaust; and flat spots in the acceleration.
For
more tips and advice on how to buy used cars, talk to one of the friendly team
members at Atterbury Motors. We are at your service.