The most frustrating call is finding the new, used car having so many troubles as you failed to notice it before.
Most of the first or young drivers looking for their first car might turn out to be victims of having “lemon” cars.
And nowadays, the used car has more attention than brand new cars.
You know that the shortage of manufacturing new cars because of pandemic and other reasons can be affordability.
However, it is also an investment for the long run, so never fall for the short-term benefits.
Once you are aware of the tricks to shopping for used cars, used cars become a great alternative.
Here are the mistakes most first-time car buyers make when they are in the second-hand market.
Don’t buy the first car you see
Either you’re heading to the dealer or searching from your home, never settle by looking at your first vehicle.
Even if the car vaguely matches your requirements, do research & look for other vehicles to satisfy the car is indeed good to go as there are chances to end up with an absolute dud on your hands.
To compare the options for your specific brands in terms of different dealerships and find your better deal.
In case you’re unsure of your needs, then don’t hesitate to compare the options.
If you found the dealers nearby your place, then visit the showroom to cross-check if there are any similar vehicles & check the offers for them.
Even you for online purchase, buy a car after checking & comparing the various options.
Stay away from anything extra
Most dealers offer various discounts to attract the buyers and even try to convince using “limited offer”.
Don’t fall for the words, even if it is for your preferred vehicle type or brand.
Even some just have few additional features to hike the overall cost of the vehicle. It’s better to ask yourself what you actually need; the features might be new techy or new parts; if you don’t need it, then walk away from the deal.
No heartbreaks as they are doing business!
Not checking the car with a mechanic
It’s pretty common where most of us forget to check the body parts after taking the car for a test drive.
However, you can judge the vehicle parts while driving, but you need a mechanical inspection, which most buyers fail to consider.
Do check,
- The bodywork
- Tyres
- Fluids level
- Mileage
- Electronics
- A closer look at the interior
It is also a risky sign when you are least consider inspecting the vehicle parts.
Hire a third party to check, or else ask your friends and family to look for the inspection expertise.
It’s to find if you failed to catch the issue, then a second opinion is better to have.
Did not run a vehicle history report
In addition to the test drive, inspection by the mechanic, the other important thing is to check the history where most of the buyers show less interest.
The expert advice is to carry out the vehicle history check to identify the previous incidents or other problems with the car.
Usually, the dealer pays for the third party service or might have fake documents showing the vehicle is issue-free.
Hence, even you choose to buy a used car from a dealer, private seller, get a check to know the story behind it.
Shopping without checking the car finance
Once you are all set to buy a car & ready to pay cash, but wait, did you check the crucial part?
When it is branded car, you have to know how the previous owner paid for the vehicle & maintained it.
What if the car you are going to finance actually has a pending debt on it?
Still, few buyers end up in such situations where there is no other way to go than paying off someone’s debts.
Bear in mind; if the vehicle is on finance, then you are a registered keeper, not an owner.
You need to contact the finance company to negotiate with the dealer or directly contact the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
If the dealer never tries to sort the issues, then you can reject them.
It is lawful to reject faulty used cars within 30 days of purchase. You can use this right for the vehicle bought from a trader & not applicable for private sale, auction, or business use.