Tips to buy used car
Preparing to invest in a used car? Whether via a particular seller or professional, there are always pitfalls to avoid. Here are some tips.
1. Individual or professional seller, what to choose?
Buying from professional, guarantees a minimum mechanical warranty of three months. The seller is responsible for breakage of the engine, shifter or discovery of latent defects.
On the other hand, if you buy your vehicle from an individual, you have very few guarantees. If the private seller does not want to acknowledge his fault or involve an expert, you can file a complaint. But it can cost you a lot of money and time.
2. Check the value of the chosen car
You have found the ideal car, but does the asking price match the value of the vehicle? Before you rush, check the argues, i.e. the odds of the car. It is estimated according to the state of the market, the model, its mileage, its date of entry into circulation, its fuel, its power and the options of which the car is equipped.
3. Questions to ask the seller when buying a used car?
During your first exchange, whether on the latest android phones or face to face, there are some essential questions to ask to avoid being fooled.
– What is the consumption of the car?
– What’s mileage?
– What was the use of this vehicle?
– Is she a first hand?
– Are there any scratches or dents on the body?
– Are there any missing items regarding the car’s equipment?
– Has the vehicle ever been damaged?
– Last repair or servicing date?
– Why do you want to sell?
– When can we try the car?
4. Examine the car in every detail
During your appointment with the seller, do not hesitate to comb the vehicle! If you are accompanied by a expert, it’s even better! The more you listen to it, the less you will have nasty surprises afterwards. First of all, agree on a daytime schedule as in the day, the defects will be more visible.
Let’s start with the outside part. Stand a few meters away from the vehicle to see it as a whole. Then take a closer look at the bodywork, tires, headlights, mirrors, roof, and the underside of the car.
Open the hood and check the oil level and ask the seller to turn on the engine, accelerate, honk, turn on the headlights, turn signals … In short, do not neglect any detail! Go for technical e.g.: the battery date? Was the belt changed? have the filters been replaced if runs on diesel.
Finally, inside the car, try mirrors, windshield wipers, windows, seat adjustment, lights, car radio, lights, air conditioning, check the spare wheel … Know that a maintenance of the “air conditioning” must be done every 2 years with change of the pollen filter and with extra gas.
5. Documents that the seller must provide
Among the documents needed for the sale of a used car, one of the most important is probably the certificate of non pledge(document ensuring that the vehicle belongs 100% to the seller and has not been stolen). Other essential documents: a technical inspection dated less than 6 months, the registration card, the maintenance book and the invoices of the various repairs made on the car. Once you have these documents in hand, which you must have before signing, always check the accuracy of the writings and whether they correspond well with the model of the vehicle and its registration. You will then need the vehicle registration certificate.
6. Test the car on different types of roads
Before buying, test the qualities of your future car on the road. To evaluate them, do not hesitate to drive in town, on a four-lane, in the countryside, … The goal is to go up and down speeds, to test the acceleration and braking of the car. Do not forget to check if she reacts well when she backs up.
If the seller does not seem very enthusiastic about trying his car, go your way!
7. Secure your car right now!
Before signing the vehicle purchase, remember to inform your insurance of the date from which you will be the owner. Then you have one month after the purchase, to provide the certificate of registration, the certificate of sale and to make the change of name of owner to the prefecture.
Regarding the vehicle’s own insurance, it is not always wise to opt for an all-risks insurance for a second-hand model. Depending on its mileage, start date and condition, third-party insurance may be sufficient. Do not hesitate to compare.
8. Take the time to think
The biggest mistake is to rush when buying a vehicle. Take the time to think about this vehicle, its condition and your first impressions of the seller. Recalculate well the argues of the car and think about its resale. The goal is that you can separate easily if you want. Be wary of salespeople who are too urgent or insistent. You have plenty of time to make your choice, this decision is up to you!
9. Buy a used car
You have little fear to have to deal with a professional. But if you are dealing with a particular, few precautions are to be taken. Most will ask for a payment by check or bank check. For cash payment, remember the threshold payment.
10. Possible remedies for hidden defects
Having unpleasant surprises after buying a used car, this can unfortunately happen. This type of situation usually occurs in a private sale. If you ever find yourself in this case, contact the seller. If he is honest he will call an expert to determine if the problem of the car dated before the sale or not. If he refuses, you can appeal to justice.
