Buying a used car is a smart way to save money while enjoying the perks of car ownership. But it’s not without drawbacks. If you’re not careful, you may end up buying a lemon and that’s the last thing anyone wants.
Before you sign the dotted line and finalise that car purchase, you need to make sure that it’s in good working condition. To save yourself from future headaches, follow the used car checklist below.
Figure out your finances
First and foremost, you must consider your budget and how you’re going to fund your used car purchase. Your used car options are determined by how much you can afford. Having a clear budget from the start can help you find the perfect car faster. Plus, you don’t have to waste time viewing cars that are way out of your budget.
When figuring out a budget, review your savings, expenses, and earnings. If you don’t have the funds on hand or would rather not spend all your savings on one purchase, getting a used car loan could be ideal. The good news is you can use a car loan when buying a used car both at a dealership and through a private sale.
Finding the right used car loan
If you’re looking for the perfect used car loan, contact the expert brokers at CarLoans.com.au! Our team is here to help you get the best used car loan with competitive rates and useful features. With our extensive range of lenders and dealerships, we can help you find the ideal loan for your situation. Call 1300 889 669 or get a free online quote!
Check the exterior
First impressions are important. What a car looks like from the outside can tell you a lot about its condition and how well it’s been maintained over the years. If the exterior has a lot of dents, misaligned panels, or a lot of scratches, it could be a sign of other more serious underlying issues.
Cars with damaged exteriors or tyres that aren’t in good visual condition could suggest poor maintenance, as well. Buying a used car can be difficult because you don’t really know how well the previous owners have taken care of it.
Examine the interior
Once you’ve checked the exterior, you need to look inside. This includes the seats and carpets. Are they clean or riddled with dirt and crumbs? Check out at the interior doors and dashboard to see if there are cracks, stains, or other issues that can’t be attributed to simple wear and tear.
Aside from the aesthetics, make sure the car doesn’t have a weird smell. Cars that haven’t been cleaned properly could be home to mould, fungus, dust mites, and the like. If the previous owners or passengers habitually smoke inside the car, the smell could linger for a long time.
Go on a test drive
The best way to test the performance of a used vehicle is by driving it yourself. It’s easy for photos, online adverts, or sales pitches to mislead you or overpromise on certain aspects of the used car. But by going on a test drive, you can suss out any issues or potential performance problems that weren’t mentioned.
During your test drive, pay attention to everything, from how well the car brakes to the manoeuvrability of the steering wheel. Don’t be afraid to put the car through the ringer by accelerating to certain speeds on the highway or braking abruptly to see how well the car responds.
You should also test out the air conditioning and heating systems. And always check the headlights, rear lights, and hazard lights. You don’t want to be caught driving at night and find out the lights are faulty.
Review the service history and verify the information
The ideal used car is one that’s been regularly serviced throughout the years. You can’t avoid wear and tear, but proper maintenance can go a long way.
The service history can tell you a lot about how the previous owners took care of the vehicle. Be wary of used cars that haven’t been serviced every six to twelve months or every 10,000 kilometres. A car that’s had major repairs done should also be a cause of concern.
You should also look up the car’s information (Vehicle Identification Number or Chassis number) on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), so you don’t accidentally buy an encumbered vehicle. Always double-check the information of the vehicle on any registries to make sure everything is above board.
Get a car inspection report
Last but not least, you need to have a pre-purchase inspection before buying the used car. There’s only so much you can do as a buyer. You need a professional’s opinion to know the exact condition of the vehicle including the engine, suspension, brakes, electric components, and other features that you may not know how to properly inspect on your own.
A full mechanical car inspection report will let you know if there are any issues with the car that even the seller didn’t know about. This is especially important when buying a used car from a private seller because you don’t have as many consumer protections or guarantees. You won’t have a recourse if the used car suddenly breaks down right after you bought it.