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If you’ve decided to buy a used car, you have
already made a smart decision. You can get a car that’s
almost as good as a brand new one without suffering the depreciation
that kills new car buyers the moment they drive out of the
showroom.
Step 1: Starting out
Buying a used car means you can afford a big car at the price
of a new small car. With bigger bargains available for the
smart shopper, the used car market is definitely worth a dekho
before you indulge in a brand new car. That said used cars
are also more reliable these days with some of them still
covered under factory warranty. Apart from that most carmakers
now sell certified used cars which include a warranty.
Step 2: Finding the right used car.
You will already have in mind the car you want but its good
to stop and rethink about the pros and cons of the car your
about to spend on. Make sure your choice isn’t exceeding
your budget and it fits your need. While buying a used car
it’s also a good idea to stretch your horizons. For
e.g.: if your looking for a Hyundai Santro you can also look
at the Maruti Zen, or the Wagon R. These were built for the
same market but you can find them at lower prices.
Step 3: Right price for the right car.
There are many factors on which the cost of a used car is
based like its condition, mileage, reliability, performance
and service history. If the car is a popular model you will
be bound to shell out more than you will shell out for a less
popular model. Make sure you find out the market price for
the car and don’t end up paying too much for it no matter
how good the condition is.
Step 4: Research your prospective used car
A very important step in getting a good used car deal is
to get a history report of the car. Check whatever service
history that the car has. Also have a close look on the insurance
details for any major accident covered. If you’re not
sure about the mechanicals taking a good mechanic with you
to get the vehicle inspected is definitely a good idea.
Step 5: Where to find used cars
The most common places to buy a used car are Private parties,
used car dealerships or used car lots.You can find ads put
up by private parties in newspaper classifieds, websites like
www.ZigWheels.com as well as in magazines.The next place to
look for is at dealerships and used car lots. Many manufacturers
have come up with used car dealerships. Maruti for e.g. has
True Value which only sells used Maruti cars. They might be
more expensive than your average dealership but they also
offer warranties and other services like accident-free cars.
Similarly you have other dealerships like Automart India and
FirstChoice India who also sell various used cars with warranties.
You also get the advantage of getting finance through these
dealerships if at all you need one.
Step 6: Test driving a used car.
Used car shopping involves a lot of inspection to determine
its condition. Here are some of the things to check while
out on a test drive.
- Acceleration from rest should be clean without any hiccups.
- Engine Noise
- Hill climbing ability
- Braking
- Cornering
- Suspension
- Rattles and Squeaks
On a test drive take your time and try to stimulate your
normal driving patterns. Find out how the car behaves in varied
conditions as you wouldn't want to be surprised after the
purchase about the car not performing right.
Step 7: Negotiating the deal
Whether you're dealing with a private party or a dealer
make sure you let them know that you’re ready to strike
the deal on the spot, but we need to rework the price. You
need to have a valid argument about why the price is too high
at the same time putting up an acceptable offer. Walk out
in case you’re not comfortable with the deal and avoid
falling for offers such as Teflon coating or accessories such
as mudflaps which the dealer might chip in to distract you.
Step 8: Closing the deal
Once the deal is closed you still have to go through the
finance and insurance steps. Make sure all the process regarding
the transfer of ownership is completed and that the car is
still insured before you drive away.
Finally inspect the car before you take delivery and make
sure all the repair work if needed has been carried out. Once
all done you’re ready to drive off in your “New
Used Car”. Happy driving.
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