Why buy a used car?
Buying a used car nowadays can make a lot of sense. You can easily buy a Hyundai Accent for the price of a Hyundai Santro. What better way is there for you to upgrade your lifestyle without having to shell out more than your pocket will allow you to? Today, cars do not need to be overhauled like they did in the past. Car engines are now designed with the idea that these cars will last you a good numbers of miles. And, with the current trend of families changing their cars for newer models regularly, it’s easy for you to get a multitude of choices to suit your needs and your pocket. Easy financing options offered by banks and financial institutions makes buying used cars even simpler.
More and more people are opting to buy bigger used cars than smaller new ones. It is definitely a smarter option for all you discerning car buyers and enthusiasts who aspire for something better.
Before you head off shopping for your dream car in the used car market, there is a checklist of do’s and don’ts that you should follow.
Vroom tip – Carry a note pad and pen with you. Write down a list of all the things that you have to check. Tick mark against those items you have checked and are satisfied with. If you have any concern about any problem with the car, jot it down and discuss it with the seller.
- Checking the body of the car
- Checking the tyres
- Checking the engine
- Checking the mileage
- Checking the paint
- Checking the interiors and accessories
- Take a test drive
- Checking the papers
1. Checking the body of the car
We do recommend that you check the car with the help of a trusted mechanic. However, you can do this on your own too if you do not have access to a mechanic. Begin your test by checking the body of the car. A good scan of the body will reveal any past accidents and signs of rust. Check the right and left fenders (around the lights) both in the front and the rear of the car. Open and close the doors to ensure that they fit perfectly when shut. Do the same with the bonnet and the boot. Now look under the car for signs of welding within the chassis or suspension parts. If you see small blisters, this means that there could be rust there in the future. Cracks, dents or loose bumpers could indicate that the car has been in an accident. It is better to be safer than sorry, so if you have any suspicion, clarify your concerns with the owner or simply walk away.
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2. Checking the tyres
Make sure that all the tyres have good treads and are not worn. It is very important to have tyres that are of good condition. If the car’s tyres are bald, speak to the owner and deduct some amount from the total price of the car. Balding of tyres on one side or in the middle could mean that the wheels need to be aligned or that the suspension requires repair. Don’t forget to check the condition of the spare tyre as well.
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3. Checking the engine
Start the engine and check the exhaust for any black smoke when the car accelerates. Black smoke could mean that the engine is flooded with petrol due to a defective fuel system or faulty spark plugs. The smoke should also not be blue or thick white in colour. Now listen to the engine while the car is idling and when you put it into gear. There should be no metallic or clanking sounds. All you should hear is the smooth whirring of the belts and the fan.
Vroom tip – Get someone like a friend or your mechanic to stand behind the car to check for smoke, etc while you start the car.
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4. Checking the mileage
This can be tricky. There are some who will fiddle around with the odometer to give the impression of a younger car with lesser mileage. If you are in any way suspicious, check the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, gear levers and driver’s seat to see how worn they look. This should give you some what of an idea about how much the car has been used.
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5. Checking the paint
It is probably a bit too much to ask for a used car without a small amount of touch up to the original paint due to being scratched. Nearly every car in India has been scratched more than once. Unfortunately, this is pretty much unavoidable on Indian roads. Getting a used car with original paint on it with minor touch ups here or there is fine. If the car has been completely repainted, there will be variations in the colour in various parts of the car such as the boot, hood and doors. Check for irregularities in the paint and whether all body parts are the same colour.
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6. Checking the interiors and accessories
You’ve checked the exterior of the car. Now it’s time to look inside. Check the upholstery, car mats, music system and the AC. If the music system is not working properly, you should deduct some amount from the total cost of the car. Check the seat belts to ensure they are not loose and fit snugly. Now check all the lights of the car. Make sure that the headlights, parking lights and the indicators are all working. Lift the hood of the car to check the position of the belts and hoses. Make sure these are all in good shape. Check the battery to see if it is cracked. Pull out the dipstick to check the oil level. Also check the level of the coolant.
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7. Take a test drive
Now comes the most important part. Get in to the driver’s seat, adjust the seat to a comfortable driving position and start the car. Make sure the engine sounds smooth and clear. The clutch should engage fully before you take your foot off the pedal completely. If this isn’t the case, the clutch may need changing. Ask the seller about whether the clutch has been replaced since the average life of a clutch is 4-5 years. The car should respond quickly to the turning of the steering wheel. If at high speeds the steering wheel trembles, there may be a problem with the wheel alignment or wheel balancing. If the car drifts to one side on a straight road, this may indicate a problem with the suspension or that a tyre is under inflated. Now check the brakes on an empty road. Press down hard on the brake pedal. The car should respond immediately without swaying to any one side. Try this 2 or 3 times. Stop the car and press down firmly on the brake for 30 seconds. If the brake pedal feels spongy or sinks, there could be a problem.
Vroom tip - We recommend you take the seller/owner with you for the test drive. You can then ask him questions regarding certain problems you might notice in the car. Also, take a friend or your mechanic along for a second opinion.
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8. Check the papers
It is important that you check all the car papers thoroughly before parting with your money. The following necessary documents must accompany the car:
- Registration certificate (RC Book) – This contains information about the car such as the engine number, date of manufacture, chassis number, name of the owner, which State the car has been registered in, etc. Make sure that all the details are in order. Once you decide to purchase the car, you will have to have the car transferred to your name. This is a very important task and is often ignored by people, which can eventually lead to many legal problems in the future.
- Insurance certificate – Check to see if the premium has been paid at regular intervals. Get the insurance certificate transferred to your name before purchasing the car.
- Pollution Under Control certificate (PUC) – This will ensure that the car has been checked for pollution and is within the permissive limit. Ensure that this is up to date.
- Service Book
Vroom tip – Contact the insurance company and the RTO about the car with all its details before you pay for it. This is to ensure that the car has not been stolen or been used in any illegal activity.
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