Search
Tuesday 19 March 2024
  • :
  • :

Top Tips for Buying a Used Car

Top Tips for Buying a Used Car

There are many good deals to be had when buying a used car as opposed to a new model. If you take your time and do plenty of research, you can find an outstanding used car for an affordable price. When it comes to purchasing a new car, it is important to test a variety of elements. You want a safe vehicle that is worth the price you are going to pay for it.

Vehicle Safety

The most important thing to check when buying a used car is the overall safety level of the vehicle. Unfortunately, some garages change their records to show that their vehicles are 100% safe when they’ve been involved in an accident. The best way to check is to go online and key in the information of the vehicle. You’ll find sites that record every make, model and year, so the car you are going to buy will be recorded online. All reputable garages which have cars for sale in Canberra only stock safe vehicles which are cleared to drive on the road.

When you see the car in real life, you can check other features by yourself. If you like the look of a vehicle, you can bring along a mechanic or a friend who has extensive knowledge of automobiles and ask for their opinion. A trained car technician will immediately spot faults or defects when driving and inspecting the car.

Here are some things to examine when you view a used car in person:

  • Check the tread depth of the tyres
  • Assess the suspension
  • Examine the body for any signs of an accident
  • Inspect the engine and check the serial number

Test Drive

There is no point in examining a used car if you don’t take it for a test drive. The only way to find out if you like a car is to take it for a drive. You’ll get a feel for the weight of the vehicle, how it handles and the level of comfort it provides. Some used cars look great aesthetically, but when you hit the smallest of bumps, the suspension makes it feel like you’ve gone over a mountain.

You should drive the car on a busy road and on a quiet one, this gives you the opportunity to get a fuller picture before you purchase. The engine should run smoothly, and the vehicle should have no issues running on a flat road and on hills. While you drive the car, listen out for any sounds that don’t seem normal – even quiet rattling is something to investigate. While you test drive, check the brakes, indicators, lights and other components. If you think anything is amiss, ask the dealership about it.

When searching for a used car, there are many factors to consider. Buying from a reputable dealership is your best option, some offer a warranty and if anything goes wrong, you can bring the car back to their garage. If you are unsure about what vehicle to buy, a dealership will be able to offer some recommendations on different makes and models.