For one reason or another, the majority of Australian motorists prefer to buy a used car as opposed to a new model, and with so many second hand vehicles on the market, it can be a challenge to source the best deal. The obvious difference between a new and used car is the fact that the latter is not in pristine condition, although, to be honest, if a car has been looked after well, it should remain in excellent condition for a few years. If you are in the market for a second hand car, here are some useful tips to ensure you are happy with your purchase.
- Know What to Look For – If you know very little about cars, then you should ask a good friend to accompany when you are viewing, and he can give the vehicle a thorough inspection, which should bring any issues to light. If you think you have adequate knowledge to carry this out yourself, make sure you inspect the underside of the vehicle, in particular around the wheel arches, as this is where rust and corrosion usually makes its mark. If you happen to be looking for used cars in Sydney, for example, there is one well-known and respected second hand car dealer in Lidcombe who has a range of quality cars, all at affordable prices,and with their seal of approval, you can be sure the cars are top notch.
- Online Solutions – In former times, a person could easily spend an entire weekend driving around and looking at cars for sale, yet with an online search, you can very quickly locate all nearby dealers, and by browsing their selection, you can quickly narrow down your search to 3 or 4 vehicles, which you can then view in person. Looking at cars for sale online saves you a lot of time, and once you have found what you are looking for, you can begin to negotiate a good price.
- Dealer Warranty – It is always a good idea to buy a used car from a reputable dealer, as this will endure that the car has a sound warranty. Second hand cars are frequently traded in for a newer model and in such cases, the old car would be given a thorough inspection before it is put on the showroom forecourt, and the dealer would be happy to guarantee the vehicle for a period of time.
- Personal Recommendations – While it isn’t usually a good idea to buy a used car from a private seller, if you happen to know the person and they have regularly serviced the car, this is a strong indication that all is well. Knowing a vehicle’s history can also be determined by looking at the rear section of the owner’s manual, which would contain details of every service the car has undergone.
With a reputable dealer’s warranty, buying a second hand car isn’t the risk it once was, and with some careful online searching, finding the ideal vehicle has never been easier.
