What mistakes to avoid when buying a pre-owned car?
Post the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are opting for pre-owned cars as a safer and more economical alternative to public transport, which carries a higher risk of virus transmission. The economic impact of the pandemic, including job losses and financial uncertainty, has also driven the popularity of second-hand vehicles. First-time buyers often choose smaller pre-owned cars to build driving skills, while families are upgrading from sedans and hatchbacks to larger SUVs and MPVs. Some households are even adding an extra pre-owned car for added convenience. If you’re considering buying a used car, it's crucial to avoid common mistakes to ensure you make a smart purchase. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process effectively.
Used car or new car, which one makes economic sense post pandemic?
Post-pandemic, pre-owned cars are often more economical due to their lower prices and reduced financial strain, making them a practical choice for many buyers. However, new cars come with the latest features, advanced technology, and full warranties, which can offer long-term benefits and peace of mind. Balancing your budget with personal preferences and needs will help you decide which option is best for you.
For all those of you looking to buy a used car in the near future, here are a few tips and a list of mistakes to avoid while choosing a pre-owned car.
Know the right price!
While there are thousands of used cars for sale across Australia and the price varies from car to car, one always wonders, am I buying the car at the right price? We suggest you do a quick research on prices of similar used cars in your particular location (as prices vary from state to state) from trusted used car sellers or you can simply check our pre-owned car valuation calculator that gives you the right price of any car in less than 5 secs. CARS24’s used car calculate calculates the price of a used car based on our massive sales data, market demand and latest trends. That's the reason our pre-owned cars with benefits like warranty, 7 Day return, doorstep delivery are available at the best price, better than most can offer!
Test drive and verify your drive
Physical examination and vehicle history are very important when buying a used car but the most important step is to test drive the car you are buying.
Test Drives help you identify if the used car you’re buying has any pre-existing conditions related to suspension, engine, gearbox, steering components, air-conditioning, etc. If you come across any rattling sound, handling issues, or electrical problems, confirm with the seller or the company about it. But is a short test drive enough to know the exact condition of the car you are buying?
At CARS24, we believe a short test drive is not enough before making a big decision like buying a car! Hence all our cars come with warranty of 3 Months and 7 Day Return policy, it’s ok to change your mind, and get a 100% refund if you’re not happy within 7 days of the purchase.
Get the car checked by an expert
If you’re buying a second-hand car from a trusted source or an organised company like CARS24, you don’t have to worry about getting the car checked by an expert or a trusted mechanic. The inspection report will give you a clear picture of the car’s condition with any faults and flaws pinpointed. If you are buying the car through any other sources it is very important to consult with a trusted mechanic or a technical expert before finalising the purchase.
Figure out your finances
No matter where you decide to buy a used car, it is important to choose the payment method. You can either pay the seller in cash, bank transfer or opt for a used car loan. CARS24 and other leading banks offer used car loans. You can get an easy loan within a day from CARS24 with minimum documentation. While most companies offer loans for cars that are not more than 7 or 10 years old, you can get finance for a car up to 14 years old from us at low-interest rates with attractive offers.
Get the vehicle history report
As we mentioned earlier, the vehicle history report is a very important part of the used car buying process. The vehicle history report gives you vital information about the car such as the number of owners, service history, parts replaced, loan history (if any), and also if the car has any traffic violation or if it was listed in any criminal records.
All cars at CARS24 undergo a stringent check for accident history, traffic violations and police records to make sure no criminal cases have been registered against the vehicle. You can transparently see the PPSR report for each car in the details section.
Document and rego transfer
Most used car buyers and sellers face this issue of Rego Transfer while transacting through unknown sources or private sellers on the Internet. If you’re buying the car through CARS24, we ensure the Rego and other related documents are transferred to the buyer within 15 days.
Note: Driving a used car without transferring it to the current owner’s name is a criminal offence and the seller can be held responsible for an accident or a crime committed by using the vehicle if it was not transferred.
We hope this helps you make a better choice when buying a used car.
Conclusion
Choosing a pre-owned car post-pandemic can be a wise financial move, but it's essential to navigate the process carefully to avoid pitfalls. By knowing the right price, thoroughly test-driving the vehicle, and getting it checked by an expert, you ensure a smart purchase. Consider your financing options and obtain a detailed vehicle history report to avoid unpleasant surprises. Additionally, make sure all documentation and registration are properly transferred. Whether opting for a used or new car, balancing cost, features, and personal needs will help you make a well-informed decision. Following these tips will guide you toward a successful purchase and peace of mind.
FAQs
1. What should I check during a test drive of a pre-owned car?
Check for issues with the engine, suspension, gearbox, and electrical systems. Listen for unusual sounds and test all features to ensure they work properly.
2. How important is a vehicle history report when buying a used car?
Very important. It reveals the car’s past owners, service history, any accidents, and legal issues, helping you avoid potential problems and make an informed decision.
3. What financing options are available for buying a pre-owned car?
You can pay in cash, bank transfer, or opt for a used car loan. Many lenders offer loans with minimal documentation for cars up to 14 years old.
Post the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are opting for pre-owned cars as a safer and more economical alternative to public transport, which carries a higher risk of virus transmission. The economic impact of the pandemic, including job losses and financial uncertainty, has also driven the popularity of second-hand vehicles. First-time buyers often choose smaller pre-owned cars to build driving skills, while families are upgrading from sedans and hatchbacks to larger SUVs and MPVs. Some households are even adding an extra pre-owned car for added convenience. If you’re considering buying a used car, it's crucial to avoid common mistakes to ensure you make a smart purchase. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process effectively.
Used car or new car, which one makes economic sense post pandemic?
Post-pandemic, pre-owned cars are often more economical due to their lower prices and reduced financial strain, making them a practical choice for many buyers. However, new cars come with the latest features, advanced technology, and full warranties, which can offer long-term benefits and peace of mind. Balancing your budget with personal preferences and needs will help you decide which option is best for you.
For all those of you looking to buy a used car in the near future, here are a few tips and a list of mistakes to avoid while choosing a pre-owned car.
Know the right price!
While there are thousands of used cars for sale across Australia and the price varies from car to car, one always wonders, am I buying the car at the right price? We suggest you do a quick research on prices of similar used cars in your particular location (as prices vary from state to state) from trusted used car sellers or you can simply check our pre-owned car valuation calculator that gives you the right price of any car in less than 5 secs. CARS24’s used car calculate calculates the price of a used car based on our massive sales data, market demand and latest trends. That's the reason our pre-owned cars with benefits like warranty, 7 Day return, doorstep delivery are available at the best price, better than most can offer!
Test drive and verify your drive
Physical examination and vehicle history are very important when buying a used car but the most important step is to test drive the car you are buying.
Test Drives help you identify if the used car you’re buying has any pre-existing conditions related to suspension, engine, gearbox, steering components, air-conditioning, etc. If you come across any rattling sound, handling issues, or electrical problems, confirm with the seller or the company about it. But is a short test drive enough to know the exact condition of the car you are buying?
At CARS24, we believe a short test drive is not enough before making a big decision like buying a car! Hence all our cars come with warranty of 3 Months and 7 Day Return policy, it’s ok to change your mind, and get a 100% refund if you’re not happy within 7 days of the purchase.
Get the car checked by an expert
If you’re buying a second-hand car from a trusted source or an organised company like CARS24, you don’t have to worry about getting the car checked by an expert or a trusted mechanic. The inspection report will give you a clear picture of the car’s condition with any faults and flaws pinpointed. If you are buying the car through any other sources it is very important to consult with a trusted mechanic or a technical expert before finalising the purchase.
Figure out your finances
No matter where you decide to buy a used car, it is important to choose the payment method. You can either pay the seller in cash, bank transfer or opt for a used car loan. CARS24 and other leading banks offer used car loans. You can get an easy loan within a day from CARS24 with minimum documentation. While most companies offer loans for cars that are not more than 7 or 10 years old, you can get finance for a car up to 14 years old from us at low-interest rates with attractive offers.
Get the vehicle history report
As we mentioned earlier, the vehicle history report is a very important part of the used car buying process. The vehicle history report gives you vital information about the car such as the number of owners, service history, parts replaced, loan history (if any), and also if the car has any traffic violation or if it was listed in any criminal records.
All cars at CARS24 undergo a stringent check for accident history, traffic violations and police records to make sure no criminal cases have been registered against the vehicle. You can transparently see the PPSR report for each car in the details section.
Document and rego transfer
Most used car buyers and sellers face this issue of Rego Transfer while transacting through unknown sources or private sellers on the Internet. If you’re buying the car through CARS24, we ensure the Rego and other related documents are transferred to the buyer within 15 days.
Note: Driving a used car without transferring it to the current owner’s name is a criminal offence and the seller can be held responsible for an accident or a crime committed by using the vehicle if it was not transferred.
We hope this helps you make a better choice when buying a used car.
Conclusion
Choosing a pre-owned car post-pandemic can be a wise financial move, but it's essential to navigate the process carefully to avoid pitfalls. By knowing the right price, thoroughly test-driving the vehicle, and getting it checked by an expert, you ensure a smart purchase. Consider your financing options and obtain a detailed vehicle history report to avoid unpleasant surprises. Additionally, make sure all documentation and registration are properly transferred. Whether opting for a used or new car, balancing cost, features, and personal needs will help you make a well-informed decision. Following these tips will guide you toward a successful purchase and peace of mind.
FAQs
1. What should I check during a test drive of a pre-owned car?
Check for issues with the engine, suspension, gearbox, and electrical systems. Listen for unusual sounds and test all features to ensure they work properly.
2. How important is a vehicle history report when buying a used car?
Very important. It reveals the car’s past owners, service history, any accidents, and legal issues, helping you avoid potential problems and make an informed decision.
3. What financing options are available for buying a pre-owned car?
You can pay in cash, bank transfer, or opt for a used car loan. Many lenders offer loans with minimal documentation for cars up to 14 years old.
