Buying a Used Car: Better safe than Sorry

You also have to evaluate a number of options such as cars and dealers. Well, buying a used car is a daunting process and also involves a number of risks. You have to be extra cautious because there is a chance that you might be lured into a trap. Careless buyers usually regret later.

If you are thinking to buy a used vehicle, you have to take a rational and calculated decision. But first, let’s look at some common mistakes buyers make and types of traps they can fall in to. Then we will look at some of the ways which can help you avoid regretful decisions.

Beware of fraudsters and scammers

Don’t rely on a deal that seems too good. Sellers often post great deals online and lure buyers with emotions and flashy scenarios. Always validate the physical presence of the seller and off course the car. Never transfer money online before verifying the authenticated proof of the seller and the used vehicle. It is always possible that the product shown on the internet doesn’t even exist!

Some used cars come with hidden damages. Often buyers have to incur huge post-purchase costs when they find out about the hidden damages and malfunctions. Beware of the one-time dealers who often disappear after the sale.

Scammers and fraudsters employ several strategies to rip you off. Odometer tampering is one example. Several unlicensed dealers in Australia were charged with huge fines for rolling back the mileage on the odometers and also for the illegal sale of vehicles. Odometer tampering is difficult to detect and requires a lot of skill.

Driving a stolen car is an offense and you may face huge penalties and fines if you were found driving a stolen vehicle. Similarly, it is an even a bigger problem if the previous owner bought the vehicle on debt and the debt was not paid off.

It’s a big decision, Think well and Act Well

No doubt, when you are buying a car, you are taking a big decision that can affect you both emotionally and financially. Spend sufficient time in evaluating your choices and analyze whether your decision is worth it. Visit the dealer time and again and don’t hesitate to ask questions. After all, it is the right of every customer to know the full details of any product he or she intends to buy.

If you want to take a good decision, keep your emotions aside and think logically because you are making a substantial investment of time, energy and of course, financial resources. Moreover, if you are buying a car on lease, make sure you read the lease agreement and all of its provisions carefully.

Consider going for a well-known and reliable car dealer who has both physical retail and online presence. Buyers often resort to dealers in case of issues or defects in the products and good dealers attend to buyers' concerns even after the purchase.

It is recommended that buyers should always try to verify the past owner and financing details through reliable sources. Moreover, if you are a buyer you must always get a full inspection from a mechanic prior to purchase. If you are an Australian buyer, consider getting a government verified report or Government’s Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) report to find out the ownership details, theft history, registration status, etc.

Make sure that the car is free from any non-paid debts. It is always a good idea to check for financing details to see if the car was bought on a debt previously and whether the debt has been paid off. This can also be validated with a complete car history report that can be easily obtained against a nominal fee.

A VIN check and Rego Check (Registration Check) from companies like Quick Rev are the most affordable and convenient ways to get details on car history, registration status, ownership details, financing and write off status of any second-hand vehicle to be bought in Australia. A complete car history report along with a PPSR certificate can be obtained in just $5.89 via quick ppsr search . The PPSR certificate gives authenticated and reliable information.

Information about older cars can be obtained through Chassis Check. This check provides information on make and model, location, financial status and engine number of cars registered before 1989. Moreover, in order to avoid odometer frauds, ask the dealer for logbooks and previous service invoices which may reveal the history of odometer readings.

Before making a deal online, you must verify that the website is genuine. Make sure that you validate the business address and phone number, read the terms and conditions and ensure that payment mediums are reliable and authentic.

Go for a test drive

It is important to take a quick test drive of your car, it will help you understand the car mechanics and comfort level before that, make sure you hold full drivers license and you are fully aware of all different types of hazards you practiced through hazard perception test.

Better be safe than sorry

It is best to obtain information, yes lots of information before buying a used vehicle. Online platforms provide government authenticated reports and information about different aspects of the vehicle quickly and affordably. Car history and PPSR Reports are dependable and can protect buyers from unprincipled sellers who may take advantage of incomplete information available with the buyers. These reports are comprehensive and summarize all important information in a clear and understandable format.

Financial prudence can allow buyers to avoid frauds and prevent them from making regretful decisions. Sellers can also build up buyer confidence by offering them comprehensive reports on ownership and financing details before purchase.

Cautious buyers buy better, therefore it is advised to be wary and gather as much information before buying a used vehicle.