Even being surrounded by care and with the help of competent people, buying used cars requires a lot of attention. In most cases, it is very difficult to predict whether the car will give a problem immediately or if it will meet all needs in the long run.
In addition, there are other pitfalls, such as financing, that can make the purchase much more problematic. Banks offer numerous facilities, which can favor the indebtedness of buyers who cannot pay the installments and need to return the car to the institution.
However, to reduce the risks, both mechanical and financial, we present 5 precautions when buying used cars. We’ve even given conservation tips for vehicles if you want to take advantage of the purchase and stay on top of what to do.
Think carefully before making a purchase and take all the points below into consideration:
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take a test drive
In general, the test drive is not the procedure that will make the purchase safer, but it will certainly give a good impression of what you will have ahead of you. Analyze everything you can while driving: strange noises, pedals, gearshift, interior appearance… All of these had to be taken into account.
It is important to drive the car to the places you are used to. See if it fits in the parking space in the building, if it passes quietly through the garage door, and, of course, if the vehicle pleases everyone in the family. The opinion is very important for decision making.
Search for wanted and unwanted
Many people, at first, want to choose a car for personal taste, but this can become a bad option in the future. It is always valid to think about resale. In Brazil, the national preference revolves around black and white cars. Used cars with fancy colors such as yellow, green, or some kind of purple may even be beautiful, but they lose value due to low demand.
More expensive cars also lose value more quickly. This same rule applies to imported cars. There is not always good assistance for the maintenance of this type of vehicle, making it much more expensive. Auction vehicles, rental vehicles, or vehicles that have been through serious accidents are also not preferred. In such cases, if there is really great interest, demand a good discount.
Buy cars from friends or family if possible
This is one of the best forms of assurance. You know how the person takes care of the car, where it comes from and, in case of problems, you will be able to resort easily. Used cars from acquaintances help a lot in negotiation. You may find it difficult to find the ideal model, but the wait is worth it.
Another option is to buy from dealerships. Used cars in these places can be more expensive, but they have a warranty and the certainty of the vehicle is in good condition. Dealers usually carry the name of the automaker. And nobody wants to have a reputation shaken by a bad sale, right?
Check the best type of credit
As we said at the beginning, banks are presenting many facilities at the time of personal loans or credits for the purchase of used cars. But, it is not because of these facilities that the consumer should get into debt until he says enough. Believe me: payment terms can reach up to 80 months. Just imagine finishing paying for a used car in six and a half years? With the interest paid during this period, you could probably buy two brand new cars.
Experts say that no good should be paid for longer than its use.
At first, the interest may seem low and acceptable, but when added to charges, such as registration fee, Geico insurance, IOF (Tax on Financial Operations), forwarding service, and registration with the Detran, which are just some of them, the value skyrockets. Evaluate the total price and see if it really pays off.
Analyze the state of conservation
It may not seem like it, but the appearance of the car counts as much, if not more than its mechanical part. Nobody wants a car full of scratches, punctured upholstery, bald tires, power windows not working properly …
Looking at the owner’s manual is a great tip, as there will be all the revisions made at the dealership. Also check if the car has all the safety items, such as triangle, jack, spare tire, wheel wrench, fire extinguisher… A zealous owner would never leave one of these items missing or in a bad state of conservation.
Ensure your car
The greatest care you can take with used cars is to insure them. , you can get your quote in no time. It’s simple and fast and the values of several insurance companies are passed on by e-mail along with the best conditions, prices, and plans, according to your needs.
