Choosing to buy a used vehicle from a private owner can be a bit of a gamble, you are not certain if they have properly maintained the vehicle and your transaction is usually a once off meeting. In contrast, if you buy from a recognised dealership that can provide added insurance such as warranties and other offers. It is safer to purchase a used model from a reliable company rather than take the risk of buying privately.
Research
Begin with research, find out as much information as possible before purchasing your vehicle, if you are searching for used cars for sale in Canberra review and compare dealerships in your area and choose which company has the best offers available. Study car magazines, online websites, and any other options which help you get well informed before you approach the dealership.
Detailed Inspection
Do not just purchase a car based on price, you should carry out a thorough inspection before making a purchase, remember to ask questions like:
- What is the vehicle maintenance history?
- Has the car ever been involved in an accident?
- Has the vehicle undergone any additional work?
- How many previous owners?
Create a list of important questions and make sure you get the answer to each one.
Service Background
An important factor when buying a used car is its maintenance and service history, if a car has been properly maintained it should be in perfect running order. A professional dealership will be able to provide you with information pertaining to service history and reconditioning work carried out on the vehicle.
Status of the Dealership
You want to know what kind of company you will be dealing with just in case you encounter as issues with your product once you have left the showroom. Does the company have a good reputation? Carry out some research online and find reviews from previous customers who have had dealings with the company you are considering buying off.
Test Drive
Once you have narrowed down your search, contact the dealership and book an appointment to test drive your desired vehicle. Avoid just arriving at the showroom without prior contact because the car you were looking at may have just been sold or the sales representative may not have the time to prioritise your request and take you on a test drive.
Physical Examination
Walk around the car with a salesperson and identify any bumps or scratches on the vehicle, cars can easily get damaged coming in and out of the showroom so you must insist on inspecting the product before you make a purchase. You the option of brining an independent mechanic to examine the vehicle to ensure it has no defects and the engine is well maintained.
Remember to be vigilant when purchasing a used vehicle, always inquire about background information and conduct as much independent research as possible.