One of the few industries that seems to have faired well in the midst of the global pandemic is the pre-owned vehicle market. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are looking to buy a second-hand car any time soon.
Covid-19 has led to an increase in sales of pre-owned vehicles around the world. Whether it’s because people are downscaling and getting themselves more affordable wheels or are avoiding public transport, there is no doubt that people are buying in this space.
WeBuyCars CEO Faan van der Walt offers some advice for anyone looking for a pre-owned vehicle. “While buying your next vehicle second-hand makes economic sense, buyers need to make smart choices. To choose the right vehicle and get the car of your dreams, it is important to keep certain factors in mind.”
NEEDS AND WANTS
It is critical to know what you want and need in a vehicle before taking the next step. There are a few things to keep in mind. Space – if it’s just two of you, a small two-door car makes size and space sense, but if you’re ferrying school kids with book bags and sports equipment, a larger vehicle with more boot space is going to be the better option; Kilometres on the odometer – if you won’t be driving the vehicle often or far, buying a high kilometre vehicle is not necessarily a bad idea, but if you’re going to clock up hundreds of kilometres, rather look for a vehicle with lower mileage.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK – DON’T ASSUME
People are full of promises but if it’s not on paper, it doesn’t mean anything. Never assume a vehicle has features such as Bluetooth or good safety ratings – rather get your facts straight beforehand and ensure that all options or extras are there. Be sure that there is a car servicing centre of your specific vehicle in your area to prevent you having to drive far for services. Also, do the maths. Don’t set yourself up for unexpected expenditure. Make sure you understand the full picture when it comes to costs over and above the purchase price. Research things like insurance, the cost and availability of warranties and the specific vehicle’s parts. It is also important to consider the vehicle’s fuel usage and costs. Remember some vehicles are not safe to drive at all and can cost your life. Research the vehicle’s Euro NCAP safety rating to help you decide whether it’s safety is up to standard.
STAY CLEAR OF PUSHY SALESPEOPLE
Avoid being pushed into buying a vehicle by a persuasive salesman. Rather lose a potential great deal than being forced into a deal that you will ultimately regret.
HAVE THE VEHICLE CHECKED OUT
Don’t rely on the advice of the salesman. Get an independent assessment on the vehicle: this can either be a Dekra roadworthy assessment or it can be undertaken by someone you trust and who is knowledgeable about vehicles, such as your trusted mechanic.
READ THE TS & CS CAREFULLY
Take your time reading the terms and conditions and ensure you understand everything before signing anything.
TAKE A PROPER TEST DRIVE
Going for a test drive can help you determine the condition of the car and whether it’s a good fit for you, but going around the block is not enough. When test driving, rather drive a little farther and get a good feel for the vehicle on suburban roads and on the highway. If you are looking to buy a family car, take the family along for the test drive and make sure there is enough space for kids, dogs and all the paraphernalia that comes with travelling with a family.
