When buying a second hand car, lots of things still need to be considered in order for you to not end up in trouble with your purchase. As with buying any car, there are many factors that need to be checked before you make an offer on the vehicle. Here are some of the things you should check before making an offer.
Make sure you’re getting the right model
Ensure you are getting the right car model. You can check it on the internet or ask for other references to help you determine which model is best suited for your needs. If you’re committed to taking out a Mitsubishi car loan, for example, narrowing down your options on what models of cars you’re looking at will make it easier to shop around.
Check out for the history of the car
Ask your dealer to get a complete background check on the car. Find out if it has ever been used for racing, if it was involved in any accidents before or who its previous owners were. You can also get a copy of the car’s history from these websites:
Evaluate the condition of the car
Check out how well-maintained the car is. Make sure it is free from rust and has no dents on its bodyworks. Inspect for any broken glass or lights and ensure all of them are operating properly. Check out the tires and see if they have been properly inflated. Make sure the car has a good spare tire and all of its lug nuts are in place. When checking the interior, check for rips on the seats or stains that cannot be removed.
Take the car for a test drive
Make sure the car runs well on the road before you sign any papers. Take it to an automotive mechanic if possible and ask him for his professional advice on how much the car is worth with its current condition. If there are some issues, make sure these can be fixed or discounted by negotiating with your dealer.
Ask lots of questions
It’s important to ask all the appropriate questions to the seller before agreeing to purchase the second hand car. Here are some of the questions you might want to find out:
How many previous owners has the car had and who were they? If there was a need for any major repairs, what were these and how much did they cost? Has the car been used for other purposes aside from personal transport? Conduct a final inspection before you sign any papers
The more questions you ask, the less likely it is that your purchase will be plagued with problems later on.
Check for hidden costs
Find out if there are any hidden costs involved, such as other fees that need to be paid. Make sure you get a final price breakdown from the seller, including all additional costs. For example, some taxes are not always included in the asking price. Check if there are any charges for keeping the car in the lot before you sign on the dotted line.
