What to look out for when buying a used car

Are you looking for second hand cars for sale? From considering your budget to making a list of your requirements, there are plenty of things that need to be done before you start searching for used car deals. Good second hand cars come with all their documentation.

Make sure that the vehicle is in good condition and that it passes a road worthiness inspection. Buying a used car can be daunting but by following our advice and consulting professionals, you can get great value for your money. If you are looking for awesome deals, find second hand cars for sale on Junk Mail. Here are our top ten tips to get you started:

decide on your car budget

1. Budget

Before you start looking for 2nd hand cars, you will need to establish how much money you have to spend. Your budget is a primary factor to consider when you are buying a used car. You will also need to take running expenses into account such as how much money you have to spend on fuel and repair work.

If the amount you have to spend is limited, it is advisable to look for a car that is light on fuel. Cars with cheap and easily accessible parts are a better option for motorists on a tight budget. Once you have established how much you have to spend, you can take a look at second hand car prices to see which models are affordable.

2. List your requirements

Before you start the process of buying a used car, you will need to know what you are looking for. Writing a list of your requirements will make finding your dream car easier. If you are buying a car for your family, safety and interior space may be a priority.

For outdoor enthusiasts a vehicle with off-road capabilities may be the best choice of the second hand cars for sale. When you are writing your list consider your lifestyle and use your daily activities as a guideline for defining your requirements.

3. Keep an open-mind

While you may have a preference, limiting yourself to one model will reduce your chances of finding used car deals. It is a great idea to keep your favourite models in mind when you are browsing advertisements for 2nd hand cars, just don’t restrict yourself to these preferences.

2nd hand cars

4. Do your research

Before buying a used car it is important to do your research. Make sure that you are not paying more than you should be by researching second hand car prices online. Knowing what other vehicles are being sold for will help you to negotiate a fair price. Read car reviews online to learn more about the model you want to purchase.

5. Ask questions

Knowing what questions to ask the seller is a vital part of finding pre owned cars for sale. You should ask the seller the reason for the sale. Other inquiries can include what the car was used for and whether it has ever been in a serious accident. Ask as many questions as you can before taking the time to see the car. This will help separate good second hand cars from the rest.

6. Prioritise safety

When you arrange to view the car make sure that you meet in a public space. Take someone with you when you meet the seller or at least let a friend know where you will be. Doing research on the seller beforehand can also make buying a used car safer.

the condition of the second hand cars

7. Professional inspection

Take the car for an inspection by an independent professional before you buy it. The inspection should reveal any problems with the vehicle so that you know what you are getting yourself into before you buy it. A roadworthiness test is compulsory in South Africa and there are additional tests that are worth investing in.

8. Check the documentation

Check the paperwork of the used car deals you’re interested in. Make sure that the seller provides you with the car registration and ownership documentation. It is also advisable to check whether the vehicle has had regular services. The seller should provide you with the vehicle’s log book which includes a record of regular services.

9. Avoid rust and bad bodywork

It is important to consider the condition of any pre-owned cars for sale as rust spreads. You will need to take into account the cost of repairing the rust before your buy the vehicle. Bad bodywork is a warning sign that the car has not been cared for properly and it could indicate that the vehicle has been in a serious accident.

finding second hand cars for sale

10. Select a trustworthy seller

Take the reliability of the seller into account when you are deciding whether to a buy a used car or not. A lack of documentation and refusal to take the vehicle for professional inspection are warning signs of untrustworthiness.

Sellers who take the time to show you the car in detail and explain its flaws are better to buy from than ones who seem in a rush to push the sale through. Compare the price to other second hand car prices.

Now that you know more about how to go about finding second hand cars for sale, let us take a look at the common mistakes that people make. While how you feel about the seller and the car are part of the process, you should use professional advice to seal the deal.

If you think you have found what seems like a good second hand car, don’t buy it on impulse. Make sure that you take it for a thorough inspection first. Don’t make the mistake of ruling out cars whose sellers are further away from you.

2nd hand cars whose owners live outside of your city may have the advantage of less wear and tear from stopping and starting in traffic. If you live on the coast, you may want to purchase a car inland which has had less exposure to rust.

pre owned cars for sale

Don’t make hasty calculations that fail to take additional costs into consideration, pre-owned cars for sale aren’t always as cheap as they seem. Write down all the additional expenses and ensure that you have included everything before comparing the expenses to your budget.

There is a lot to consider before buying a used car, fortunately you can easily browse Junk Mail for second hand cars for sale.

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What to look out for when buying a used car
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What to look out for when buying a used car
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From considering your budget to making a list of your requirements, there are plenty of things that need to be done before buying a used car.
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Junk Mail
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2 Responses

  1. Gucci mane says:

    I am selling my golf 1 start and move engine is 100% minor TLC car is fuel save 1998 model 1.3

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