With the amount of expenditure that is relatively expensive for most people, as a prospective buyer, you must be really careful before making a transaction. So compare all the options, and don't be in a hurry.
But you don't be discouraged.
Apart from personal experience and advice from friends, you can also seek help from websites that provide free advice, such as Choice, Car Advice or automobile groups such as NRMA in NSW, RACQ in Victoria and others.
In Australia, buying a car is not too complicated, especially if you buy a new car.
You just need to determine your budget and choose the car brand you want then you can go directly to the car dealer. You can also specify the color and accessories for what you want.
If all is available, within 1 or two days you can drive your new car.
But it is different buying a used car.
Even though you already know the brand and budget for the car you want, finding the car of your choice is sometimes very difficult.
You can buy used cars from auctions, private sellers, dealers or from car sales agents.
Buying a used car from a dealer is the safest way. Although usually the price is more expensive than buying it directly from the car's private seller. You will be guaranteed by the car dealer and the dealer must ensure that there is no debt related to the car.
While buying a car from Auction or auction, it might be cheaper. But you have to really understand the mechanics of the car and you aren't given the opportunity to try the car, just look at the state of the car. And also you don't get any guarantee.
NSW car yards raided in alleged odometer scam Source: AAP
There are a few tips you can use before buying a used car of your choice
1. Budget.
Set your budget strictly according to your ability. But it must be remembered that the price of the car is only part of other expenses in buying a used car. You should also look at maintenance costs including registration, insurance, care / service and loan interest if you use a financial agent when buying it.
2. Research
Looking for the car you want can be through a website for car sales like carsales.com.au or carguide.com.au, it can even be found on the Facebook Markerplace.
Beware of sloping prices. If it's too cheap, there's a big possibility there is a problem behind it. So if the price is ‘too good to be true’, you should do a deeper investigation.
3. Inspection
There are many things that you must check when inspecting the car you will buy.
You should do it during the day when scratch marks, do marks and other defects are clearly visible. Check that all equipment is functioning correctly.
If you are still in doubt and there are no acquaintances who can help, use a used car inspection service that provides reliable and experienced mechanics in checking used cars.
4. Test drive
Before trying to drive the car, if you understand the engine, start the engine and listen for any strange sounds from the engine. Make sure the smoke that comes out of the exhaust is not too much.
When trying the car on the road, be sure to try it on a quiet road so you can concentrate on the condition of the car when walking.
5. Vehicle documents
Make sure all registration documents and service history are in order, and the details match the seller. Also make sure you have the original version of everything - never accept a photocopy.
Make sure the engine number and VIN are the same as the number listed on the vehicle certificate.
If you buy it directly from a private seller, make sure the seller is the rightful owner. One way is to match the name of the owner of the SIM with the name of the car owner listed in the vehicle documents.
If there is, check the car's maintenance history.
Make sure there is no debt that still hasn't been paid against the vehicle.
6. Negotiate prices
Used car yard sale Source: Steven Miric - Getty Images
If you are satisfied with the test drive and want to buy it, kino comes the time to negotiate the price.
Mention the errors that you found during the inspection, and negotiate based on the costs to fix this problem.
If there are no errors, suggest a reasonable number below the asking price. The seller will then accept, reject, or suggest a price closer to the requested figure. Work through this process until both parties agree.
7. Payment
If you make payments or even only deposits, get a receipt and make sure the seller's full details are there. Usually all registration papers will include a receipt for this purpose.
8. Insurance and Transfer of Name
To protect yourself, before driving a 'new' car, you should get insurance for your car.
At least Third Party Property Damage, or full Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance.
In NSW, and some other states, you can request Cover Notes from vehicle insurance before you buy insurance from them.
And finally, don't forget to flip the name of your car in your state's Transportation office.
Happy motoring
