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How to buy a car from hand: expert advices

The secondary automobile market is rather attractive: among ā€œnot from salonā€ cars you can find rather interesting variants ā€“ in excellent condition and much cheaper than new ones. And for those who do not have a significant amount of money, the secondary market is the only way to get a car. But buying ā€œfrom handā€ is always a risk and the majority of buyers do not have enough knowledge to estimate the condition of the chosen car adequately. If there is no possibility to involve an automobile expert into purchase, use these tips: they will help avoid troubles and financial losses.

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Avoid saloons

Small salons that sell used cars rarely trade fairly. For example, the prices in their advertisements almost never coincide with the real ones, and the buyer who has come for a favorable option may be charged extra for ā€œregistration,ā€ ā€œpre-sale preparation,ā€ or ā€œadditional options.ā€. This is a trick: no one was going to sell the car for the specified price, and the calculation was that the buyer has already arrived sometimes from afar , saw the car and will not mind to pay an additional 15-20 thousand. So choose only private sellers or trade-in large players of the car market.

Examine the documents

Even those who do not know the technical setup of a car can do it.

1. Look at the registration plate ā€“ is it the original or a duplicate?? If the second one and the car is younger than 3 years, then you should be careful: there is a chance that the car was bought on credit and is still in pledge from the bank.

2. Does the data of the actual seller coincide with the data of the car owner on the title deed? How long has he owned the car according to the documents?? If for a short time 1-3 months it is most likely an intermediary. Do not immediately refuse to buy, good cars come from them, but it makes sense to haggle. If the seller makes concessions, it means that you are most likely facing a car with technical or legal problems, and he wants to sell it as soon as possible. For good cars the price is discounted seldom. 3. Write down the carā€™s VIN from the license plate and check it with gibdd. Information on history of registrations, traffic accidents, wanted cars and license plate restrictions is available at this resource. Whether the data from police databases coincide with the records in the vehicleā€™s title deed and the ownerā€™s story? An honest seller will not conceal information about the accidents and repairs made after them.

Examine the car

What you should pay attention to in the first place?

1. On the mileage on the odometer. On average the car drives from 6 to 15 thousand kilometers a year, so the chance to find a 10-year old car with the mileage of 20 thousand kilometers tends to zero. Most often sellers justify such discrepancy by the fact that the car ā€œwas in the garageā€ or ā€œgrandpa went to the dachaā€, but most likely behind the attractive history is hidden banal twisted mileage.

2. For the correspondence of a mileage and appearance of a car. ā€œTiredā€ car will give out worn pedals, steering wheel and seat upholstery, armrests and door seals ā€“ these are the ones that wear out most quickly during active use. If the condition of the body is good, then you may be facing a former cab that was wrapped in film and drove a couple hundred thousand miles, and then it twisted the mileage and sold as an ordinary car. Is it necessary to say, that it is not worth buying such car??

3. Bodywork geometry. The body gaps should be even and the same thickness. If it is not so, it is worth asking the seller about a carā€™s wrecked past in details. Claims, that ā€œnot beaten up, not paintedā€? Okay, then letā€™s look for another one.

Ask a professional

An external inspection and a document check against the police databases revealed a positive result, and the seller seems quite adequate? It means, it is time to send your car to a service center and to give it to a qualified mechanic. Without professional evaluation the purchase will remain a lottery, but a specialist will be able to predict future difficulties with the car. There are practically no used cars without problems, the only question is how much it would cost to fix them.

Haggle!

You can bargain according to the results of service visit! If the car is good on the whole, but needs some modifications for example, replacement of hub bearings or repair of exhaust manifold it is an occasion to get a discount. As a rule, an adequate seller agrees to lower the price by the cost of repair. Some people sell the car without bargaining, but instead of a discount, they are willing to give a set of winter/summer rubber or some additional equipment, like a car DVR, along with the car. Thatā€™s not a bad suggestion either, otherwise youā€™ll have to buy both the rubber and the recorder.

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John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

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Comments: 10
  1. Magnolia

    I would like to ask for expert advice on buying a used car. What are the key factors to consider before making a purchase? Any tips on finding a reliable seller and assessing the condition of the car? How can I negotiate the best price and ensure a smooth transaction?

    Reply
  2. Piper

    Can anyone provide some expert advice on the process of buying a used car?

    Reply
    1. Clementine

      When buying a used car, itā€™s important to do your research beforehand. Look into the make and model youā€™re interested in, read reviews, and compare prices from different sellers. Get a vehicle history report to check for previous accidents or damage. Have a mechanic inspect the car to ensure it is in good condition. Take the car for a test drive to see how it handles. Negotiate the price with the seller and make sure to review all paperwork carefully before signing anything. Consider factors like mileage, age, and maintenance history to make an informed decision. Itā€™s always wise to be cautious and ask questions throughout the buying process.

      Reply
  3. Marigold

    Can you provide some expert advice on buying a used car? Iā€™m interested in tips, steps, and precautions to consider before making a purchase from a private seller.

    Reply
    1. Skylar

      When buying a used car from a private seller, itā€™s crucial to take certain precautions. Firstly, thoroughly research the make and model to understand common issues and average prices. Prioritize a personal inspection and thorough test-drive, looking for signs of wear, leaks, or odd noises. Request the vehicleā€™s maintenance records, as they can provide insight into its past care. Be cautious if the seller seems evasive or if any important information is missing. Request a vehicle history report to uncover any accident or title issues. Consider having a trusted mechanic inspect the car before making a final decision. Negotiate the price based on your findings and market value. Never make payment without a signed title and proper documentation. Patience, research, and due diligence will help you make an informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls.

      Reply
  4. Teagan

    Can you provide some expert advice on the process of buying a used car?

    Reply
    1. Oakley

      When buying a used car, itā€™s essential to do thorough research on the make and model youā€™re interested in. Look into the vehicleā€™s history, including any accidents or maintenance records. Itā€™s also crucial to inspect the car in person, checking for any signs of damage or wear. Consider getting a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic to ensure the car is in good condition. Donā€™t forget to test drive the vehicle to see how it performs on the road. When negotiating the price, be prepared to walk away if the seller isnā€™t willing to meet your offer. Finally, make sure to get all agreements in writing and carefully review any contracts before signing. By taking these steps, you can make a more informed decision and avoid any potential pitfalls when buying a used car.

      Reply
  5. Harper

    Can you provide some expert advice on buying a used car? Iā€™m curious to know what steps or precautions I should take to ensure a smooth purchase process. Any tips on researching, negotiating, or inspecting the vehicle would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
  6. Lily Norris

    I would like to know, what are some expert tips or advice for buying a used car? What should I be cautious of when purchasing a second-hand vehicle? Are there any specific steps or checks I should follow to ensure a successful purchase? Any recommendations on negotiating the price or verifying the carā€™s condition? Thank you in advance for your insights!

    Reply
    1. Finley

      When buying a used car, itā€™s important to take certain precautions. Firstly, research the specific make and modelā€™s common issues or weaknesses to be aware of potential problems. Thoroughly inspect the carā€™s exterior, interior, and under the hood for any signs of damage or wear. Request maintenance records to understand its service history. Take the vehicle for a test drive to assess its performance and handling. Itā€™s wise to have a trusted mechanic inspect the car before finalizing the deal. Verify the carā€™s title and ensure there are no liens or outstanding finance. Research the carā€™s market value and negotiate the price based on its condition and any required repairs. Also, consider a vehicle history report to uncover any accident or damage history. Trust your instincts and walk away if something feels off. By following these steps, you can make a more informed decision and increase the chances of a successful used car purchase.

      Reply
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