It’s tough enough to buy a new vehicle these days, with the variety of features, safety characteristics, payment options, and price points on offer. But that’s nothing compared to entering the second-hand car market. Especially if you are a first-time buyer, to whom exploring online platforms and dealerships can often feel like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded.
With so many options to choose from and potential pitfalls to avoid, it makes sense that many buyers feel overwhelmed. The good new is that whether you are looking for a budget-friendly second family car, or you are simply in search of your first vehicle and are on a tight budget, we can assist you.
Using these tips will help you navigate the pre-owned car market with confidence.
The Most Important Step – Set Your Budget
It’s tempting to immediately start visiting dealerships or browsing through online listings, but actually, it’s vital to work out a budget first. As you work this figure out, keep in mind that the cost of any vehicle extends well beyond the purchase price. You should also include your monthly running costs, including what you’d spend on fuel, insurance, the repayments, service and maintenance expenses, as well as potential repairs that could unexpectedly come your way.
Prevailing wisdom suggests that you should avoid allocating more than 20% of your income to any expenses related to a vehicle. Following this advice will prevent you from extending yourself financially, while comfortably managing your car alongside all your other living expenses.
Knowledge is Power
Once you have worked out how much you can afford, you can move on to doing your homework. This is a crucial step, because it’s at this point when you’ll identify models and makes that match your budget and your lifestyle requirements.
For instance, do you need a seven-seater for your big family or a smaller vehicle that can nip in and out of traffic? Perhaps the resale value of the vehicle is important because you know that you’ll sell the vehicle after a few years.
Knowing what you want and need from a vehicle can help you whittle away options that aren’t appropriate.
It’s All In The History
When you decide to buy a pre-owned car, you aren’t just buying a vehicle. You’re also purchasing its history. A thorough history report on the vehicle is your view into the past of the car, revealing vital details such as whether it was serviced on time, whether it has been involved in any accidents, how many previous owners the vehicle has had, its odometer readings, and whether has ever been written off.
In South Africa, the AA has launched a Certified Pre-Owned Inspection Programme. Dealerships across the country have the opportunity to partner with the AA and offer vehicles that have gone through this programme. This allows consumers to review detailed reports on pre-owned cars that have undergone rigorous, multi-point inspections, making it possible for you to avoid buy cars riddled with issues.
Assess The Condition
It’s at this point that you would want to look at your top picks in person. A lot of people skip this, especially if they are making their purchase online. This is a step you shouldn’t miss out on, because this is when you can look under the bonnet yourself, check the seats for cracks and stains, and take the car out for a test drive.
Here’s what to focus on:
1. Interior: Check for wear and tear on the steering wheel, pedals, and seats.
2. Exterior Condition: Check for mismatched paint or signs of rust or dents which could signal previous repairs.
3. Under The Bonnet: Even if you are not mechanically minded, still check for red flags such as worn belts, corrosion, and leaks.
4. During Your Test Drive: Pay attention to unusual sounds, check whether the car is driving straight and whether the brakes are in good condition.
5. Electronics: Check on all the features, switches, and buttons to make sure everything is in working order.
The Importance Of A Professional Inspection
Your own assessment of the car will be important, but nothing compares to the trained eye and skills of a professional technician. Consider using a reliable mechanic to perform your pre-purchase inspection or buy a vehicle that has already been through the AA Pre-Owned Certified Programme. These professionals will identify any potential problems that may not be apparent immediately and provide you with peace of mind and expert insights before you finalise the purchase.
If you’re looking for a vehicles that have already been through the AA’s rigorous inspection process, then click here to view a network of dealerships who have partnered with the AA.
What You Need To Know About Certification Programs
Most reliable dealerships provide CPO (certified pre-owned) vehicles, meaning they undergo stringent inspections. The AA’s Certified Pre-Owned Programme is a classic example, offering rigorous quality checks along with added benefits to the buyer.
Essentially, even though CPO cars may come in at a slightly higher price, this extra assurance along with potential savings on repairs often makes these vehicles one of the best choices for first-time buyers.
Buying a pre-owned vehicle for the first time should be an exciting milestone, yet you should always approach this journey with thorough preparation and caution. Armed with a realistic budget, conducting research, and taking advantage of resources such as the AA’s Certified Pre-Owned Program, you should be able to navigate the world of pre-owned cars with confidence. cure a second-hand car that is ideal for your wallet and needs.