Buying a pre-owned car for the first time is an exciting opportunity when you think about it. After all, to be in a position where you can purchase a vehicle at all is extremely fortunate when you consider the economic challenges we’ve faced over the past few years. Yet for all that, it is also a daunting experience.
With all the options on offer, it can become an overwhelming process to decide on the right car for your lifestyle – to say nothing of the trepidation at making the wrong choice and ending up with a lemon that could cost you in the long-run.
To assist you in making this process a bit easier, here are our top-rated tips for South Africans who are interested in buying a pre-owned vehicle for the first time.
Take Advantage Of Test Driving Pre-owned Cars
Honestly, this is the fun part, because this is when you can get a real feel for how the car feels, how it handles, and if you think it will suit your needs and preferences. Importantly, though, taking your potential car on a test drive will help you ferret out issues. If possible, drive the vehicle in different conditions, including in traffic and on highways to assess its performance. Take note of any unusual vibrations or noises and look out for signs of “wear and tear.”
What you’re aiming to do is see if you can pick up potential problems before you get to the purchase stage.
Check The Vehicle History Report
Your next step is to the vehicle’s history report. History reports offer comprehensive information on the history of a vehicle, including previous owners, any accidents, services, and repairs. In short, this report can help you determine if this is a vehicle you can trust to take you from A to B for many years to come.
Make sure that you ask your dealership for a history report and take the time to review it properly. While you’re talking to the consultant, you should also find out if there are any add-ons, like an extended warranty to make sure you are securing the best deal.
Financing Options
Financing the purchase of your car may also play an important role in the process. We suggest researching the different options and comparing rates so that you can find a great deal. Most dealerships provide financing options, but you can also choose to finance through your bank or another financial institution altogether.
Part of going the finance route is knowing how much you will apply for, and with this in mind, we urge you to factor in any other expenses linked to owning a car. These include monthly fuel expenditure, insurance premiums, repairs, and maintenance, which you should tally up and take into consideration when choosing how much you’ll spend on monthly vehicle finance instalments.
Essentially, this will ensure that you are not over-committed.
Secure A Good Warranty
Not all warranties are created equal and not all warranties can be transferred. The first thing you need to check is if the warranty can be transferred to a future owner, and whether there are limitations or conditions in place. Ideally, you want a warranty that will protect your investment and offer you peace of mind, so during your search for a pre-owned vehicle, look out for offers the include comprehensive warranties to cover maintenance and repairs over a longer period.
One way to ensure this is to head to an AA Certified Pre-Owned dealership. These dealers offer credible information on pre-owned vehicles, including everything you need to know about the warranty and any added services on offer.
Purchase From A Reputable Dealer
Speaking of AA Certified Pre-Owned Dealers, this newly launched innovative service by the AA is the most trusted route for first-time buyers. You see, with AA Approved workshops and independent dealerships working together, these dealers can offer comprehensive vehicle inspections. As a result, purchasing from an AA Certified Pre-Owned dealership offers peace of mind that any problems have been dealt with and vehicles are well-maintained.
Added to that, with increasing coverage across the country, these dealers aren’t hard to locate at all. Simply click here if you want to search for an AA Certified Pre-Owned Dealer for your closest dealer.
Bonus Tips To Get You Started
- Make a shortlist of reliable brands that have a reputation for being more affordable to run and maintain.
- Look for a vehicle as young as you can afford.
- Negotiate for a better price.
There’s no doubt about it. Buying a car for the first time is an important milestone in your life. We hope that these tips will help you to make a good choice. Just remember, by doing your research, test-driving the car, checking on the service history, and negotiating the price, you’ll be able to find an affordable and reliable pre-owned vehicle that matches your budget and needs.
If you’re interested in looking for an AA Certified Pre-Owned Dealer in your area, simply click here.