by When buying a used car, you should always be on your guard. After all, a used car is not a new car with a warranty, etc. This article presents the most common and at the same time the most foolish mistakes made when buying used cars.
What is the advantage of buying a used car? The answer is obvious – the price. In addition, 3-4 years after a model is released, all its weaknesses and so-called initial issues are revealed. In this case, it’s easier to answer the question of how to choose a used car, as you can narrow down the selection by considering reviews about them. Now to the mistakes.
Insufficient Finances
If you don’t have the necessary amount to buy a used car – postpone it. Why? It’s simple. Of course, you can get into debt or even take out a loan for the used car, but all this will only worsen your financial burden.
All for one simple reason – almost every used car reveals various issues after purchase, fixing which will require money. And how will you repair and improve it if you’re in debt?
Saving on Technical Inspection
You can go with an experienced buyer or pay for a computer diagnosis at a service station, but neither it nor a quick look from a buyer can replace a full inspection of the car. This involves both a computer and a thorough inspection by human eyes.
If you don’t want to lose money, it’s better to pay for a thorough inspection right away. This allows you to predict potential issues and, importantly, force the seller to lower the price. It’s like the cheapest flight tickets – they offer a great opportunity to save on travel if you know where to buy.
Quick Test
If you plan to own a car for at least the next 5 years, why buy it if you’ve only driven around the block?
For a real understanding of issues (creaks, knocks, rattles, etc.), a 20-30-minute test drive is necessary. Preferably not on a perfect road – though in our country, that is not a problem.
“Beneficial” Deception Exchange
If you want to switch to something newer, don’t jump into anything just to get rid of your “junk.” You know your car has no sound parts, but others may not see it that way. If you agree to an exchange with some extra payment on your part, and your “colleague in misfortune” is almost immediately ready to give up their car with your extra payment, it means they are also trying to “offload” scrap metal.
Look at the date of the ad publication, study the profile of the seller ready for exchange. Otherwise, you’ll trade one problem for another, without any benefit. This also applies to trade-ins – they are convenient, but such deals often benefit only dealerships, which are essentially “legal resellers.”
Exotic “Swallow”
I’m crazy about the Alfa Romeo Brera and see myself in a Porsche Cayenne, for which they somehow ask less than a new Renault Logan costs.
But hold yourself back and refuse the car of your dreams, which will force you not to eat, drink, and not pay for your apartment. Be more practical and buy either a new exotic car or a simple but reliable newer model. Otherwise, you’ll soon find yourself in trouble and looking for someone else who wants to show off…
