Shopping for a car online using classified sites is convenient but has several advantages and disadvantages.
Francois Labuschagne, Product and Marketing Manager for Auto Mart shares 10 pointers to consider if you’re using online classified sites for the first time to buy a used car:
Know your budget
Consider the car you have in mind and whether it will service your needs – do you require a car that is fuel efficient as you travel often for work or do you need one that is spacious enough for your whole family to go away on holiday. Other factors to consider are the features you want the car to have as well as the cost of replacement parts including the tyres, the cost of a service plan, insurance and registration of the car in your name. Research all these aspects to know what your capital outlay will be and whether you can afford the car.
Ask lots of questions
When making contact with the owner or dealership for the first time, whether by phone or email, ask lots of questions to enable you to make an informed decision. Questions can include why they are selling the car, what they used the car for, how often did they use it and the average kilometres they travelled a month, was the car in an accident, have they done any repairs and when last were the tyres replaced.
View the car in a safe place
Never meet at your house, but rather choose a public spot such a fuel station, shopping centre parking area, or at your place of work. Ask the seller to bring along their ID so that you can identify them and take someone with you.
Check the service history
A service history will give you an indication of the repairs and maintenance that have been done on the vehicle and it will provide you with a good idea of the vehicle’s condition. Make sure that the car’s service history is up to date and if it isn’t, query this with the owner or dealership.
Check the kilometres
It’s important to check the kilometres on the odometer, as this determines the car’s true age. If the price and mileage are high for a newer model then it’s probably not advisable to spend so much money on that specific car.
Inspect the bodywork and interior
Inspect the bodywork for dents and rust as this can indicate whether the car has been looked after or not. With age a car’s body will deteriorate and won’t look brand new, but make sure all the panels line up properly and that all the doors and windows open and close as they should. If the car has an on-board computer, make sure that the air conditioner, electric windows and other electronics are fully functional.
Inspect the engine
The engine is an important part of the car. Check that there are no leaks or corrosion and that the gaskets, brake fluid, reservoir and belts don’t look deteriorated, as this could mean possible replacement in the near future.
Test drive
Compile a shortlist of cars you want to inspect and test drive. Take the car for a test drive to test the brakes, the clutch and the smoothness of the gearbox. You will get a good indication of what state the shocks are in and whether the suspension is operational.
Independent inspection
Have the car independently inspected to help you identify flaws and make an informed decision when buying a second-hand car. A Roadworthy Test must be conducted every time a vehicle changes ownership. The test is a legal requirement and ensures that the vehicle meets the safety standards defined by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). DEKRA test centres in association with the AA conduct roadworthy tests. Additional tests that will give you extra peace of mind include a Multi-Point check visual inspection, a Technical Inspection and a Safety Check.
Be a neutral buyer
Show interest in the car, but don’t be too enthusiastic. Negotiate on the price if you notice some faults that are acceptable and that won’t compromise the car’s performance. Don’t make hasty, irrational decisions. Be patient and be prepared to walk away if the seller is unwilling to negotiate on the price or if the car shows signs of having been in an accident.
If you’re buying a car voetstoots, when it is sold as is with its defects, make sure that the service manual is up to date, that the most recent service did happen and that the seller has disclosed all the defects as required by the Consumer Protection Act.
“Ensure that you have all the information you need to make the right decision and always get a second opinion from a trusted friend,” concludes Labuschagne.
