Melbourne has a lot to offer its people in terms of history, culture, art, sport, education and whatnot. However, it is pretty expensive to live in Melbourne because of its high cost of living. So, there is a growing number of used car buyers in Melbourne.
If buying a car is on your mind and budget is a constraint, purchasing a second-hand car is the most viable option. However, getting your hands on the right vehicle can be daunting as there are many things to consider.
The following tips can come in handy if you want the best deal out of your purchase.
- Determine the budget
Owning a car is the cheapest mode of transport for people in Melbourne, as commuters endure an average commute time of 65 minutes daily. But getting a brand-new car is something only some can afford. So, it would help if you started by creating a budget based on affordability. Many often need to remember that there are other costs besides the purchase price, like insurance, maintenance, fuel, and interest in the finance. Therefore, you should ensure to maintain your budget, causing financial strain later.
- Do your research
Investing time researching makes, models, prices, body types, and other car details is a must for all used car buyers in Melbourne. You can also seek advice from expert reviews and users’ reviews to learn what to look for in second-hand cars that have a few kilometres and years under their belt.
- Contact the seller
Prepare a list of questions and contact the seller to find the answers. Some of your questions should cover the following:
- The tenure previous car owner owned the vehicle
- The reason the previous owner sold the car
- Damages on the vehicle
- The present condition of the vehicle
- The likelihood of the car passing the roadworthy inspection
- Details of the car’s service history
- Go through the car’s history.
Inspecting the vehicle to ensure it is not stolen or encumbered by an insurance write-off or an outstanding loan is a good idea. For that, you need to have the car’s VIN and check against the state’s database where it is registered. Performing this step can save you a lot of hassle in the future.
- Check the car
Inspecting the car is vital before agreeing on the purchase, even if you are not an expert. You can also opt for an inspection from a workshop or an independent mechanic to have peace of mind. The things that you should keep in mind during your inspection are:
- Go for a check during the daytime as you may not get a clear view of rust, dents, marks and other defects in rain or dark.
- Check underneath the carpet, bonnet and body for rust and other evidence like paint overspray or welding.
- Check if the gaps between body panels are equal, as they could indicate poorly done repairs.
- Look under the bonnet for signs of oil leaks.
- Look around the oil filler cap for leaks in the head gasket that can turn out to be an expensive repair.
- Check if the seatbelts are working correctly and all the features and switches are in place.
- Look at the condition of the car’s engine when it’s cold for signs of wear.
If you are relatively new to car buying, you may only remember a few things mentioned above. So, you can benefit by making a list of items to avoid missing out on the most crucial factors. Also, you can find a trusted dealership to get a good quality vehicle at affordable prices to reduce stress.