For many people, a new car simply doesn't fit their budget. Others deliberately choose to buy a (nearly new) second-hand car. But what should you look out for when purchasing a used car?
Buying a used car always comes with some uncertainty. Is the mileage accurate? What condition is the car in? Has it been properly maintained? These are all questions you need answers to before you can make a purchase with peace of mind. And speaking of which — there's always the price to consider too!
5 things to watch out for.
1. The mileage
The mileage doesn't tell you everything, but it does say a lot about a car. Always verify whether the mileage is accurate using the National Car Pass (NAP). No NAP available? Then use your common sense. A twenty-year-old car with only 60,000 km on the clock is, to say the least, suspicious.
2. What condition is the car in?
The mileage doesn't tell you everything about the condition of a car. Check the maintenance history using the service booklet and look at what repairs have been carried out. Does the timing belt need replacing soon, for example?
Always take a test drive and pay attention to strange noises and irregularities when steering, braking and changing gears. If in doubt, have the car inspected by your own mechanic. Of course, you should also carry out a visual inspection, looking for rust, dents and scratches.
Check the lights, locks, interior and the condition of the tyres and windscreen wipers. And don't forget the heating and air conditioning. Trust us — when it's thirty degrees outside, you'll definitely forget to check whether the heating works.
3. Does the car come with a warranty?
When you buy a used car from a dealer or (specialist) garage, it often comes with some form of warranty or service package. This is not the case with private sellers and car traders. There, the warranty expires the moment you drive off the lot. Did you know, by the way, that the seller is legally obliged to disclose any known defects? Failure to do so constitutes deception or fraud.
4. Trade-in
Want to trade in your old car? Bear in mind that you'll get less for it at a car dealership than if you sell it privately. However, a trade-in often gives you slightly more than simply selling the car directly to the dealer, and it also gives you a bit more room to negotiate.
5. Price
If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. This certainly applies to cars. An apparent bargain can quickly turn into an unexpected expense. Compare prices of similar cars on used car websites and ask yourself why someone is selling their car at a price that seems too low.
And finally — don't forget that the car must be insured from the moment the registration is in your name.
Some people always seem to have good luck buying a used car, while others don't. What are your experiences with used cars? Prefer to rent a car in the Kerkrade region? rent a car in the Kerkrade regionThis is possible at Adrem!
