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Buying a new car can often be economically challenging, but there is a second way we can take, much less expensive and more sustainable: buying a used car.
Certainly, the risks are greater, and there are many indications to follow to avoid ending up with a wreck that will stop working after a few months, but it’s nothing impossible, and in this article, we will provide you with some very useful tips to avoid scams or pitfalls. Additionally, there are now many specialized platforms that allow consumers to buy not only used cars online: On RRR, you can view the catalog of used car parts from brands like Bmw, Ford, Volvo, Volkswagen, and many others.
Below, we will provide you with some basic rules to follow to choose the perfect used car for you, one that can last over time.
The Legal Aspect
Before buying a used car, it’s important to ask the previous owner for all the car’s documents to verify that everything is in order. For example, it’s necessary to check that there are no impediments to the sale, fines, or thefts. Additionally, the previous owner may not have done the best maintenance (but the service booklet can reassure us at least in part), and consequently, the reliability of a used vehicle is not equal to that of a new one. This type of information can be requested from the National Police.
Vehicle Inspection
It’s essential to inspect the vehicle, preferably in a clear place to see all the details such as paint, different shades, window conditions, among other aspects. It’s important that all windows are marked with the original seal. Additionally, the floor mats, seats, roof, and all the apparatus that make up the vehicle should be checked. It’s also important to ensure the presence of airbags and the proper functioning of seat belts.
Mechanical Inspection
The mechanical part cannot be overlooked. The car must be taken to a trusted mechanic, and the inspection must include the condition of the engine, brakes, suspensions, steering, electrical system, shock absorbers, chassis, and any welds or repairs from an accident. This step is essential to ensure that you do not encounter future problems related to the vehicle’s mechanical part.
Safety
A piece of advice for those who want to buy a used car is to go accompanied and to a public place when checking the car, initially. Do not provide your personal data until the deal is concluded. Before the appointment, you can ask the seller for the vehicle’s license plate number to call the police and verify that the car is in order. Unfortunately, the used car market is not always transparent, and there are many proofs of fraud against unsuspecting consumers. Always make sure to check all the documents and never carry out negotiations remotely, but always in person.
Test Drive
The buyer must drive the used vehicle before making the purchase. The vehicle must be driven at low speeds to listen to noises and then gradually increase the speed to feel the car’s direction. This way, you can verify the stability of the vehicle during driving. During the drive, pay attention to any noises when the engine is cold, warning lights on expensive wear items to repair, suspension beats on the uneven road (arms and ball joints to replace), turbo whistles, and drifts to one side during braking. If the clutch slips from second to fifth gear when accelerating, it needs to be changed, while with automatic transmission, there should be no jerks in the gears. If they give you problems regarding this particular request, think twice before buying the car because there are probably problems that the previous owner doesn’t want you to discover before concluding the deal.
Vehicle History
It is of fundamental importance to check the history or registration of the regular maintenance that the vehicle has undergone. This information is crucial. All dealerships and specialized workshops have this information in their archives and can access it. That’s why it’s important to always go to specialized places, which are available to give you access to the entire maintenance history of the vehicle in total transparency and security.
These are some basic tips for buying a used car, make sure to always follow them, seek advice from those who are more experienced than you, and never trust “blind” negotiations. It is your right to request all the necessary documentation and above all, to test drive the vehicle before the purchase. So, be wary of anyone who denies even one of the requests we have outlined in the article.