5 Things to Do and Consider When Buying a Secondhand Car

Moving around the metro has been challenging from getting a ride to braving the traffic. With over 12M people just in Metro Manila to be traveling around for work, errands, school, business, and others, it is becoming more and more difficult. We end up spending more time on the road than spending time with our family at home.

With this situation, owning a car comes to mind. You no longer need to line-up for a train, cab, or jeep, especially during the rainy season when it’s 2-times harder to get a ride. When there’s a family emergency, you can readily respond and get moving.

While there are evident advantages to owning a car, you don’t necessarily need to buy a brand new one. A secondhand car is an option that will save you money while enjoying the convenience of having a car. Here are things that you should consider before saying yes to a secondhand car.

1. Find a car that will be most useful for you and your family

Before deciding on the type of secondhand car you would buy, have a careful assessment of how the usage of the car will be and how many will be riding the car. You need to decide which car can seat you and your family comfortably and if you will be using the car for short metro drive purposes or long drive. If you are buying a car for business purposes, you may want to get a model that has more space for boxes and stocks.

2. Inspect like an auditor and ask questions

You will be spending your hard-earned money so make sure that you are spending on the right unit. Check the car carefully. If you have little knowledge about cars, you can bring with you a family member, friend, or a mechanic who has a better understanding of cars to help you in checking the unit. Don’t forget to check on the following:

Check the mileage
Mileage will tell you about the condition of the car. The higher the mileage the more used the car is which might translate to more parts that need repair. Aside from the mileage, ask about the maintenance done in the car and how often, to give you an idea if the car is in good condition or if getting the car will give you a headache because of repairs and maintenance.

Check the car history and ask for documents
Check for the car’s registration and record clearances to make sure that you will not be driving a car that has a hit or record with LTO and other government agencies.

Check every nook and cranny
Check every part of the car from the aircon, paint, engine, tires and others.

3. Have a ready sheet that will help you compare and assess your options

Canvas thoroughly and have a comparison sheet of all your options. Your comparison sheet may include the price, the car condition, and the anticipated cost for possible repairs. Looking at the total picture for all the available options in one sheet will make it easier for you to choose the right car that is right for you in terms of usage and budget too.

4. Better safe than sorry – don’t forget the insurance

You will never know when an accident on the road will happen regardless of how careful you are. Skip the headache of unforeseen expenses. If the secondhand car that you are looking at has no insurance, you need to get one. Find the right insurance provider and policy and save yourself from stress in the future.

5. Don’t be shy to haggle

Negotiate for a lower price taking into consideration the result of your inspection, the price of the other car options you have in the list, and the other possible expenses that you need to spend for repairs and maintenance.

Buying a secondhand can save you money, but it also takes more steps. Don’t make an impulse buy, and go through the process to make sure you won’t regret your purchase.