While it may be cheaper to buy a used car in the Philippines, it is also a daunting task to do so as you are gambling on the quality of the second-hand car that you are trying to purchase.
In that instance, we are going to give you tips or factors that you must consider or take into account for as you navigate into getting the best deal while you understand what you need to look-out for.
Since you are, after all, purchasing a used car, the first and most crucial piece of advice is to control your expectations. It will already have some flaws and imperfections because it won’t be brand new.
Be prepared to replace parts as well, particularly if you’re looking to upgrade to an earlier model. These typically take the shape of consumables like tires and timing belts.
These may not have been replaced before the car was listed for sale, and they deteriorate over time. It leads you to tip number two in light of that.
Examine the various options available on the market when searching for your dream used car. For your car, look for the exact make, model, and version you desire. This will assist you in comparing and reducing your selections.
In terms of its pricing range, it will also offer you a decent indication of what to anticipate. Choose a fully stock car as much as you can because there won’t be as many issues.
Although it could seem alluring to buy a modified car, these changes might not have been done correctly and could end up costing you money in the long run.
Because you can bargain with private sellers, doing your research will also help you find the greatest offers.
If your budget allows it, you may also choose certified pre-owned cars. Since they are carefully tested before being sold, these frequently have warranties and are in superior overall condition.
Tip 3: Examine the Milage
Be careful to examine the car’s mileage while conducting your research. The cheaper car isn’t always the best one to purchase.
Generally speaking, a car’s age increases with its mileage. That isn’t always the case, though, and occasionally you’ll find a newer model with more miles on it.
In any case, this is a useful way to gauge how “used” the car is and what parts could eventually need to be replaced.
Ask the seller if the car was mostly driven on the highway if it is a newer model with a high mileage. A car used mostly on the highway will be in better shape than one used in the city, even if it will have higher mileage.
Generally speaking, unless you are especially searching for an older model, cars with mileage over 60,000 kilometers are probably worn out.
Tip 4: Examine the Paperwork and Car’s History Verifying that the documentation is accurate and current is another crucial piece of advice. This will assist in providing you with a broad understanding of the vehicle’s condition, including whether it has been involved in any collisions or sustained any kind of damage.
Verify that the vehicle’s Original Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR) are current and valid.
To find out if the car has been stolen or has been reported as being involved in a crime, also check with the PNP highway patrol group.
Additionally, confirm with the LTO whether the car is clean or has a history of problems.
Give preference to cars with current registrations or, at the very least, ones that haven’t expired in more than a year.
This will lower the price of later re-registration and registering the car in your own name.
Read: How to get a duplicate of your vehicle Certificate of Registration (CR) if you lost it
Tip 5: Allot Money for Insurance and Repairs After you’ve located the ideal car, don’t forget to factor in repairs. This is particularly crucial if you are purchasing from a private seller because the car could not have undergone an inspection before being put up for sale.
Almost always, something will need to be replaced or repaired, so be sure to budget time and money for this possibility.
Generally speaking, you should budget around 20% of the automobile’s used car price for repairs. Having money on hand for unexpected repairs is still useful, even if you don’t need it right away.
Tip 6: Don’t Forget to Bring a Mechanic and Visit the Unit Even though the car appears immaculate in pictures, nothing compares to seeing it in person. Seeing the car in person can help you make the most of your hard-earned money and will give you a rough notion of what to expect from it.
A reliable mechanic can identify potential issues that you might overlook during your walkaround, so if at all possible, bring them along.
When you are considering purchasing the car, don’t be scared to open the compartments and check underneath to make sure everything is still in good shape.
Bring the car up onto a lifter to get a better look at what’s underneath, if the seller allows it. This will enable you to determine whether the vehicle has recently undergone repairs or has been in an accident.
You can also take advantage of the chance to verify whether the seller has actually changed the items listed in their advertisement for the car.
Tip 7: Take the Car for a Test Drive Make sure to test drive the car thoroughly after you’ve completed your visual assessment. You will be able to see what else is wrong with the car and what has to be replaced in this way. Driving over bumps and then calm roads to check the suspension’s performance.
Additionally, make sure the car still drives straight; if not, there may be a problem or a future adjustment is required. To make sure the car goes straight during the test drive, invite a friend or a reliable mechanic to drive alongside you if at all possible.
In certain cases, a car may appear to be going smoothly from the inside, but the exterior may be quite different. If you decide to purchase the car, making sure it drives well now will spare you the trouble and money later.
Final Thoughts
It’s true that buying a second-hand car will cost you less money but make sure to check its every parts to avoid unnecessary and unforeseen repairs of the car.
Read Also: LTO: List of Traffic Violations, Fines and Penalties
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