Used Car :10 Things to keep in mind before buying

A pre-owned car is an affordable vehicle that can provide the transportation you need to get to work or go on vacation. The closer it fits your needs the more use you’re going to get out of the automobile. Shopping for used car takes the same amount of patience and caution you exercise when you are looking for a brand-new model. The prudence that you show now is going to have its benefits later on. You will end up with an automobile that is just right for you and provides the kind of transportation you want to have.

The old adage “marry in haste, repent at leisure” holds true in this situation. You do not want any surprises to spring up after the money has changed hands. Before going out to buy a used car, you should consider the following so that you make the best possible decision:

1. Table of Contents

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   Figure out How Much You Can Afford

It is always better to have a rough idea of the amount you can afford on the used car. Keep in mind the insurance and other additional costs while deciding on the funds.

2. Choosing the Model

Internet is available with a wide range of information and is a good source to rummage around on automobiles and their specifications. If you have the specifications in mind, it’ll help you in narrowing down your search and thereby choosing the right one.

3. Consider Purchasing a Certified Pre-owned Vehicle

A certified pre-owned vehicle will usually have fewer kilometers on it and to be certified it must pass a thorough inspection. While purchasing certified pre-owned vehicles, you not only get the additional extended warranty plus any remaining original manufacturer warranty.

4. Dealing Options

You can either buy the automobile from an individual, a dealer or also from the internet which has in recent times turned out to be a good option for trading old cars. The web offers fine offers and discounts. If you opt for buying from an individual ask him why he/she wishes to sell the car, how the car was used and finally get permission for getting it checked from a mechanic. Proceed only if you the right options otherwise find a different seller.

5. Conduct a Thorough Walk-around Inspection

An individual may allow you to get the car checked from a mechanic but a dealer may not be that interested. In those cases don’t refrain from checking the car on your own. Just keep the following points in mind while inspecting the car-

• The engine should work smoothly and accelerate from stand still without resisting.
• Inspect the chassis of the car. The bodyline will give you an indication whether the car has met an accident or not.
• Check the tyres for any signs of uneven wear, this could show lack of maintenance or suspension issues.
• Check for all the electric and electronics and make sure everything is working is fine.
• Check the condition of the battery.
• If possible ask for the service history which should be in the Service Booklet/Owner’s manual as that will show you if proper maintenance has been performed and where.

6. Take the Vehicle for a Test Drive

If the car looks good, you also need to make sure that it feels good and runs well too. Make sure the seat is comfortable. Make sure all of the instruments are within easy reach. Make sure the dashboard lights are working. When you are driving the vehicle listen for any strange engine noises, test the brakes, and watch out for any vibration in the steering wheel.

7. Ensure the Paper Work

It may be possible that you are lured into buying a stolen automobile at a tempting price. To avoid this, it is important to ensure that the paperwork is done properly before finalizing the deal. The checklist for paperwork is:

• Registration Book: It is issued by the RTO, showing date of registration. The car’s Engine No. and the Chassis No. should be verified with that shown in the RC Book. If the car has met with an accident which involved changing the cars chassis, then the RC Book would have a noting of the new chassis no.
• Taxation Book: This document shows the status of tax paid. The RTO tax is paid once in a lifetime and should have been paid by the original car owner.
• Invoice: It carries the engine no., chassis no., date of delivery, etc. Don’t forget to get original invoice from the owner.
• PUC certificate: Every car needs a valid PUC certificate. PUC Certificate is valid for a period of 1 year for all new cars and subsequently a certificate has to be obtained every six months.

8. Transferring Ownership

For this, you should fill out and submit Form 29 & Form 30, issued by the RTO in the jurisdiction you live in (Find the RTO closest to your residence here). The form should be signed by both the previous owner and new owner. If the car is registered in a different jurisdiction from yours, then an NOC from that jurisdiction’s RTO will help speeden the process. This registers the transaction.

After submission, the local RTO initiates the transfer. You will receive a receipt within 15-18 days and the name-changed RC copy by the 40th-45th day. In the interim, copies of these forms or the receipt work as proof of transaction.

9. Get Insurance in Your Name

It’s as important to have a valid insurance policy copy in your name as it is to get the registration transferred. If the RC is registered in your name and the policy is still under the previous owner’s, then the insurance policy stands nullified!

10. Complete the Transaction and get your car Cleaned before the first drive

You can figure out the value of the second hand vehicle you’re purchasing by using the same resources used to figure out the value of your vehicle before you sold it or traded it in. Before you start using your new automobile, get it thoroughly cleaned up: both interior and exterior, change of fluids, if necessary and quick fixes, if required.

Ergo, it’s not a bad option to consult the web for more information. Enjoy the thrill of riding your own hard-earned, well deserved car!

Drive on!!