Buying a pre-owned or second hand car is more difficult than buying a brand new car in terms of getting the right quality car out of your budget. Brand new cars has many advantages compared to the second hands but to the budget conscious soon to be car owners, pre-owned cars is still the option. Here are the useful tips in selecting and buying a pre-owned car:
1. Check the vehicles engine if there are oil leaks. Engine leaks will cause the fluid to drop on operating level and can cause a serious damage to the vehicle if unattended. Ask the dealer or the seller if when is the leak started so that you can conclude if there is already an existing damage to the engine and you can demand a less price for it.
2. Check the odometer or odograph. This is an instrument that indicates distance traveled by a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or an automobile. It is located just right in the speedometer area. The instrument maybe electronic, mechanical or a combination of the two. A typical car is driven from 15, 000 kms. to 20, 000 kms. per year. Maintenance records are also a good place to check for accurate odometer readings. If the car is 10 years old and the odometer reading is 30, 000 kms. you can check wear and tear on the brakes and tires.Excessive wear could indicate that perhaps the odometer has been turned back at some point. Have the car inspected prior to purchase by a reputable mechanic.
3. Check if the vehicle is surplus or imported. Most imported or surplus vehicles from Japan are converted from right hand drive to left hand drive. In a way, it is hard to maintain a converted vehicle if u don't know the process. But if the price is reasonable for a converted vehicle, have it checked by a reputable mechanic prior to purchase. Some indicators of a converted vehicle is the wiper base is still in right hand portion of the vehicle.
4. Compare the price of the vehicle you want to purchase with the price of that same vehicle in different buy and sell websites such as
olx.ph, adpost.com,
buyandsell.ph, etc. so that you will know the fair market value of that vehicle variant. Please note that some vehicles with the same series have many variants. Every variant have certain features that is not present in the other variant, therefore, having different price also. Based on my experience, the dealers always have a mark up of P20, 000 up to P40, 000 for every vehicle that they sell depending on year model of the vehicle. Be smart on negotiating with the price.
5. Check for any body damages, scratches, dents, loose paints, rust, etc. before closing the deal.
I hope this will help!
