If you are looking to buy a used car, then you have come to the right place! In 2022 Australia’s total number of registered vehicles was more than 20 million, and it’s growing! With all those cars out there, you are bound to find something to match your price range and preferences, and like the game of horseshoes, close is sometimes good enough!
There are several ways to shop for a used car, you can use a service where a hopeful seller lists a buy my car ad, or you can drive by the used car lots on the edge of town, or ask around to see if any friends or co-workers have something available they would like to part with.
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However you decide to go about it, start by asking the current owner the following questions:
- How many K’s are on it? – If the car has logged more than 30,00 kilometres per year or less than 8,000 you should definitely ask why. A car with a lot of K’s on it that has been driven for a long commute on the highway is likely to have less wear and tear than a lower-numbered car that was used for a lot of stop-and-go local driving. Just remember that there is more to this than just the K’s logged, much depends on how well the car was maintained.
- How is it equipped? – Be sure to ask about the car’s features, such as type of transmission, safety equipment, power seats and windows, stereo system and Bluetooth, cruise control, backup camera, and any navigation aids. Also ask if there has been any customisation work done on it, such as upgraded mirrors, battery system, brakes, or suspension. Make sure to check all of these if you decide to do an inspection!
- Has it ever been through a crash? If the answer is yes, find out the extent of the damage, the name of the shop that did the bodywork, and the total cost of repairs. Minor scrapes to the paint job or a broken tail light aren’t of too much concern, but if the car has survived a serious collision there could be other hidden damage that could catch up with you later.
- Did you buy it new? It’s important to know everything you can find out about the car’s history. How long has the current owner had it, and if there were any previous owners, how many, and who? Can they show you a service history? If they say that they have done regular maintenance but have no proof of it, you have a right to remain sceptical. Also find out if it was the person you are dealing with who was the regular driver, or someone else in the family. If it turns out it was the owner’s teenage son then you can probably guess that it has suffered some abuse!
Make sure to check with your local government’s webpage to be aware of all the legalities that buying a used car entails. Good luck with your shopping, we hope you find a great used car!
