Last July 2001, I wrote a review on learning to drive. I am giving the URL below.
http://www.mouthshut.com/readreview/12679-1.htmlHow fast a year has flown! Okay, this time, I have tried
to focus on things to look into while buying a second-hand car. Hope you find it useful.
Well, when thinking of buying a second hand car, you need to do some research work. First find out the difference between the price of a new car and a used one plus the difference in the rate of depreciation. This can make the purchase of a good used car, instead of a new one, quite appealing!
Be very careful in choosing a second-hand car. Because, it is risky. You could wind up inheriting somebody else’s problem, unless you are an automobile expert. You can tackle this problem diplomatically, thereby minimizing the risks.
First, when you are looking into a prospective purchase, call over phone and find out the make, model, price, present condition and any special features that you may be seeking. Then you need to find about the paint. Enquire as to whether it is still the original. If not, and if it was recently painted, there is a possibility that it was painted new to conceal some defect as rust.
If you are satisfied about the car, the next step is to go and see it. When you do, be sure to check under floor mats, both inside the car and in the trunk for moisture, which indicate rusting in the underbody.
Try out the horn, radio, lights, windshield washers and wipers. Open and close all doors and windows to check if they function properly. If the interior of the car and trunk are clean, it shows how well the car has been maintained.
Now you have to head for the test drive! When the car gets started, notice it’s efficiency. As you are driving, make sure that you don’t hear any unfamiliar noises. Even if there is a minor problem, some cars make funny noises. Our car did like that at one point. Thank God, we have got rid of it anyway!
While test driving at about 50 km per hour, on a straight stretch of road, loosen your grip on the steering wheel and notice if the car continues to move in a straight line or veers off to right or left. If the car changes the direction, it might have had front –end damage, which causes it to lose its alignment. You need to enquire about this problem. If possible, you can take another small test in the highway. Accelerate to the highway speed limit and watch out for vibrations caused by improper wheel balance. (A tip from my husband, who is a mad lover of cars!)
Finally, if you are fully satisfied, you can decide on buying this car. You have to make your offer right then and there, for a good second hand car sells very quickly. You don’t want to lose it! We did so, when we bought our first second hand car, Dodge Spirit, 1993 model.
If you are not satisfied, and have any doubts don’t go for that car. Just bow out. Keep looking at the newspaper advertisements and enquire your friends about anyone selling their car. Eventually, you will find a nice good old car to your liking, which you can put up with at least for a few years. Later, you may think of selling it to somebody. So, keep in mind also its resale value, incase you wish to sell after using for sometime. Good luck and all the best in your hunt for a good used car.