Are you planning to purchase a car from a private owner or a car dealer in India? There are certain things that you need to consider when buying a used car – from its specifications to motor insurance.
All this is required before the purchase because safety is a priority and before you invest money, it is imperative to ensure that you are putting it in the right place.
Here is our checklist:
1. Car History
Specifically, when purchasing a used car, ask the owner to provide you the service book. You should check if the service book is updated, and how many times the car has been serviced.
Also, check if there were any major mechanical changes or repair work done. Check if the vehicle is still under warranty. You can even check its motor insurance online.
For a new car, ask the manufacturer about the warranty, service and related contract terms.
2. The Drive and Feel of the Car
This may sound apparent but it is not the case everywhere. You should always try to drive the car on your own. To be courteous you can take the first ride in the passenger seat.
As you are going to spend so much to purchase, you need to be sure of it. Driving and feeling the vehicle yourself is imperative. There are always chances of being deceived, as the person who is selling it might not give you an accurate picture.
Sometimes, the drive can prove to be above expectations, whereas in some cases it can be below expectations.
So, you need to have a hands-on experience. It will reassure you that everything is fine before coming to a decision.
3. The Condition of the Tires and Brakes
This is one of the most commonly ignored features when buying a used car. People will find out that brakes and tires need a replacement later.
So, to avoid such a situation, it is advisable that you conduct a visual check of the brake pads and tires. You can do this before or after you have taken the test drive.
Checking them manually will help you to get the feel and touch and you will able to decide if they need to be replaced or not. If this is the case, you can negotiate with the selling price.
4. Keep the Sounds Off When Going for a Test Drive
It is advisable that you turn off the car radio when taking the test drive. It will eliminate any kind of sound interference. And it will help you to hear any unusual noises or any sounds of the engine, exhaust or break while driving the car.
This goes particularly when you are purchasing a second-hand luxury and sports car. It is applicable to a new car as well.
Do not fret; you will get chances to test the car audio system after the test drive.
5. Paint Job
It is not easy to identify the paint density between original and re-painted panels. It is important to detect it as it is indicative of the accident history of the used car. Even your motor insurance policy will not cover that.
You can’t always identify it with the car dealer or ask the vehicle insurance provider, as it could have been done by the previous insurer or the last owner or garage.
Usually, a paint meter is used to measure the paint density. Most car repairing companies in India use the same. You can also get it checked by one of them.
6. Ask Questions
There are three important questions that you need to ask when test driving a car. First, you need to inquire about the service history, if it is reliable. Make sure that it is done from a reputable workshop and at regular intervals.
Secondly, check the accident history of the car; if there is any, find out the severity of the damage and the places from where the servicing was done.
Do not forget to inquire about the chassis number.
To verify the history, service contract and warranty, you can check with the agency to verify the details. Do not hesitate to inquire about a car in which you are going to invest your hard-earned money.
7. Check the Following Car Papers
Registration certificate (RC): Do check for any duplicity.
When buying a second-hand car remember that the model year mentioned on the registration papers should be the year of manufacturing not the year of registration.
If the seller of the car is the second owner, then it will be mentioned in the RC, and the value of the car will drop immediately.
Motor Insurance Certificate: Check if it is a comprehensive insurance or third-party insurance as only a third-party insurance can be transferred in your name. Suppose the owner has taken insurance from TATA AIG motor insurance. You can call the insurer to fetch the details.
Original invoice and all the servicing bills of the car.
Pollution Under Control certificate, as it is essential while transferring the ownership.
Kilometers driven is important for you to know. Anywhere between 15,000 and 50,000 km should be a good buy.
Last but not least, don’t forget to check the color of the car. And if there was any change in color. Find out if it was a personal choice or if it was done following an accident. It will help you in the bargain.
Over to You!
Purchasing a car can be dream come true for many, but it also involves you running from pillar to post. Your second-hand car can prove to be a nightmare with one hasty decision of yours. Merely relying on your car insurance is not a great decision. There are certain things that you need to consider during the test drive also. Hope the above-mentioned points will help you make an informed purchase and save you from the trouble.
