Get first class value when you buy a second hand car

A necessity as much as it is as luxury, a car is not just a means of getting you from A to B. If you’re on the market for a vehicle, but don’t have the funds to buy a new car from a dealership, consider going second hand. Despite the stigmas of buying a used car, such as questions regarding the reliability and history, it is actually a better investment than if you were to buy it brand new.

Not only do you save on depreciation, taxes, and insurance when buying a used car, but when done correctly, you can save a whole lot more. Here is some advice that will save you money when buying a used car:

1. Run a car report: This can reveal previous accidents, whether the vehicle is stolen, has finance owing to it, or has flood damage. However, be careful as not all accidents are correctly reported.
2. When you find a car that you really like, don’t show any emotion. If you umm and ahh about the price, the eager dealer will be willing to drop it just to make a sale. On the other hand, if they know you really want it, they won’t be willing to lower the price.
3. After you have settled on a car that meets your needs, take it to a trusted mechanic. There is nothing worse than thinking you have bought a bargain, only to discover that 1,000kms later, you have to spend $5000 on the clutch, new brakes, tires and more.
4. Do your homework: Look at similar cars and compare the prices to things such as kilometres, age of the vehicle and how well it is looked after.
5. Have a reasonable budget in mind means you won’t overstep the boundaries, even if you have found the ‘car of your dreams.’ If it’s not within your budget, it’s not your dream car.

If your goal is to save money, buying a used car is the best option. Get past the hurdle of thinking that you are “buying someone else’s problem” and follow these tips before you commit to a purchase, and you can be saving heaps of money.