Tips To Buy A Used Car In India With No Regrets — 5 Simple Guidelines

Step 1: Checking The Engine Condition

While it is easy to rectify any exterior damages to any used car, the heart or the engine is the most important factor while choosing a pre-owned car. Take a trusted mechanic along with you as the number on the odometer might not reveal the actual wear and tear to an engine.

Any engine failure would lead to spending your hard earned money trying to rectify the issue. So the mechanic can inspect the engine and let you know if any problem needs attention.

Step 2: Ownership Documents

A car's value depreciates when the ownership changes. Check car ownership documents such as the original registration papers (RC book/ Smart Card), a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, insurance papers, and tax tokens. You should not buy a car unless the owner provides all of the above documents.

All original documents need to be handed over during the time of registration of the car under your name. If any records are missing such as original RC, No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank, in case, it is under finance as well as insurance certificate, insist the owner to hand over all the original documents before you pay the whole amount.

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Step 3: Test Drive The Used Car

Take the car for a thorough test drive. If you're an experienced driver, a test drive helps you identify any apparent problems. While you're test driving the used car, pay attention to the performance of the suspension, any noises from the engine, ease of driving apart from obvious such as brakes, gears, and steering.

Don't get emotional when buying a used car, take for a test drive and find out if purchasing the particular car is worth the money that you are ready to pay. Let your mechanic test drive the used car as well - a second opinion always matters.

Step 4: Maintenance Of The Used Car

The used car might look great from the outside, and that should not stop you from checking thoroughly how the car is maintained. Spend more time by checking the wear and tear of the vehicle and how the previous owner has kept the car.

The seller might showcase a recently washed and polished car; this might help elevate the outlook of the used car, but underneath there could be problems. Check for the service intervals of the pre-owned car as this will give an idea how often the seller services the vehicle.

It is indeed safe to buy a used car from an authorized dealer as this will put the responsibility on the dealer to provide a hassle-free second-hand car. Also, select a car from a manufacturer with an extensive network and dealers. It will be cheaper and accessible to service your vehicle.

Step 5: Negotiating The Cost Of The Used Car

Now that you have inspected the used vehicle thoroughly, you have a bright idea of all the advantages and disadvantages of the car. Negotiate for a discount of the used car and bring to his notice any problems with the car which needs to be rectified.

If the dealer is offering a discount which too good to be true, then double check the documents and cars once again. If you think something is wrong, it is better to withdraw from purchasing the used vehicle as this is a long-term buy, hence choose carefully and finalize the deal after you are completely satisfied with the condition of the car.

Quick Guidelines:

1. Look out for wear and tear of wheels and tyres, including the spare wheel.
2. Make sure all functions such turn indicators, headlamps, telltale lights, electricals are working.
3. Ensure the engine is not a rebuilt unit, an excellent mechanic can quickly spot any differences.
4. Look out for any abnormal noises from the engine while test driving the used car.

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If there is any doubt, it is better to withdraw from purchasing the used car. There are several pre-owned cars on the market, and you'll surely find a car which suits your budget and requirements, after all, you are investing your hard money in buying a used car.