Avoid Big Mistakes when Buying used Cars
The biggest mistake of all is lack of appreciable knowledge on cars. Different cars are made different from one another and would be worn down differently too as they age. Normally, better quality cars are priced higher and should retain good qualities over a long time compared to lower quality cars. Factors to be considered is how a used car was driven, the locality it was used most often and how it was used. This is information that a car dealer might not have or lack.
The biggest mistakes when buying a used car are like the following:
1. Brand loyalty. This will not be a big mistake for those who are loyal to top of the line brands but often a big mistake to those average car owners who close their eyes on other brands that obviously are better than the one they are loyal to. Used car brands will often show which brand was easier and less costly to maintain.
2. Lack of research and canvassing. Having been in the business, I have encountered a good number who would buy one of my cars as long as it is within their budget. Sometimes I even encourage them to check on some other used cars before they decide on the one I have. I do this because I am confident the car I am selling will definitely be better than most for the same price.
3. Listening to others without rationalizing. There are families and friends who own cars that recommend the brand they own. It is rare for a family member or a friend to suggest a different brand than what they own. You should have heard family or friend complain at least a few times about their cars and it is from there where you can judge whether you want the same brands of used car or would go for another.
4. Not checking on the history of the car. If the car was previously owned by more than two people not known to each other, don’t bother checking on the history. There could be a problem why it has been sold so many times especially if the transfer from one owner to next is only a short span of time.
5. Not having the car thoroughly checked by a competent or certified mechanic. Most mechanics would know the parts that easily breakdown or need frequent servicing. They would also be able to tell the spare parts availability and costs of maintaining it. Mileage showing on the odometer is not reliable – it can easily be “doctored”.
6. Taken by the looks, riding comfort or pride of owning it. Buying on impulse might be a better way of putting it. After a few months the car shows its bad characteristics and could even end up as junk! I know of some people this happened and their only excuse is: “I thought it was a good car”.
7. Not knowing about ‘orphaned’ cars. ‘Orphaned’ cars are those that have been produced for awhile, no longer in production and would hardly have any parts available. Many individual sellers, just to get rid of it, would say it has many parts available anywhere!
8. The eagerness of car ownership for the first time. This is especially true to those who have the money and want to own a used car right away. Some say, anyway it would just be used to learn how to drive. That is a big mistake because learning to drive from a bad used car will likewise form bad driving habits.
9. Buying from used car dealers. Used car dealers are after profit. More often that not, they buy not so good cars at a bargain and do some refurbishing to make it look good. Buying a used car from a reputable used car dealer will be best.
The foregoing would be the biggest mistakes when buying a used car. If you can afford it buy a used car brand with higher quality features that’s within your budget and can easily afford to maintain. Used cars can show some hidden defects after some time but that’s natural. Big mistakes are not. Note: A good quality car that has been abused might not be as good as a well maintained lesser quality car.
