Buying A Used Car

In our last issue, we featured a guide on buying new cars. In this issue, we turn our attention to what to look out for when purchasing a used car.

Buying a used car can be more tedious and mind-boggling than buying a new one. Besides checking for defects, one has to handle potentially shady dealers as well. Buyers, especially novices, often face anxiety, apprehension and feelings of inadequacy during the process of buying a used car. Is the car really as good as it seems? Given that the price for the same model can vary substantially, buyers are often uncertain if they'd be paying more for less. It's important to stay in control and remain discerning when buying a used car.

Getting Started
The first step to buying a used car is to determine what kind of car you'd like to buy. Buying a car is a hefty investment, you should therefore give considerable thought to usage and affordability. With the plethora of used cars available, choosing the right car can be time consuming. You have to determine what car is right for you - one that suits your lifestyle (ie your immediate and future needs) and budget.

Do your research. Scan the classifieds or refer to our Used Car Price Guide (published monthly in this magazine) to have an understanding of the cars that are available in the market along with their pricing. For more updated prices, you may refer to our website at www.aas.com.sg. Do not make hasty decisions. Look for as many cars of the desired model and age as possible. List down their prices for easy comparison, and attempt to view as many as possible.

You can opt to buy the car through a dealer or liaise directly with the seller. Both options have its pros and cons. You may be able to gain valuable insights on the history of the car if you deal directly with the owner. Find out why the seller wishes to part with the car. If he or she is truthful, you'll have a better understanding on the shortcomings of the car. Don't forget to ask if there is any warranty remaining.

If you decide to purchase the car from a dealer, detectable faults would have been corrected. However, you may have to pay a higher price, which, in part, is the dealer's commission. Warranties are also available, but these will be in addition to the cost of the car.

Remember to factor in the availability and cost of spare parts, especially for older or less popular models. It is also important to find out if the car was ever involved in an accident.

The emergence of car auction portals in recent years provide a convenient alternative to buying a used car.

Buyers Beware
After much deliberation, you have finally decided on a car, but how sure are you of making the right choice? How can you ascertain the true worth of the car?

It is vital to look beyond the surface of a car. A polished, gleaming car is no assurance that it has not been mishandled. Whether you are buying the car from a dealer or an owner, it is advisable to bring the car for an evaluation. Some dealers will claim that they have sent the car for evaluation. They may be referring to preliminary used car inspections that are carried out for cars re-sold to dealers but these are not as thorough as the car evaluation service we provide for buyers. The preliminary used car inspection is superficial and gives the dealers a rough guide to the car's general condition. On the other hand, a complete car evaluation is a detailed assessment of the car's condition and employs sophisticated equipment to identify signs of damages that are not visible to the naked eye.

Having a used car evaluated before purchase is a common practice, and the seller/dealer should oblige. As such, do not be put off by excuses from the seller/dealer. Be wary if the seller/dealer does not agree to go for an evaluation. He or she may be hiding some information from you. Use the report as a leverage to bargain for a lower price or demand that the seller/dealer repair the defects that were detected, before you buy the car.

The Association provides the Used Car Pre-purchase Evaluation Service at a discount to members. Recognised and accepted by government bodies and financial institutions, the unbiased and professional check provides a detailed assessment of the condition of the car, regardless of its brand. After evaluating the car at great length, after including an inspection-line and hoist check, and road test, a detailed and comprehensive report is compiled and generated. In addition, we also discuss and dispense sound advice to help you attain an accurate judgement. For more information, please call our Technical Services Hotline at 746 0939.

Payment
Do not sign anything unless you have decided to buy the car. Ensure that all repair works are done before committing to the sale. Do not rely on verbal promises. Make sure that all conditions that accompany the sale are stated in the sales contract.

The Association also provides value-added services to facilitate car purchases. These include vehicle transfer services, road tax renewal services as well as competitive car financing and insurance packages. Call our Customer Services Dept at 831 2100 for more information. For insurance queries, please dial 831 2110.