Buying a second-hand car is a good option if you are shopping for a car on a budget, however, there are precautions to be taken into account.
Many people have been opting for second-hand vehicles for several reasons, this is according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers South Africa (NAAMSA). Since prices for new cars are always on the rise, even more people will be considering second-hand cars. While these cars are an economic option, some sellers don’t disclose mechanical damage to the car. As a result, the overall costs incurred by the buyer in the end often result in exorbitant amounts of money. But this is not just only one possible concern, the following are tips to take into consideration.
Researching a pre-owned car dealership
If you are buying a car from a local or ‘unknown brand’ dealership, you should contact the Retail Motor Industry of South Africa (RMI) to assist you with information on local car dealerships that are members of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). It is also advisable to run your investigations using social media to see what other people have to say about a dealership or if you can trace any trustworthy information to help you make an informed decision before dealing with a dealer.
Research the actual value of a used car
You can use TransUnion’s Car Value Report system to get some insight into the trade-in and retail value of a used vehicle. This is also known as the ‘book value’. The ‘book’ refers to TransUnion’s monthly Auto Guide, which lists vehicles from A to Z in terms of their original retail price compared to how the value of the car has depreciated. This platform can help ensure that you are not paying more than you should for a car. Having the TransUnion report might help you negotiate a better price on the car you’d like to buy.
Check if the second-hand car is not stolen
Whether you’re buying from a private person or a dealership, you have a right to check whether a vehicle is stolen, or has been stolen and recovered in the past. A vehicle verification will help you to see the status of the car you’re considering buying. All you need is the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which can be found on a copy of a NaTIS which the dealer should supply you with. It is also advisable to get someone you trust who is knowledgeable about the car buying process, particularly if you’re buying privately, to avoid being scammed.
Run a car inspection
Buying a used car means you’re making a wager on the vehicle’s mechanical history. But you can limit unexpected repair and maintenance expenses if you determine the actual condition of the car through an independent check-up.
When buying a used car online, for example, Buy Safe Sell Safe can assist you with a DEKRA-test and inspection as well as ownership ‘certified by TransUnion’. You can also ask a private seller to provide you with a DEKRA test certificate, which can be conducted for a nominal fee at vehicle roadworthy testing centres countrywide.
Additional tips:
Make sure you read and understand all the documentation before you sign anything.
If you are not sure of certain clauses, take it home and get a knowledgeable person to go through them with you and explain the details to you.
Be patient and keep in mind that it’s your time and your money. Don’t let anybody rush you into a decision.
Keep copies of all your documents you are requested to sign as well as the invoice, roadworthy document, and insurance contracts and certificates.
Always check the vehicle’s VIN with the agents to verify that you get the exact vehicle as specified on the invoice.
