Ten questions to ask when buying a pre-owned car
9 October, 2023
How heavy is it on fuel?
With fuel prices at an all time high, a vehicle’s fuel consumption is now more important than ever. A vehicles fuel consumption is based on a number of factors and although smaller cars are generally lighter on fuel, that is not always the case. Do your research on this point as it could save you thousands of rands across the lifespan of the vehicle.
Does it come with a roadworthy certificate?
A roadworthy certificate is needed to register a pre-owned vehicle onto your name and it is also a good indication of the vehicle’s condition as the roadworthy test includes a thorough inspection of various vehicle components.
What extras are included with the purchase?
Be sure to ask what extras are included with your pre-owned vehicle purchase. For example all cars sold through Kia Konfidence are sold with complimentary roadside assistance, which adds additional peace of mind to the purchase.
Does it come with a service or maintenance plan?
Many new cars are sold with a service or maintenance plan, which mean that services or routine maintenance will be covered by the manufacturer for the duration of this plan. These plans are also transferred to the new owner when the vehicle is sold and buying a pre-owned vehicle with the balance of a service or maintenance plan in place could can represent a significant saving on running costs.
Are there any known maintenance issues?
Be sure to ask if there are any known maintenance issues. This could include future items that need replacing such as shocks, a windscreen or tyres. If these items were recently replaced, that could represent a significant saving in the short and medium term.
Has the car been in any accidents?
While well repaired parking lot bumps and scrapes or even minor bumper bashings are no reason for concern, vehicles that have been in major accidents should be carefully inspected to ensure that they have ben repaired correctly. If you are considering buying such a vehicle it would be a good idea to have it subjected to an independent assessment by a company such as Dekra or even by a manufacturer approved panel beater.
Can I take it for a test drive?
Test driving a vehicle is a critical part of the car buying process as it allows you to get a feel for its performance as well as listen out for any issues such as strange noises or vibrations. The test drive also allows you to discern if the car is comfortable to drive in your seating position and is fit for your specific usage requirements, which is a very important part of choosing your next car.
Buying a pre-owned car is a great way of driving your dream car at a significantly reduced price. However, it is important to ask the right questions during the shopping process to ensure that you are getting the best deal and the best example of that particular model of car, as well as good value for your money.
These 10 questions will be a great help when buying a used car.
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