Buying a car

Buying a new car is always safe as it comes with the warranty. But you can save lot of money by purchasing an old one. However buying a used car is risky unless if you don’t evaluate the car carefully before purchase. So follow these simple steps in your used car buying process.

Selecting the right car

Hatchback, Sedan or Four-wheel Dive
If you want the car to be very economical, hatchback car with a small engine should be your choice.
You would be comfortable with a sedan model, to provide day to day simple transportation for your family.
Four-wheel drives and cars with high engine capacity consume more fuel.

Manual or Automatic
Manual cars need less maintenance work and repairs also much cheaper than automatic and it’s slightly economical too.

Where to look for cars?

Advertisement in weekend news papers and magazines may helpful in searching cars. But internet is useful as you can watch photographs and get the basic idea before going for the inspection.

Making an inquiry over the phone

Here are the questions to ask.

• Who is the legal owner of the car?

• When did you buy the car and how many previous owners are there?

• Inquire about the interior, Exterior and mechanical condition.

• Ask the selling price and possibility of making a negotiation.

• And finally ask the reason for selling the car.

How to prepare for the inspection?

• Do some research? Read magazines, reports, and websites where you can get some data about the car market, prices, fuel consumption, maintenance cost, etc.

• Take someone who knowledgeable for the inspection.

• It’s always better to negotiate for the price reductions at the beginning.

• Don’t forget to match the sellers name with details of the log-book. And check the engine number, chassis number as well.

• The purpose of a test drive is to examine the running condition as closely as possible.

• Make sure you spend enough time to examine the car.

Used car inspection tips

• Take few minutes to walk around car and get the basic idea. All the panels, bodywork, head lights, doors and bumpers should line up evenly. If the car hasn't been involved with many accidents you can clearly see the perfect reflection in body panels. Cars with wavy panels or having uneven gaps between panels should be avoided.

• Open and close the doors to check they function smoothly without any creaks.

• Check the car for rust and corrosion. (Some rust may be possible if the car is older than 7 - 10 years.). Draw your attention to the underside of the car where rust can not be easily spotted.

• Check the car interior for scratches and rips. Check all electric components (lights, windows, wiper etc.)

• Wheels and tires should match the car model. (Cars with extra large alloy wheels should be avoided)

• Check the fluid levels and possible oil leaks. If the engine bay is very clean, check it again after the test drive. It should be clean and dry even after the test drive.

• Open the oil cap and look inside the oil filter neck. If you find lot of brown oil sludge inside, engine is damaged or it hasn’t been maintained well.

• Engine should start easily and idle smoothly. Never buy cars that have unusual noises from the engine.

• Check the exhaust for blue (Gasoline/Petrol Engines) or black (Diesel Engines) smoke. Don’t buy a car with excessive smoke. And the exhaust should be quiet without any rattles.
• Gears should engage smoothly in all gears.

• Accelerate hard in a high gear to examine the clutch. If it starts to slip clutch is not in a good condition.