
A car is one of the biggest investments you are ever going to make. So, it is crucial that you go into the purchasing process with a clear idea of what you want and what you can afford. After all, you wouldn’t want a car salesperson to take advantage of the gaps in your knowledge.
To help you make the right vehicle choice for you, read on for four things to know before buying a pre-owned car.
1. Research to protect yourself from buyer’s remorse
No matter what you are spending your hard-earned cash on, there is nothing worse than having buyer’s remorse. Therefore, when it comes to something as big as a car, you want to do everything in your power to avoid feeling as though you have made the wrong decision. Undoubtedly, the best way to protect yourself from buyer’s remorse is to conduct thorough research, so that you are aware of all your options.
Usually, dealerships have online inventories, which makes it easy for you to start looking at the models you are potentially interested in as well as knowing what is available. Take it a step further, and read through forum posts by those who already own the car, understand the specs and ascertain how other users’ feel about its reliability.
Whatever you do, don’t go into a dealership lacking a mental list of what you want from your next car.
2. Always go for a test drive
Just because you are purchasing a pre-owned car, does not mean that you want to skip out on the pre-checks. For every vehicle that you are considering, make sure to go on a test drive, as there is no other way to know how you feel behind its wheel.
During the test drive, pay attention to your comfort level, as well as the subtle nuances of the way it runs. Drive it along different roads and do a mixture of movements to observe how the car responds to your command.
Moreover, take the time to inspect the body of the vehicle, as well as the engine. Examine the engine thoroughly, looking out for any leaks or other signs of wear and tear.
If you don’t know too much about cars, then take an expert along with you (a mechanic or friend) whose educated input can be taken into consideration. Finally, don’t forget to request a copy of the maintenance and repair work the car has received. Take note of any replacements or work that has been done.
3. Balance cost and value
For obvious reasons (a full warranty and lack of miles), new cars tend to be a lot more expensive than used ones. However, if a pre-owned vehicle is not in tip-top shape, potential repair costs can quickly add up. This can make it a lot more expensive than you initially thought.
Therefore, if you choose to go the pre-owned route, it is essential that you know what you are getting yourself into. To avoid any expensive surprises, before signing any paperwork, make sure you conduct adequate research, and ensure that the car undergoes a meticulous inspection.
In addition to the cost of the car, you also want to consider its value. It is generally believed that the moment a buyer drives it off the lot, a new car’s value declines by as much as 11 percent.
For this reason, usually, it is the original owner who takes the burden for the most significant depreciation which gives buying a used car a considerable advantage over purchasing a brand new one. Keep in mind that (depending on its state), you may be in a position to sell it for a comparable amount that you are paying for it in a few years.
4. Always buy from a certified pre-owned car dealer
More important than anything is that you opt to purchase your vehicle from a certified pre-owned car dealer. Unfortunately, there are a wide array of risks when buying from non-certified dealers. Not to mention that their shady dealings can put your finances and safety in jeopardy.
Instead, by purchasing from dealers offering certified pre-owned cars, or independent used car companies, you can be assured that the vehicle and operations are above board and honest.
The best pre-owned car dealers in Dubai ensure that every single one of their vehicles goes through a rigorous multi-point inspection and passes their quality standards. Additionally, they often provide fantastic exchange and buyback offers, as well as an exclusive warranty that covers your car for a significant amount of time or miles. This greatly helps in reducing any fears surrounding your purchase, as you can be assured that they will help you should anything go wrong.
Have you recently purchased a pre-owned car? If so, do you have any additional tips to share with our readers? If you are in the market for a used car, with what do you need help?
Let us know in the comments below!
This article was written by Mahesh Rohra, the Director of Arabian Automobiles LLC – AW Rostamani Automotive Group, a trailblazer in the automotive fraternity with a legacy of over 50 years. AUTOTRUST by AW Rostamani is the largest automotive multi-brand one-stop shop in the UAE where you can buy and sell quality pre-owned cars.