Buying a Used Car: Things to Think About

by Ronel Forbes

February 3, 2022

Some people buy a used automobile to practice their driving skills before purchasing a new one, while others do so due to financial restrictions. An automobile is a car, regardless of the reason for its purchase, and it is often beloved to its owner.

A thriving used car market has resulted from this desire to own a car. An individual seller (a regular automobile owner), a broker, or a firm can sell you a used or pre-owned car.

Famous vehicle companies have entered the used-car market in recent years, and the Philippine organized used-car industry is booming. As a result, you have a wide range of options. While pursuing those possibilities, though, you must be watchful and cautious.

Read on to learn more about what you should know before purchasing a used automobile.

Several Factors to Consider Before Buying A Used Car in the Philippines

Because of the complications involved, conducting a thorough inspection of the vehicle becomes even more important when purchasing a used car. As a result, keep the points listed below in mind as a checklist.

The following is a checklist for purchasing a used car.

Take a look at the car’s condition

Getting into tiny nuances to arrive at a purchase decision is critical once you’ve narrowed down the car. If you are familiar with the technical aspects of a car, you can inspect it yourself or seek assistance from a reputable mechanic.

From the outside, things may appear normal; however, a skilled mechanic will be able to determine whether there was a cover-up on the outside and whether the engine, as well as other parts, is worth the price.

Listed below is a checklist of things to look for and inspect when buying a used car in the Philippines.

Interior – Take a look at the car’s upholstery. Check for any rips or stains on the front and back seats. If the car contains electronic things such as a music system, monitor, or other similar items, test them out to see if they work.
Exterior – Examine the vehicle from all perspectives. At first sight, things may appear to be in good shape, but closer scrutiny reveals a different image. Keep an eye out for rust and paint damage.
Framing – However, while a thorough inspection is essential, taking a step back and inspecting the car’s structure can tell you a lot about the vehicle. Check to see if the car is evenly spaced and if there is anything loose near the undercarriage.
Tires – Depending on the usage, the tires can be in good or bad shape. You may check for wear and tear uniformity of the tires by looking at them. If the tires aren’t worn evenly, alignment issues can occur, causing the car to drift in one direction while driving.
Engine – It is recommended that the engine be thoroughly inspected. Examine the tubes for leaks, corrosion, and cracks. Using a dipstick, examine the oil and transmission fluid.
Mileage – If the car isn’t too old but has a lot of mileage, it could be a sign of more serious issues. Discuss the mileage in detail with the seller because it is difficult to inspect everything at once.
Test Drive – Test driving the car will provide you with a wealth of information about its capabilities. Make it a point to drive the automobile on a highway, tiny streets, U-turns, and other situations when the brakes are particularly important.
Driving the car for an extended period of time will reveal its acceleration and suspension, as well as its maneuverability.

Records of maintenance:

Some car owners keep meticulous records of their vehicle’s maintenance. The receipts have been filed, and the dates have been noted.

Some owners, on the other hand, are unconcerned about keeping track of their transactions. They keep track of the number of visits to the service center over the course of a year, as well as the type of service provided.

Have a thorough discussion with the seller about the car’s previous upkeep. As long as you have well-maintained records, you can use them as you wish.

You can assess the extent to which the car requires maintenance if you obtain a spoken history.

Also, read: Car Insurance: Difference Between Private and Commercial

Car Insurance:

The former car insurance must be transferred to the new owner’s name when purchasing a second-hand car. It is the buyer’s responsibility to get it transferred if the seller does not do so proactively. If the car insurance is not transferred to the new owner’s name and the vehicle is involved in an accident or other unfortunate events, there may be legal issues.

It’s also worth looking into the extent of the insurance coverage. You must determine whether the active insurance coverage is a Third-party Liability or a Comprehensive policy.

If you believe your current insurance policy needs to be strengthened, you can consider appropriate car insurance Add-ons when renewing.

Furthermore, you can choose to purchase a new policy for yourself by canceling your current one. In the Philippines, driving without a valid car insurance policy is a criminal offense, so make sure you have at least the required third-party policy.

The alternative option is to get a Comprehensive policy, which provides comprehensive Own Damage coverage.

Additional Considerations

Why Should Car Ownership Be Transferred?

The new car owner’s information should appear on the registration certificate of the vehicle. You’ll need to follow the protocol in your area to accomplish this.

The transfer of ownership process is also handled by the broker or used-car company in the case of a broker or used-car company.

Dive Deeper:

Spending some time considering the following topics will assist you in making the best automobile decision possible.

The Vehicle’s Age:

After five years, automobiles are known to misbehave. The used car may require repairs after a few years, and its maintenance costs may rise.

There’s a chance the automobile won’t see much use but would spare parts be readily available if it was manufactured five years ago?

In comparison, one may afford to buy a new automobile and not utilize it properly, but purchasing a used car without a long-term plan in mind can be counterproductive. Consider it carefully.

Finance:

It is an expense, whether you buy a new car or a used car. This, like any other large expense, must be planned. Loans, interest rates, used car exchange value, and other aspects should all be considered carefully before purchasing a used car.

How much will you spend to fix a used car for ‘x’ amount if it needs to be repaired? Do you want to make it your own or add accessories to it?

What are the total costs of these new expenses? These are some of the questions you’ll need to answer in order to manage your finances when buying a used car.