Steer clear of buyer’s remorse: Tips for purchasing a reliable used car

Many South Africans choose to buy a used car to stretch their rands a bit further. If you buy wisely, you can get a higher spec car for the same cost as a similar new car, avoid the steep depreciation in the car’s value associated with new vehicle purchases, and potentially reduce costs such as insurance. But buying the wrong used car can be an expensive nightmare.

You could, for example, buy a car that has a dodgy history of major accidents or which the previous owner didn’t maintain and service properly. In the worst case, repair and maintenance costs could be a major drain on your finances.

Ernest North, co-founder of Naked, the fully digital insurance platform, offers some tips about how to avoid buyer’s remorse.

1. Find out about the car’s history

Before you match up with a new car, it’s wise to know as much as you can about its past. How many owners has it had? A car with fewer owners will generally be in better shape. Also, ask to see the service history to check that the car has been properly maintained over the years. You’ll also want to check that the car doesn’t have any dirty secrets in its past, like serious accidents.

The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) has an online tool for people wanting to check the history of a used car they want to buy. You can use this website to query a car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) against the insurance industry’s vehicle salvage database (VSB). This will tell you all sorts of useful things, such as whether it has ever been written off.

2. Do your research about the make and model

If you have your eyes on a particular car, it’s worth doing some background reading about the make and model. Look at motoring forums and do a Google search to find out if there are specific issues that tend to arise with the model after a few years or several thousand kilometres.

3. Buy from someone you trust

Who you buy the car from matters as much as what you buy. A reputable dealer will usually be able to provide vehicle history reports and maintenance records, offer clear pricing and terms, and show some sort of high service standards. Most dealerships that sell new cars from the major brands will often also sell certified pre-owned vehicles, giving you a little more assurance that the car meets minimum quality standards.

4. Examine the car carefully

Before making an offer on a car, you’ll want to go over it with a fine tooth comb. Check carefully for mismatched paint, which might mean it was repaired following an accident. Look for little dents and scratches as well as rust, especially around wheel wells, under doors, and on the roof. Examine the tyres. Uneven wear on the tyres may suggest alignment or suspension issues. Worn tread may mean the tyres need to be replaced.

In addition to the exterior and the engine, examine the interior. Are there any lingering smells or stains? Do features like air conditioning, radio, and power windows work properly? If you identify any issues with the car that are potentially going to be expensive to fix down the line, you might want to walk away. When it comes to smaller problems, you can either ask for a discount or for the dealer to fix them.

5. Go for a proper test drive

You’ll want to take the car for a good test drive that gives you a chance to see how it performs on the open road as well as in traffic. Pay attention to how the car starts and idles. Keep an ear open for strange brake or engine noises that could be a sign of problems. The car should accelerate smoothly without shaking, and you shouldn’t have to push too hard on the brakes to get it to stop. Feel for vibrations that may indicate issues with the wheel bearings or alignment. Here’s a detailed list of what to look out for when test-driving a car.

6. Get a mechanic’s seal of approval

Before committing to a purchase, it’s wise to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic. This is especially important when buying voetstoots from a private seller or auctioneer. This will cost you upfront, but it can save you from buying a car with problems that cost a fortune later down the line. According to South African law, it is mandatory to possess a valid roadworthy certificate when selling a vehicle. Insist that the seller provides one.

7. Protect your investment

A car represents a significant investment and buying a dud could cause you years of inconvenience, high costs and disappointment. So take your time, do your research and ensure the car you’re buying fits your budget and your lifestyle. It’s also important to protect your investment in your car by getting insurance. If you’re financing the car, the lender will insist you get insurance before you drive away.

With today’s digital platforms, you can buy insurance on an app like Naked’s within a couple of minutes while you’re in the dealership. You’ll also be able to give the dealership proof of your insurance instantly by getting the documents sent straight from the app. This will give the peace of mind of knowing that you’re covered if your car gets stolen or you’re involved in an accident.

Buying a Quality Used Car and Safety on the Road

Advice on Buying a Quality Used Car, Roadworthiness and Safety on the Road https://t.co/RA39TrVk2G #ArriveAlive #UsedCars #VehicleBuying pic.twitter.com/lcxiuujhyR

– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 19, 2024