Car is connected with the emotions of an average Indian. We go through many suggestions, advices from friends and family members before zeroing on any car. And when it is a second-hand car or used car, the process of chosing one can be overwhelming especially with apprehensions of being duped by the seller.
This desire to own a car has led to a thriving used car market. You can buy a used-car or a pre-owned car from an individual seller (a regular car owner), a broker, or a company.
However, you need to be attentive and cautious while pursuing those options. Read ahead to know more about things to know before buying a used car.
1) Engine
It is suggested to inspect the engine thoroughly. Check for leaks, corrosion, and cracked tubes. Also, look at the oil and transmission fluid using a dipstick. If you are unsure, do not hesitate to take help of a mechanic to inspect the engine.
2) Mileage
If the car is not too old but has major mileage issues, then it can be a result of deeper problems. Discuss the mileage with the seller in detail as it is difficult to inspect in one go.
3) Framing
While it is crucial to inspect the car closely, taking a step back and inspecting the car’s framing can tell a lot about the vehicle. Check if the car is placed evenly and confirm that there’s nothing loose near the undercarriage.
4) Tyres
Tyres are the only thing that makes a connection between the car and the road. The condition of the tyres can be good or bad depending on the usage. You can check for the uniformity of the tyres concerning wear and tear. If the tyres are not worn evenly, it can lead to alignment issues, which means the car might tend to drift in a direction while driving.
5) Test Drive
Test driving the car will give you a lot of insights related to its performance. Make it a point to drive the car on a highway, in narrow streets, take U-turns, etc. give special attention to the brakes. Driving the car for a considerable amount of time will tell you about its acceleration and suspension along with its ability to manoeuvre.
6) Maintenance Record
It is important to have a detailed conversation with the seller regarding the car’s maintenance history. If you get the well-maintained records, you can follow the same based on your usage. If you get a verbal history, you can analyse the extent to which the car needs servicing.
7) Check Registration Certificate & Insurance
Verify the authenticity of the vehicle’s registration certificate. It will have the owner’s name and the car’s details – engine number, chassis number, etc. The certificate should be original. If it is a duplicate one, it will be marked as DRC. In that case, speak to the seller about the DRC status and check, in which state was the car registered.
If you want to move to another state, the car needs to be registered with that state’s Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Your name should appear on the vehicle’s registration certificate after the purchase. Original purchase invoice, insurance, road tax receipt, and pollution certificate are other documents that are needed to be checked while buying a used car. If the car was financed, then form 35 and the financing company’s NOC are also crucial.
Note that any modification to the engine’s displacement or a change in the colour of the vehicle needs to be specified in the registration certificate.