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| This car buying guide has all the information and advice that you will ever need to buy a car. Most of the people need advice about buying cars but don't have the courage to ask anyone. Fortunately, the internet has opened up a whole new universe to tips, tricks, and advice. Read this auto buying guide for tips that you should use in a car buying situation.
Once you have found a car that interests you, ask as many questions as you have about that.
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What is the condition of the interior? |
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Are there any dents or scratches on the body? |
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How often has oil been changed? |
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When were the brakes lest serviced? |
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Has the vehicle had its scheduled maintenance? |
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Has the timing chain or belt been replaced (only on cars with over 96,000 KM)? |
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| If the seller's answers are satisfactory, then schedule a time to meet with them to test drive the car. |
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| When you meet, inspect the car thoroughly. Write down the chassis number which can be found at the base of the dash on the driver's side. Check for uneven tire wear, this indicates a need for alignment. Check the paint for different tones and shades. If the paint on a certain body panel is brighter than other panels, that indicates that it has been replaced or previously damaged. In this situation, ask the seller about any accidents. When checking the interior of the car, use your sense of smell prior to anything else. Has the car been smoked in? Has the ash tray been used for tobacco ashes? Is the leather cracked or cut? Make sure that all of the power accessories work i.e. windows, locks seats, or sunroof. |
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| Once you begin the test drive check the seat position. Is the seat comfortable? Is this a car you would enjoy driving everyday? When you begin driving, roll down your window so you can hear all of the noises made by the car? If you hear a tapping or ticking sound, the valves may be bent which will require repair. If equipped with power steering, turn the wheel from side to side, and listen for a very loud belt squeal. Pump the brake pedal a few times and then press hard with your foot. If the car is equipped with ABS(anti break system), When making a sharp stop you will feel pulsations in the brake pedal and you will probably hear an unfamiliar sound moan coming from the car -this is expected. If the brake pedal slowly sinks all the way to the floor, there is either a leak in the line or the master cylinder/brake booster is dying. Shift into gear. If the car is an automatic, the transmission should engage immediately and shifts should be crisp and quick.
There should be no grinding or groaning sound of any kind from the transmission when you select gears. There should never be any strange vibrations in the steering wheel. |
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| Before you buy a used car, do some homework. It may save your money. Consider driving habits, what the car will be used for, and your budget. |
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| Be Unequivocally Clear About What You Want. |
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| Ask your self these questions before marching into the nearest dealership or private seller and plunking down your checkbook: |
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| Do I Drive Long Distances? |
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| Then consider comfort- cruise control, good stereo, air-and-fuel economy. |
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| Do I run a lot of Short Errands in Stop and Go Traffic? |
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| Smaller cars, power steering, automatic transmissions should be on your shopping list. |
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| Who Else Will I Share the Car With? |
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| Can my spouse handle a manual? Is there space for the kids? |
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| What About the gear? |
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| Can my spouse handle a manual? Is there space for the kids? |
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| What can I Afford? |
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| Don't forget additional costs like interest payments, if financing. Also, factor in insurance and registration costs, as well as the operational costs like fuel, parking, and routine maintenance. |
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| How long do I Plan to keep the car? |
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| If you are a new-car-every-two-years kind of person, it may be better to consider leasing option. If you're in it for the long haul, then consider reliability, reputation and depreciation. |
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| Air Conditioning and Automatic Climate Control |
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| Air conditioning is a wonderful option on a hot day, but it can increase fuel consumption by as much as 25%.Climate control is even more convenient - all you do is set the desired temperature, and system automatically regulates it for you. But the compressor works all day, even in the winter, thereby upping fuel consumption by an additional 5% over traditional air conditioning. |
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| Power options |
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| Power windows and locks, especially when centrally controlled by the driver are especially handy and can even be a safety feature (when driving) if there are kids in the back seat. These do not use much power and are relatively cheap options. Aluminum Wheels: These tend to be lighter and more rust resistant than their steel counterparts. Steel tends to be stronger, but added weight adds to fuel consumption. |
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| Cruise Control |
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| This is a good option to have. A constant speed on the highway saves fuel, and having your foot on the pedal for long hours can add to fatigue. Also, setting it at the speed limit can save you a few bucks on speeding tickets- I found this out the hard way. Cautionary note: DO NOT use in heavy traffic. |
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| Fuel Efficiency |
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| When you need to buy your next automobile, make sure that fuel economy doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Buying a compact car with good gas mileage is both friendly to the environment and saves your money. You will enjoy the savings throughout the life of the vehicle. There is a lot to consider when buying a car. If you are buying a used car the condition of the clutch, brakes, engine and transmission will play a huge role in how much that car will cost to operate. |
| Make sure that fuel efficiency plays a role in your decision making. If you emerge from the car buying process with a fuel efficient car, you will burn up less cash in your tank and have more money to spend things that mater. |
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| Take advantage of what is known |
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| When it comes to vehicle maintenance, the one thing you can easily and accurately predict is how much oil you are going to use. Oil prices may fluctuate but most people can spend a week or two logging their oil consumption and get a good idea of how many liters they use. If you don't already track your oil consumption, you can use this information when purchasing a car. |
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| Many people buy cars privately rather than dealer. You can often save money going this route, however, keep in mind that if you have problems with the vehicle it may be difficult, if not impossible to get any assistance or compensation from the vendor. Here are some more tips on how to get the best deal when buying a used car. Its "buyer-beware" when purchasing a used car, so be sure to take it to your mechanic for an inspection before handing over any money. If he finds the vehicle unsafe or in need for repairs, determine who will pay for them beforehand and include this in your written agreement. |
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| Check for liens against the vehicle. A lien means that the money is owed on the vehicle and although the vendor is in possession of the vehicle, its legal claim belongs to someone else, such as a bank. If you buy a vehicle with a lien against it, you might be held responsible for future payment. Legislation differs across jurisdictions on the consequence of buying a vehicle with a lien. It's possible that the new owner may be required to pay the money owed or alternately you may risk having the vehicle seized. Ensure that the person you buy the car from is its registered owner.
If you decide to buy a vehicle from a private seller, understand that he could be in the business of reselling poor quality, stolen and rebuilt vehicles. Some of these people, frequently referred to as "curbers" or "curbsiders" may be involved with any number of other scams, such as tampering with the odometer or selling vehicle with liens against them. The risk of curbsiders' scams makes it especially important that you get the used vehicle checked by a mechanic. You may want to question a mechanic you know and trust to see if the odometer has been rolled back. They can often tell by comparing wear and tear with the odometer reading.
Remember that you don't have the right to change your mind after a sale such as this. If you have problems with the vehicle it will most likely be impossible to get any assistance or compensation from the vendor.
Yes, buying privately can save you a lot of money.
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| The "As Is" factor may be a problem. |
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| When you buy privately, you're agreeing to purchase the car "as is". That means there's no recourse if you discover later that the car has a major problem. The person who sold it to you may have given you a temporary phone number or false address, so it's best to check the car out thoroughly before buying. |
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| Unless the car is still under warranty, there are no guarantees. |
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| After buying the car, if you decide the car isn't right for you, you won't be able to exchange or return it. Private parties can't offer the guarantees that come with most vehicles purchased at car lots. |
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| Cars sold through private parties tend to go quickly. |
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| In other words, you have to move fast to get the best deals. |
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| Last week's news paper |
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| may be too old a source for this market. Be one of the
first to call, and arange a meeting in a public place during daylight hours so you can see those scratches on the doors and body.
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| You're more likely to buy a stolen vehicle, a car that has been in an accident, or a "salvaged" vehicle from a private party. |
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| Although it's possible to find cars of this type in a lot, a reputable company will try to steer clear of such vehicles. Note: a "salvaged" car is one that, according to insurance companies, is not worth repairing. In other words, it has been damaged to the point of being "totaled". |
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| Financing is more difficult to arrange with a private; in fact, you may
be asked to pay cash.
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| It's understandable why most private parties will not accept a cheque, so be prepared to pay for the car with cash. Also, since you will most likely be dealing with a total stranger, it's a good idea to bring a friend with you - preferably someone who knows something about cars.
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| Dealer and classified private sales are not the only options available to the car buyer. Shop around for the best method that suits you. Here are a few other choices that are worth considering: |
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| Auctions |
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| Bulk selling of anything from nearly new stock, to rental fleets and unwanted trade-ins, can wield some serious bargains for private buyers who do their homework.
With little or no opportunity to test-drive the car, or contact previous owners, it's a risky route, and there's little legal protection. If you're new to auctions, it's always best to take along an experienced buyer or someone who knows about cars and do a dry run first.
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| Car Supermarket |
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| A growing trend in motor retailing, car supermarkets offer a pile them high sell 'em cheap buying experience. Now new, near the new, excess dealers stock and importers are all offered for less than you'll pay at a main dealer.
Auctions are limited, and stock is rarely any thing other than 'bread and butter' models. They may be cheap, but car super markets rarely offer the after sale-sales spot and warranty that you'll get from a dealer. Discounts are unusual too.
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| Imports |
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| New and used Japanese & UK imports allow buyer access to models not available in Pakistan. They may offer better specifications, but many models differ significantly for respective markets.
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| Internet |
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| The information given on internet about the selling & buying of vehicles have become a viable option for finding your new vehicle, and the prime source for locating used, new and nearly new cars.
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| Diesel or Petrol |
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| It used to be a clear-cut decision; diesel for economy, petrol if you wanted to enjoy driving a car. Nowadays however, things are very different, and thanks to huge advances in diesel technology, there is a viable alternative to the petrol machinery that has dominated for so long. It's all go down to what strengths you are after in a car.
What's so great about diesels?
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They're far more economical than petrol engines. |
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They're cleaner, with lower emissions, especially CO2 |
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They have better 'pull' in the gears, reducing the need for gear changing |
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| Diesel technology has come on in leaps and bounds over the past few years. Nowadays, turbo diesels are common place, with only small or cheaper old used cars doing without one. It's well worth spending the extra to get a turbo-diesel, as both performance and economy will be better than non-turbo models, and they'll be nicer overall to drive, too.
Modern direct-injection and common-rail systems are also worth looking out for they improve performance and economy even further, and are often quieter, smoother and less 'smoky' than older, less advanced systems.
We're not saying petrol has its day. Certainly, superior 0-96km per hour times mean sporty driver needs not consider any thing else, while those after a luxury car may be disappointed by the extra vibrations and noise under acceleration offered by diesels. What's so great about petrol?
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| Petrol engines are quieter, more responsive and faster than diesel engines. |
| They're generally cheaper to service. |
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| Diesel technology may be making the headlines, but petrol engine technology advancement has been just as impressive. Emissions too, have dropped significantly and petrol engines don't need the additional soot filters that are fitted to diesel power cars. |
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| Buying a used car can be a risky experience, so it is best to be fully aware of your rights. |
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| Dealers |
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| If you are going to buy from a dealer, then your car must be: |
| Of satisfactory quality, bearing in mind its age and what it costs. It should be free from defects, other than those you were made aware of. |
| As described, if the dealer says it's a 2.0-liter, and it's actually a 1.7-liter, you can reject the car. It's an increasingly common problem, as few modern cars have "engine size" badges. |
| Fit for any reasonable purpose. The car should do all that you reasonably accept of it. If you need a car for towing, for example, and the dealer says a 1.0-litter super mini will be fine, you can reject the car if it struggles. However, if you pay for the car to be inspected, the dealer is not responsible for any faults that the inspections should have found. It is always good to get a statement on the car's condition from the dealer. However, if you believe that your car has a fault, and wish to pay it further with the dealer, you must stop using the car immediately, and contact the dealer directly. You also need to flow this up in writing, providing evidences of any problems. |
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| Private |
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| You have far less legal come back when buying privately. The only obligation for sellers is to describe the car truthfully-but even if they don't, getting compensation from them can be difficult, time consuming and costly. However, you can still expect a car to be owned by the person who is selling it- if you later find out its been stolen, you have no legal right to keep it. |
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| Over the phone |
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| As private sellers are under no obligation to reveal a car's history, or offer proof of any checks, obligation is very much on the buyer to determine a car's past.
The first phase of this process is conducted over the phone and if you get it right, it can save a lot of hassle and wasted time.
Questions you must ask:
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How long have they owned the car? |
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Have they owned it from the time it was new? If not, how many previous owners are there? |
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Why are they selling it? |
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What is the mileage? What features does the car have? In their opinion, what sort of condition is it in? |
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Is there any outstanding finance or hire purchase agreement? |
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Has it been involved in any accident damage and if so, which parts were damaged? Where was it repaired? Have they replaced anything in it recently? Has it been modified in any way? |
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Price should be negotiable-are they open to responsible and fair offers? |
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| Driving Test |
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| It might sound silly, but you'd be surprised how many test drivers allow the salesperson to take the wheel. The best case scenario is being able to hit the road on your own; or, even better, with a friend. That way, if the salesperson insists on coming along, your friend can take the passenger seat and you can put the sales person in the backseat where he will be less likely to influence your opinion. Time required to test a car is minimum 20 to 30 minutes. |
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| Here's how: |
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Your test drive should last a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes and take you over familiar terrain (so you can focus on how the car feels). Drive through both light and heavy traffic, smooth and rough roads, as well as hills and curves. How smoothly does the car drive? How responsive is it to gas and steering input? Do the brakes respond well? How does it handle compared to other cars you've driven (including last one)? |
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Here is a safety check that should be considered when test driving a new car: how well can you see the road? Does the windshield - plus the side and back windows give you an adequate view of your surroundings, or do you feel yourself straining to see? |
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A well-built car is a quiet car. You should be able to carry on a conversation with your test -driving friend without raising your voice. If someone is sitting in the backseat, try talking to him. Can you hear this person without having to strain, or is engine/wind/road noise overpowering the conversation? |
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Park the car in a few tight and open spots - is it difficult to maneuver? Take the car into a parking lot and try it out there. Does it reverse easily, without jerking or clunking? |
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Take the car into an open space - an empty parking lot will do. Try turning the wheel as far as it will go. Does the car turn tightly, allowing you to perform U-turns and other maneuvers easily? Or does it turn like a semi? |
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This point is closely linked to the last one. How does the steering feel? Dose the wheel turn easily when in tight spots, or are you getting an upper -body workout? Conversely, is the steering tight and centered when on the highway, or does it feel so loose it diminishes your sense of confidence and safety? |
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Drive along a deserted street and try out the brakes several times. Do an emergency type of stop, as if you've suddenly seen a child run onto the road ahead. How well does the car respond in such situations? It shouldn't swerve (unless you're going very fast) or get out of control. |
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Does the interior of the car make sense to you? Can you easily find the controls including those for wipers, lights, windows, locks, stereo and climate control, etc.? Are the controls intuitive in the way that they function, or awkward and difficult to manage while driving? |
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Typically at the end of a test drive, the dealer will try to engage you in further conversation, even negotiations. If you are not ready to take the car, avoid falling for this quick-sale trick. Instead, thank the dealer and leave. |
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Don't give him your phone number, or any other personal information. You need time to try out other cars as well as dealerships. Say you'll think about it. Remember not to feel beholden to a salesperson. It's his job to allow you to take as long as you like to test the vehicle even if it means you might end up not buying it after all. |
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