Advice required on buying second-hand car

celiotte on 14/08/2015 - 13:17

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting a second-hand car as my first car (university student) with a budget of around 10k (partially funded by parents as they want me to get a decent car not a 4k disaster).

I was thinking of either getting one from a dealer or perhaps from carsales. With cars from carsales, I am aware that some people are very shady and the car require all sorts of tests and checks before making sure the car is fine and I have 0 knowledge about cars. So, any suggestions on what I should do?

Notes: I'm in Canberra (ACT) and looking to buy a manual (maybe auto) second-hand car 10k~, first car

Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you very much !

Automotive

Comments

  • jzx100 on 14/08/2015 - 13:29

    Get these guys to test your car before purchase: http://www.stateroads.com.au/

    If there's anything dodgy with the car they will pick it out straight away.

    What car are you looking at buying?

    • celiotte on 14/08/2015 - 13:40

      How would that work in a car dealing? Would I ask the current owner to allow me to borrow the car for a day and take it to get it checked? Do I ask him/her to do it themselves?

      My parents have been urging me towards a small car such as a yaris/suzuki swift etc but I don't really like the hatchback look so I'm still weighing my options…Don't have any in mind at the moment, always open to suggestions :)

      • steff on 14/08/2015 - 13:49
        +1

        Consider a Corolla if you don't mind the looks (doesn't look bad at all IMO). Excellent on petrol, cheap to service and legendary reliability.

        You should be able to get a 2007ish car with around 130Kish on the clock for less than 10K

        • moar bargains on 15/08/2015 - 18:09

          I second the corolla recommendation. I have a 2004 corolla and it's such a good car! Never skipped a beat. Really reliable, economical and very roomy inside.
          2001-2007 are all the same model, and you should be able to get one in that age range for under 10k.

      • idonteven on 15/08/2015 - 11:09
        +1

        You should get an integra type s. I got one recently and couldn't be happier.

        • celiotte on 15/08/2015 - 15:44

          two doors though, bit inconvenient, but looks sickk

        • idonteven on 15/08/2015 - 16:42
          +2

          @kennethmzh:

          3 doors because it's a hatch ;)

          How often would you be transporting people? I take the babyseat in and out of mine all the time. My wife complains but then vtec kicks in and she quiets down as the force from her head flying back into the headrest knocks her out.

  • geek001 on 14/08/2015 - 13:52
    +1

    I don't know much about cars either, but I have bought 2 second hand cars and they turned out ok, compared to the time I let my guard down and bought from a dealer. Here is the collection of advice that I have received over the years.

    Things I check for when I buy a second hand car:
    1. Check vehicle history to check if it has been written off before.
    2. If buying cars near 100,000kms on the odometer, check that the major service has been done, otherwise you might be in for $1000 service.
    3. Test drive the car to make sure the car doesn't shake a lot when idle at traffic lights or make loud noises when accelerating.

    Exterior
    1. No black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe.
    2. Check for rust, especially under doors, could be signs of water damage.
    3. Look at the side of vehicle from an angle, make sure the lines are straight. If they are not, it could be signs the car has been repaired before.

    Interior
    1. Check aircon and radio works. I test drove one car where the aircon was not working. The owner came clean after I mentioned it.
    2. Turn on indicator lights, make sure it is not clicking quickly, if it is, it is a sign there is a short somewhere in the car electrical system, might be just a blown lightbulb.

    • dasher86 on 14/08/2015 - 15:29

      check when the belts were last replaced.

    • celiotte on 14/08/2015 - 16:33

      Thank you, that will be extremely helpful !

    • jaykay on 14/08/2015 - 21:12
      +1

      Actually all diesels have black smoke coming out of exhaust when they accelerate at some point. It doesn't mean the engine is bad.
      It's BLUE smoke you need to be worried about.

      • idonteven on 15/08/2015 - 11:11

        And white smoke. Which could mean steam from water being burned off in engine (or something like that).

        • jaykay on 15/08/2015 - 11:47

          White smoke during start up cold start is normal you are right :)
          However if you still seeing white smoke after the car is warmed up say 30 min later you have a cracked head gasket :)

  • Zachary on 14/08/2015 - 13:53
    +3

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/3ozh0zgkm3ijy1h/Checklist%20summar…

    Use this checklist when buying any used car, or really any car(used or not) to be sure(I have references on the top so you verify them yourself - all I did was summarize it.

    I made this checklist when I went ahead with my rust bucket purchase as my commuter. ☺

    Print it out and take it with you or download it on your phone or something and bring the necessary equipment to test stuff.

  • victorwilson on 14/08/2015 - 17:28
    -1

    Canberra is quite a small market for used cars - for more options and/or price competition, it may be a better option to go up to Sydney or even Wollongong to look for cars.

  • TheOneWhoKnocks on 14/08/2015 - 18:37
    +1

    decent car not a 4k disaster

    You can't assume just because its 4k, its a 'disaster'. For example a $3000 Toyota Camry is going to be more durable and reliable than a $15000 Chery.

    • Scorpiogirl on 14/08/2015 - 19:34
      +1

      Exactly. Brand new cars can be a lemon too, sadly.

      • jaykay on 14/08/2015 - 21:13

        That's why brand new cars come with a 3 year warranty at least

        Used cars from private sellers have no warranty whatsoever

        • Scorpiogirl on 14/08/2015 - 21:26

          I am aware of that and with $10000 i would buy from a dealer due to the warranty. However, warranty or not, getting a lemon can be a nightmare getting it fixed again and again.

        • geek001 on 14/08/2015 - 22:43
          +1

          @Scorpiogirl: Buying from a dealer doesn't cover you automatically. I bought a car from a dealer, even paid extra for their extended warranty. During the first service 6 months later, it came out to about $700, with all the parts that needed replacing. They gave me some bullsh*t about the parts were wear and tear parts and not covered under warranty. I am not naming any names, but I am looking at you Centenary Mazda in Toowong QLD. This is just so cliche that you can't trust any used car salesman.

        • Scorpiogirl on 15/08/2015 - 05:48

          @geek001: You are saying what i am saying. I am confused. I know exactly what you mean. I have never believed in a warranty of any kind. They always have a way of blaming the consumer, twisting the rules or making it so difficult for you that you give up.

          Honestly, i cannot look a used car salesman in the eye. I wouldn't believe one word that comes out of their mouth. I dread entering a used car lot but i do enjoy knowing sometimes more than they do about cars. I keep that to myself though :) I feel for you. Known that to happen to plenty of people. The convenient, oh we don't cover that part, wear and tear. Or we cover 30% of the job but not the rest.

  • idonteven on 15/08/2015 - 11:15
    +1

    Your assumption about carsales and dealers are a bit naive.

    Dealers have ads on carsales all the time, so they are part of the shady crowd you've mentioned.

    Sometimes there are just good honest people selling their cars for honest reasons. Whilst dealers will usually try to take every cent from you. Best to be wary of both private and dealer. Bring a friend along with you who knows about cars and haggling and definitely get a pre purchase inspection done.

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