Buying Slightly Used Kia Cerato from a Dealer. Advice?

voteoften on 04/01/2017 - 23:19

I need a new car and I always pay cash for depreciating consumer items. I've decided to go cheaper as I have a number of expenses coming up and I don't ever want to be cut short.

The Kia Cerato sounds like it will fit my needs, due to the warranty and the safety rating. I'm looking at buying one from a dealer here in Perth.

This is a cheaper used car. Do the same rules apply in so far as waiting until towards the end of the month? This car will likely be $16-20k. Maybe more. So I doubt there is that much room for movement. Any advice on this?

I'm also wondering if there are any traps I should be aware of that have nothing to do with price. If I buy from a dealer, I don't have to worry about title or it being written off or anything if that nature.

How can I educate myself as to what the warranty actually covers? Does it include brakes? Starters, alternators, air conditioning those sorts of things. As the warranty in contingent on getting it serviced regularly, I assume that belts and those types of things will be changed regularly.

If anyone has any advice on how I can predict resale between the different variations - S,SI, SLI and premium I'd appreciate being pointed in that direction.

I'm looking to buy in the next 7-10 days unless I get strong feedback to wait. Any advice I can get would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Automotive

Comments

  • spackbace on 04/01/2017 - 23:36
    +3

    This is a cheaper used car. Do the same rules apply in so far as waiting until towards the end of the month? This car will likely be $16-20k. Maybe more. So I doubt there is that much room for movement. Any advice on this?

    Carsales - search price low -> high. Compare kms. That will tell you if it's already a reasonable price or not. Don't choose the best value for money one and expect a 20% haircut. Won't happen, dealership has priced it according to the market.

    I'm also wondering if there are any traps I should be aware of that have nothing to do with price. If I buy from a dealer, I don't have to worry about title or it being written off or anything if that nature.

    Still worth doing your checks, or ask to see theirs. We do checks on everything when it first initially gets valued, and again when it actually comes into stock (you'd be surprised the number of people that think their car has clear title because they didn't check it when they bought it)

    How can I educate myself as to what the warranty actually covers? Does it include brakes? Starters, alternators, air conditioning those sorts of things. As the warranty in contingent on getting it serviced regularly, I assume that belts and those types of things will be changed regularly.

    Factory warranty covers bumper to bumper except fair wear and tear and consumables. It won't cover tyres, or damage etc. Won't cover a faulty battery.

    Look for a full service history, check the tyres, make sure there's plenty of tread

    If anyone has any advice on how I can predict resale between the different variations - S,SI, SLI and premium I'd appreciate being pointed in that direction.

    Look up similar models on carsales that are 1yp, 3yo etc. Compare them.

    I'm looking to buy in the next 7-10 days unless I get strong feedback to wait. Any advice I can get would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

    Everyone has monthly targets but all dealerships work on age of stock. If the car has been in the yard for a while, advertised price will be competitive with little margins in it. Look over the car, make sure there's no particular reason why the car has sat their that long. Some yards recon their cars more than others (fix scratches, replace tyres etc).

    • voteoften on 04/01/2017 - 23:55

      Thanks spacebace. You are always very helpful.

      Maybe you could just clarify two things. First, brakes probably wouldn't be covered, but air con would? Engine valves and auto window mechanisms would be covered?

      Second, where do I double check if there is clear title? Sorry if this sounds stupid but this is the first time I've had to deal with this. Lol

  • Cheapsize on 05/01/2017 - 00:06

    If you buy a cerato for 20k you should look at brand new as I got mine for 22k auto with a stack of options thrown in.
    Good car, the warranty doesnt cover wear and tear items like tyres brake pads wipers fluids spark plugs and air con gas. Otherwise it should also include roadside assist.
    Alternatively a second hand corolla can be good if you are looking for a station wagon version for comparable price second hand. The hatch is junk as it's so small, looks terrible and has absolutely no power. MY 16 onwards for corolla are great for hatches however.
    The Hyundai i30 is also a good option as it's basically a cerato with a slightly better interior.
    They also have great resell value.
    Good luck

    • spackbace on 05/01/2017 - 00:38
      +1

      I'd actually recommend not buying a brand new base model S

      Quick search on Carsales shows ex-rentals flood the market, causing big drop in resale in the first year or 2. The upper models don't suffer this because there's no ex-rentals of them.

      If you want the S model, buy a 1yo one that's depreciated about $5000 (or >25%!)

      • voteoften on 05/01/2017 - 01:19

        I'm looking at a used Premium one. I'm looking at it tomorrow. I just need a car and the warranty appeals to me greatly, as does fixed cost servicing and the smallish size. I'm actually excited.

        • spackbace on 05/01/2017 - 01:32
          +2

          Make sure the car ticks the boxes, warranty isn't everything. Make sure you actually like, maybe even enjoy the car!

  • poppit88 on 05/01/2017 - 01:35

    Go to a little site called www.redbook.com.au

    According to my source, it's the same site the dealerships use to determine trade in and pricing for second hand vehicles.

    I found it particularly useful having just purchased a second hand car myself.

    Frankly, I'd be driving a hard bargain for any second hand vehicle. Between my own local site, gumtree, and carsales the market is awash with 2nd hand cars. It's pot luck and pure luck that you ever achieve a sale in this sector of the market.

    Why anyone would walk in and buy a car new is beyond me.

    In fact, I scoured any ad still lying around that was between a month to three months old. The number still sitting there was astounding.

    • spackbace on 05/01/2017 - 01:56
      +2

      According to my source, it's the same site the dealerships use to determine trade in and pricing for second hand vehicles.

      Negative. Never ever gets consulted

      In the case of my dealership, Carsales in consulted to check market price (ie what do we think we can sell it for), then subtract overheads, profit margin and whatever needs to be spent on the car to get it up to acceptable condition. End result = your trade price.

      Unless it's a car that will be wholesaled, in which case the wholesale yards are called and we see what they'd buy your car for. That price is your trade price.

      Redbook is for the government to monitor stamp duty prices. Nothing more nothing less.

  • pantsparty on 05/01/2017 - 09:26
    +1

    If you are already going to spend almost $20k on a used Kia, I think you are better off spending a couple of extra $k and getting a new Hyundai i30. They are well equipped and a solid car with better resale value and capped price servicing also.

  • RockyRaccoon on 05/01/2017 - 11:38

    If anyone has any advice on how I can predict resale between the different variations - S,SI, SLI and premium I'd appreciate being pointed in that direction.

    Depends on how long you keep the car.

    I have found the base models keep their value more than upmarket ones.

    When it comes to secondhand, price is always very important. A car that cost $20K, vs the $25K, doesnt get the same, secondhand, but over time the gap reduces.

    • voteoften on 05/01/2017 - 14:13

      Yes, I'm going to look at a used base model. I was thinking about this last night.

    • Euphemistic on 07/02/2017 - 15:27

      I'd agree, once the car is a couple of years old the 'value' of the extras from a premium spec is next to nothing, it largely comes down to condition and kms.

  • voteoften on 05/01/2017 - 19:50
    +3

    I bought the premium model for $15,500 2015 w/ 18,000 km. Warranty until 6/2022. I'm satisfied with that. The car costs $25000 new.

    Thanks everyone.

    • spackbace on 05/01/2017 - 20:10

      Congrats :)

      • voteoften on 05/01/2017 - 20:13

        Thanks, now I'm waiting on all the "you could have done betters" to roll in. Lol

        I've posted separately on car protection products. Obviously they tried to sell me a $1900 "deal".

        • spackbace on 05/01/2017 - 20:17
          +1

          I've posted separately on car protection products. Obviously they tried to sell me a $1900 "deal".

          Yeah it's our job lol

          No need to post separately, it has been covered many times before. Basically:
          Paint protection - for the money we want to charge for it, not worth it, but ensure you actually maintain your car with polish or wax
          Tint - bargain them down to $395 and you'll be on par with Tint-a-car etc, but with the convenience that it's done before you pick up the car, no need to stuff around after.

        • voteoften on 05/01/2017 - 20:21

          @Spackbace:

          I just bought a Groupon for tinting for $175 and hopefully about 7% via pricepal.

          What about fabric protection sprays will that help?

          Thank you, spackbace, you are always so cheerful and enthusiastic.

        • spackbace on 05/01/2017 - 20:22

          @voteoften:

          I just bought a Groupon for tinting for $175 and hopefully about 7% via pricepal.

          Have a link?

          What about fabric protection sprays will that help?

          Yeah could do

        • voteoften on 05/01/2017 - 20:24

          @voteoften:
          I called them and they said lifetime guarantee and darkest legal tint.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/02/2017 - 01:34

      Thats a great price (drive away?). Which state are you in?

      • voteoften on 05/02/2017 - 21:54

        I had to pay transfer costs. It was in WA, but prices here will vary even at the same dealership, depending on what they are more keen to move.

        • [Deactivated] on 06/02/2017 - 20:44

          transfer as in interstate transfer or rego transfer? (Sorry the mention of state confused me)

        • voteoften on 06/02/2017 - 22:10
          +1

          @lolbbq:
          I paid the sales price to the dealer and then paid about $400 to the wa government, where both the dealer and I are located. This is the transfer costs, stamp duty I think. Yearly rego will be separate.

          I think that if a price is driving be away, it may have to include the transfer costs.

        • [Deactivated] on 07/02/2017 - 15:18

          @voteoften: for less than <16k a premium with that age and mileage. Thats an awesome price.

          Too bad I couldnt find examples like that in my area.

    • kimba88 on 16/02/2017 - 21:20

      I'd love a good deal like that in NSW!! I'm currently in the market for one. Do you know if there is much difference between the MY15 and MY17 models in regards to the drive.. I know they have 1.8l and 2.0l engine respectively. My 2011 hyundai i30 is slowly breaking down now that its almost 6yrs old. My window broke today - looks like the regulator.. 40 degrees today too.. wasn't nice.

      • voteoften on 16/02/2017 - 23:25

        Ni idea, but this model premium) has the reverse camera and big sat Nav screen, the warranty is definitely what attracted me. I'm happy with it. Driving to Margaret river Sunday. 😀

        • kimba88 on 17/02/2017 - 07:02

          Hope I can get a deal like yours!

        • kimba88 on 17/02/2017 - 07:22

          I'm curious what the advertised price was for your car.. Did you negotiate much off it?
          Is your car capable or able to get apple car play and Android auto?

        • voteoften on 17/02/2017 - 10:20
          +1

          @kimba88: it was advertised at the car lot at about $1500 more, but less on car sales. They had lowered the price because it wasn't moving. I paid the car sales price. They filled it with petrol and gave me floor mats. That's all. I thought it was a great price. They had sold to the original purchaser, a small provider of services for kids. It is a black car and not everyone wants that in WA, so it didn't move. People worry about the heat, but the ac works great and I don't really park outside much except for shopping.

          It didn't have tinting, but I got a deal on Groupon for $175 and had it done a few days later. They did a great job.

          I don't know about apple play. What I mean is i literally do not know what that is exactly. It plays music from our iphones from Spotify and the stuff I've downloaded from iTunes. It might also play music that I've played from YouTube. It does this via Bluetooth and it remembers the phones and I think the last phone automatically connects but you can swap. I'm shocked that such technology is in such a cheap car, but I am fairly ignorant of cars and the latest technology. I hate the reversing camera because it beeps all the way as I back out my long very narrow driveway. I don't need it but can see where it could be useful to confirm there's. It a child or dog behind the car.

        • kimba88 on 17/02/2017 - 19:12

          @voteoften: Ah ok. Pretty good price. There is a demo 2016 model I have my eye on at a dealer with an AV pack (reverse camera, touch screen and apple/android car play).. This one is also black.. But still a bit much for my liking. They aren't really willing to negotiate. I wasn't too keen on black due to heat as well.. Plus they look dirtier and scratches show too yeah?

          Does the premium have dual air con (climate control for passenger and drover)?

          Apple/android car play basically connects your phone to the screen. So if you have google maps up on your phone, it mirrors it onto the touchscreen of the car.. So then sat nav isn't too much of an issue.

        • voteoften on 17/02/2017 - 22:20

          @kimba88:
          I don't know if this one mirrors my map from my phone, but it has its own screens, where you enter the address or name of a business. There seems to be two or three different screens, which is nice because the one I used last I like best. The sales guy said that when you take it into Kia fir a service, it includes updates to the data. Good luck with your car or new car. 😀

        • kimba88 on 17/02/2017 - 22:57

          @voteoften: Ahh sounds good.. only issue would be for me is that i like to service my car at my own mechanics.. it usually costs way too much at a dealership to service :-(

          Thanks for the luck. The one i had my eye on has sold by the looks of it.. Hope another one pops up soon. Has anyone ever actively rung around to dealerships to see if they have the stock of used or demo? Does that seem too desperate.. or can you potentially pick up a bargain?

        • voteoften on 17/02/2017 - 23:28

          @kimba88: I think Kia has capped price servicing. You might wish to compare, just to make sure your thoughts match the real world. Sometimes we just make assumption. 😀 And other dealers might update it as well. I doubt things change that much, you could maybe do every fourth visit to Kia.

        • kimba88 on 17/02/2017 - 23:53

          @voteoften: Yeah when i pay $140 for my service.. i don't think kia are going to be that cheap.. but doing every fourth visit there might not be a bad idea to keep things up to date, etc.

          The search continues anyhow :-)

      • PVA on 16/02/2017 - 23:34

        6 years old. things shouldnt be breaking. Thats not old for a car at all.

        • kimba88 on 17/02/2017 - 07:01

          That's what I thought.. I'm trying to get hyundai to replace the regulator under good will. I've had to replace my front headlights 4 times in the last 3 yes as well. I'm at the 90,000km major service too.. Don't really feel like replacing that timing belt. I dunno.. Its a tough decision.. But I feel like I need warranty for peace of mind

        • PVA on 17/02/2017 - 10:04

          @kimba88:
          A you sure a timing belt change is needed and it's not a timing chain?

          What was wrong with the headlights?

        • kimba88 on 17/02/2017 - 16:32

          @PVA: yep, timing belt unfortunately. My log book says it.

          Headlights keep blowing

  • Reggie74 on 06/01/2017 - 13:40

    The Cerato is a pretty good car. Funny story though, I had my Cerato serviced last year & I received a call from the dealership suggesting I replace my air-conditioning filter for an extra $120. I said no thanks. I had the car serviced a couple of days ago & they had replaced the air-conditioning filter as part of the fixed servicing price.

    • voteoften on 06/01/2017 - 13:44

      Thanks for that. Obviously I need to stay on top of that. Just confirming,the fixed servicing price - was that at the same Kia dealership?

      • Reggie74 on 06/01/2017 - 13:54

        I've been going to the same dealership for servicing that I bought the car from because of the fixed price servicing. I usually get a call suggesting something be replaced but unless it's urgent I say no.

        • voteoften on 06/01/2017 - 14:47

          Ok, thanks for your info.

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