Questions to Ask for a Used Car?

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  hell0 on 22/02/2017 - 09:39

  +1

  For 20-30k you could get a very nice new car from Lancers to Golf Jetta with cash to spare

  Anywho…
  Does the car come with two sets of keys/remotes? One replacement remote may cost $400 for instance
  Does it include a full service history? If the major service is coming up then expect $1.5 - $2k cost
  Does it include remaining manufacturers warranty?
  Do the tyres need replacing… If yes or almost yes then expect to pay $600 - $1000 for a set.
  Does the rego expire shortly? If within 2-3 months then that is an extra cost

  I think, however, the best thing you can do is to be informed about prices that dealers are offering. Aim for 20%-25% off and simply say 'I have been looking at blah blah and have done some research and if you can offer me this $28 000 car for $22 000 then I am in to commit today'… If they go in and talk to their 'manager' then you know you are in the ballpark at least. I think the less time you spend with the dealer the better so you dont get dragged into the manipulative sales techniques.

  • 

    spackbace on 22/02/2017 - 12:22

    Aim for 20%-25% off

    Please don't pick the cheapest car on Carsales and expect another 20-25% off. You'll just get laughed at and negotiations will cease. You have to be realistic in the negotiating if you want to be taken seriously. If a dealer has priced theirs cheaper than the competition, they've gutted it to either a) move it on since it's been there too long, or b) just get rid of it, trying to get a finance customer etc.

  • 

    wolfazrael123 on 22/02/2017 - 16:00

    The more time you spent with the dealer, the better discount you can expect. It is a bit odd, but it is true in many cases. Many people think if they give the dealer a clear signal that you are given a good price or the price you want, you will sign the deal straight away, there is no reason dealer refuse a quick and easy deal. But usually it doesn't work. After spend one hour or even two hours with you talking and test drive, the only thing the dealer want is to get your signature, he is exhausted, and probably can only handle one more customer like you today, if he can't get your deal, he gets no commission today.

    The problem is customer always gets exhausted first, they lose their focus and judgement. At this stage, you are more likely to accept the 'good offer' from the dealer. Stick to your goal, but talk softly, make the dealer feel that you may compromise but don't. In the end it's more than likely to get what you want if it is reasonable. All good deals come from hard work.

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  [Deactivated] on 22/02/2017 - 09:51

  its not much about asking (they are used car sales man after all), but more inspecting and viewing everything yourself

  Look at things like potential oil leaks, paint blemishes, wear and tear on steering wheel etc etc

  Take the car for a thorough drive and make sure everything is in order, breaks, wheel alignment. etc

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  blonky on 22/02/2017 - 09:53

  +4

  Could be worth getting it independently inspected (ie by another workshop)

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  [Deactivated] on 22/02/2017 - 10:33

  Get an independent inspection. No matter how reliable the dealer is. It will give you peace of mind that the car checks out and you don't end up buying a lemon.

  Had one done when looking for my car. They ran everything - diagnostics, took it for a drive, and ensured it checked out. Leasing company was happy as well that they were paying for something solid and reliable. While it may seem pricey (approx. 400 AUD in 2013) - I felt alot more comfortable when I received the inspection report.

  Other questions to ask:

  • Service history
  • Write off from a previous life
  • Previous owner
  • Delivery charges
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  [Deactivated] on 22/02/2017 - 10:40

  ask if its a rebirthed car straight up
  if the owner avoids the answer, it probably is

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  Findo on 22/02/2017 - 10:50

  +1

  "Can it rip sick skids?"

  • 

    Helmuth on 22/02/2017 - 10:56

    Has this car ever been used for drug or bullion smuggling? Does it weigh significantly more than a comparable car of the same model?

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  IMFrugl on 22/02/2017 - 10:58

  You can't learn the tricks of the trade overnight, but take 1-2 knowledgeable friends along. 2-3 pairs of eyes are better than one. They will not be under pressure and will be in a better position to spot faults. Tell them to voice out anything they spot.

  Check that similar cars based on model, age and mileage check out with similar prices on carsales.com.

  Check for any warranty offered with the car and terms. Hypothetically speaking, if something breaks or leaks within 3 months, will they fix it?

  If you feel happy with the car and the final offered price, then do the independant inspection if you wish.

  I would suggest buying from an official dealer (example Toyota, Honda, MB etc as they will most likely honour their warranties). Get them to service the car within the warranty period to ensure nothing crops up.

  Sidenote: 30k can quite easily buy you a new car (not luxury), which will give you most peace of mind as you do not have to worry about getting a lemon. Dealers are still clearing 2016 plates at good prices until the end of this month.

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  ptl93 on 22/02/2017 - 11:22

  "How long has it been lying in here?"
  If it's around 20 days, there is a good chance that you can ask for a great discount.

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  cooperdog on 22/02/2017 - 12:16

  Look to see if towbar (if fitted) has been used. If there is a brake controller fitted (usually under dash) then likely to have towed something big. AVOID.

  Also ask what are non standard extras, may get some extra value.

  If you are after a towbar/racks and its a dealer they may include on the deal (although third party are usually 1/2 the cost)

  Check the computer to see recent fuel economy if its not been cleared.

  Check paperwork to look for consistency with history. If unsure take photo of service history and verify with the stamped dealer.

  For $20k+ spend $200 and get a RACQ/RACV/NRMA check. Negotiate a base price first, but agree you may want further discount if other items identified (or you walk)

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  spackbace on 22/02/2017 - 12:23

  Re: Novated lease - double check how old a car you're allowed to lease. There's tight conditions on these most of the time

  Otherwise some good points above :)

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  godofpizza on 22/02/2017 - 12:42

  might sound stupid but don't inspect the car at night or after rain. Esp if your in a hurry to see the car. You'll might out if the panels have been damaged or paint imperfections.

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  MelCheapo on 22/02/2017 - 13:33

  Do your homework. Know the service schedule for the vehicle you're looking at. Then check that the services have been done to the service schedule. Just because you see a few dealer stamps in the service log for the car doesn't mean all the requisite services have been done.

  Know when the next service is due, then check the mileage, you could be in for another hit if its a major service coming and a timing belt or some such needs to be replaced as part of the schedule. If a service is due or the last one was missed, negotiate down. Once you know a few service schedules you'll see a lot of used cars are sold just before a major service.

  Also bring a CD/mp3 music player and test the audio, get your ear to the speakers, you may miss a crackling speaker in the excitement of a test drive, but you'll hear it pretty fast once you've bought the car and are driving off the lot.

  Also check for the spare tyre, physically site it and tools required to change it roadside.

  If you're taking it for a test drive, pull over at some stage and test every control. Also if you're testing with friends, get a (responsible) friend to test drive for a couple of kilometers while you sit in the front passenger seat, you 'll notice a lot more as an observer.

  • 

    altomic on 23/02/2017 - 13:15

    Also, don't just it for a spin up and down a main road. Take some back streets, lots of turns I.e. get a feel for the steering, acceleration. Do a safe 3 point turn. Test its handling

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  Euphemistic on 22/02/2017 - 13:46

  +1

  Ask whatever you think you need to of the dealer…but don't trust anything they say. The dealer is just trying to sell you ANY car, not the right car for you. $20-30k is a fairly big range for a price so you could get pretty much anything (depending on age and features)

  As above, you need to learn how to do this stuff yourself, or take someone trusted with you.

  • First things first, work out what you will use the car for to determine the size, features, economy etc.
  • Narrow it down to a particular segment of the market - eg Small/large SUV, hatchback, sedan, luxury etc. Different brands will have a model in whatever segment you are looking at.
  • Check the specs on each particular model in your price bracket and then go and sit in a few, look over the features to determine if you like it or not and whether it is worth test driving. There is no point test driving if your kids can't fit in the back for example.
  • Test drive those that pass the first few points to see if you like it, now you can start looking for whichever model you prefer.
  • Research online about the model you have chosen.

  If you don't go through those steps the dealer will try to talk you into whatever is going to make the most profit for them.

  IT should have a statutory warranty with it for that price. If they are offering additional warranty id a good sign but only if a reputable dealer.

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  [Deactivated] on 23/02/2017 - 18:06

  $20-30k will get you a brand new car. What kind of car are you looking for ? Sedan, SUV, Hatch ?