What to Look for When Buying a Used Car?

infringement payer on 28/09/2021 - 17:24
Last edited 28/09/2021 - 19:41 by 1 other user

Hi everyone,

Hope you're keep well and safe during this time.
This might be a post where there is plenty of information, but just want to be directed to any resources that may help and also to dig out information that you guys would have in your own experience.

I'm looking at buying a used car, an i30 or Cerato as they're about my budget.
This will be my first car, so I have no prior experience in car ownership.

Is there anything I should look out for during the buying process to ensure that I don't get a lemon etc?

Things that I have considered post buying:
-Insurance costs
-Registration costs
-Dash cams
-Servicing, pre-pay?

Thanks in advance :)

Automotive Car

Comments

  • plmko on 28/09/2021 - 17:36
    -3

    There's like hundreds of threads in the automotive forum each individually answering your questions if you do a search.

    • kma on 28/09/2021 - 18:53

      While this may be true, if you don't have any productive comment, or an experience to share, my humble suggestion would be to make no comment at all.

      • Euphemistic on 28/09/2021 - 20:41

        It is also easily searchable elsewhere on the web. Search ‘buying a used car’ and you’ll get plenty from reputable sources, not just bored fandoms on this forum.

  • Bafranz on 28/09/2021 - 17:37

    Amount of warranty remaining, should be longer for the kia if they've abided by the terms and conditions

  • [Deactivated] on 28/09/2021 - 17:40

    Look underneath the car for hidden damages

    • infringement payer on 29/09/2021 - 16:00

      Thanks, will try - although apart from obvious damage/scrapes I probably won't know what I am looking at.

      • jrowls on 29/09/2021 - 19:46
        -2

        Look for leaks on the ground. Stick your finger in the leak and taste it. If it's water, no worries. If it's not water, probably walk away haha.

  • Hithere on 28/09/2021 - 17:47
    +1

    Get an independent mechanic/RACV to check it over before you pay your money.

    • infringement payer on 29/09/2021 - 16:07

      Will look into this too.
      Quick squiz at RACV says that when bpoking an inspection there are auto-centres that I have to bring the car to, is that usually the case? Don't know if the dealer will let me have the car long enough to drop it off at an auto dealer. I actually assumed they come to the dealership to look at it.

      • Hithere on 29/09/2021 - 16:20

        Don't know if the dealer will let me have the car long enough

        You'll be paying for the inspection. The RACV complete inspection will include putting the car up on their hoist to check underneath.

        If the dealer refuses just walk away, they'll be hiding something.

      • SlavOz on 18/10/2021 - 11:18

        Pretty sure most mechanical inspectors (including RACV) do mobile, so they'll go to wherever the car is.

  • Muzeeb on 28/09/2021 - 17:54
    +1

    Make sure it has 4 wheels

    • SBOB on 28/09/2021 - 18:40

      Preferably 5 if it comes with a spare ..

      • brendanm on 28/09/2021 - 18:42

        3 if they buy a reliant robin.

        • Muzeeb on 28/09/2021 - 18:43

          I'm talking about a reliant robin with a spare

      • Euphemistic on 28/09/2021 - 20:41

        6 is better. You need one to steer with.

  • alterego13 on 28/09/2021 - 18:02

    lock/unlock all doors and seatbelts
    depending on the age, check all safety recalls have been attended to.
    Get a REVS check done (there's some posts here showing how to get it for free)
    Check logbook. If it's been stamped by the same garage at perfect intervals (with same ink) take your money and run.

  • 87percent on 28/09/2021 - 18:05

    “Considered buying” includes registration and insurance?? Good luck buddy

    • infringement payer on 29/09/2021 - 16:02

      It says considered the costs of registration + insurance. Definitely going get them..

  • FocusRider on 28/09/2021 - 18:05

    Check to see if there’s an engine

  • kma on 28/09/2021 - 18:55
    +1

    While rwc should include most of the obvious things, I have been stung in the past where on of the windows won't go up and down. My bad for not checking every switch before I paid the cash!

    • infringement payer on 29/09/2021 - 16:03

      Thank you. I'll try these during the test drive.

  • HerpinDerp on 28/09/2021 - 19:20
    -1

    Check indicator fluid.

  • Baysew on 28/09/2021 - 19:42
    +1

    What is your budget?

    • infringement payer on 29/09/2021 - 16:03
      -1

      It'll be preferably under 25k, was looking at a new Corolla sedan but realised I probably won't be driving all that much to spend 32k on one.

  • yellowfever on 28/09/2021 - 22:29

    Must check PPSR
    Free at budget direct
    Or $2 via gov website

  • yokel on 30/09/2021 - 11:23

    i30, Cerato & Kona are great for the money - bought a Kona demonstrator this year. Not an over complicated car but has enough features. Depends on the age of the car and the distance it has traveled. In the past I have bought at around 3-5 year old mark, around 40-50K traveled, no accidents, log book servicing. Consider buying from a dealer so you at least have some protection against buying a lemon. This isn't going to be everybody's playbook.

    • freakingtaco on 15/10/2021 - 12:08

      Just wondering if you paid for an independent inspection for the demo?
      I'm looking at buyiung a demo Cerato with low mileage from a dealer, not sure if it's necessary?

      • yokel on 16/10/2021 - 22:39

        Demonstrator is virtually a new car. It has new car warranty. No inspection needed.

  • SlavOz on 18/10/2021 - 11:30

    Mechanical inspection is a must unless you know your way around cars. It's the best $500 you'll ever spend.

    Take it for a test drive, don't be afraid to push the car to its limits. See how it reacts to sudden acceleration/torque, hard braking, going over bumps at slightly higher speeds, aircon blowing full blast on a hot day etc.

    Not so relevant when you're buying from a dealer, but you also need to check out the seller's attitude. Some people are just dodgy or you can really tell they haven't loved the car as much as you would.

    • SBOB on 18/10/2021 - 17:24

      don't be afraid to push the car to its limits

      Below 4000 rpm of course…. And only if it's a manual…

  • blueyez on 19/10/2021 - 10:46

    You can get a free PPSR check done online if you find out rego / VIN (I'm in Vic so look up rego to get VIN). So many cars being sold privately had been written off despite owners claiming otherwise (one guy was trying to sell his Yaris which was written off 3 times in the same spot!!)

    Pay a mechanic to look at the car for you. In my desperation I only had a friend with some knowledge help me with the car I ended up buying. The qualified mechanic thinks my car had an accident at the front as he can tell just by looking at it - despite not being written off. If people don't use insurance to fix their car they can avoid it being noted on PPSR. My car drives amazingly and engine not affected so mainly just cosmetic things like bumper.

    Ask for service/log books to see the history.

    Test everything - door locks, seat belts, air con, lights, etc.

    As someone else mentioned - test the car - accelerate faster, brake suddenly, etc to see how it handles.

    If you buy from a dealer and has low enough km you normally have a 3 month warranty with it.

    • Euphemistic on 20/10/2021 - 22:35

      If people don't use insurance to fix their car they can avoid it being noted on PPSR.

      If the vehicle is repaired by the insurer it will also not be recorded. It only gets on the PPSR if the damage is serious enough that the insurer decides its cheaper to pay out the owner and they ‘write it off’.

    • infringement payer on 21/10/2021 - 21:34
      +1

      Thank you very Ben! This is very helpful.

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