Anyone used a buyer's agent or broker type service for buying a used car? I'm referring to the services like what Carexpert.com.au offers where you enter your details and they go source a good deal for you.
Further, has anyone purchased a used car from somewhere not near where you live?
We're looking at getting a recent-used (ie 1-3 years old) mid size SUV. One of the common makes/models.
Appreciate any advice or experiences anyone can share.
We're looking at getting a recent-used (ie 1-3 years old) mid size SUV. One of the common makes/models.
then no idea why you'd need to bother using a specialist buying agent or bother looking outside a reasonably accessible geographic area that you couldn't visit it yourself?
ignoring tradie utes, thats the most common vehicle 'genre', and you're looking for one of the 'common makes/models' within that genre.
Needle in a haystack it is not :)
Buyers agents are good for hard to find cars and if they're a car broker (someone who has access to cheaper pricing on cars.)
Secondhand, just do the legwork yourself, no point forking out more money when you're trying to save money.
No. Don't be lazy.
Common popular car, shouldn't need a broker nor need to source outside your closest major city. Don't get emotionally attached to any specific car you see an ad for. Work out what specs you want for your budget, research the fair market price, look on Carsales for cars that are 90% of what you want. Due diligence with private sale (PPSR and mechanical inspection) or go with any reputable dealer. Once you know you want to buy, show you are serious - not hard to knock 10% off without much hassle unless they've priced it to perfection which is often not the case.
Used car is highly condition specific. An agent finding a deal might find a car you ultimately dont like.
Next minute well be getting a post about bought used car from interstate and its not as deacribed.
Thanks everyone, seems the consensus is to not bother with the broker/agent.
I'll make sure I do the usual PPSR checks and have anything I'm serious about inspected by a mechanic. I'll try and find one locally first though if something comes up a few hours away it could be worth a trip if it might save a few thousand bucks..
Has anyone here purchased through a place like Carma where they offer a 7-day money back guarantee? I'd rather not have to use something like this, but it seems like a handy off if the car shows any lemon signs within a few days..
Rule number one with used cars is inspect in person.
Places that offer 7 day money back are likely to send you a car you dont like and then find out the reason you dont like it is not allowed in the money back guarantee. Back to rule 1, inspect in person BEFORE you make an offer.
The exception to the in person rule is if you are an enthusiast who has lots of money or time and skills and looking for a very particular or rare vehicle.
Thanks Euphemistic. Agree that inspecting it is critical. I'd prefer to drive the thing myself first as well and make sure its ok.
I guess the short answer to buying a used car is: shop online, buy in person.
Thanks again everyone!
Almost certainly not worth engaging. Save that money and spend it on getting a proper mechanical inspection instead.
Depends what you mean by "not near" - if within the same state, it doesn't really matter whether it's 3 minutes or 3 hours away. Just a bit more of a trek to go pick it up. If it's in a different state, then there are some minor inconveniences, e.g. re-registration, that you'll have to deal with, but it's not a dealbreaker.
With any common car, the best deals are private sales. Get a mechanical inspection.