When buying a used car, you need to look at much more than just the price.
Brazilians are passionate about cars. But not everyone can afford a new car. So the option is to buy a used car. But you have to remember that before you give in to the temptations of the dealers, you have to choose which model you want to buy.
It is worthwhile to search the internet and specialized magazines for car models that nobody wants, either because they are expensive to maintain or because they have been discontinued.
Here, for example, black and silver cars are more marketable, as opposed to white and yellow cars, which may have been used as cabs and are therefore well worn. Extravagant and flashy colors are also unattractive for everyday cars.
Imported cars that have already left the chain are also in low demand. This is because the cost of parts and maintenance is very high and therefore tends to be increasingly difficult to find.
How to buy a used car?
When buying a used car, there are a number of precautions to take. The first tip is to research used car prices. This is because prices vary greatly depending on model, color, year of manufacture and mileage.
It is also worth checking the car’s optional extras. They must be taken into account when negotiating the value of the car. And speaking of price, be wary of very low prices and miraculous advantages. Another very valid tip is to check the condition of the odometer, because if it has been tampered with, it will be scratched.
It is also worth checking the condition of the tires, upholstery and pedals. They must be compatible with the mileage of the car. To make sure you don’t get a bad deal, we’ve put together a list of tips to help you buy a used car safely:
- Check the car’s documentation before advancing money. Avoid surprises To avoid buying a car that has been stolen, for example, or has debts, inquire at Detran (State Traffic Department) about documentation, fines and any other restrictions. Prior to purchase, the car must pass a dealer inspection.
- Check the owner’s documentation and make sure that the car papers are in the owner’s name. Likewise, only provide your information in person.
- Another important tip is to check the chassis numbering. This numbering is usually located next to the engine, on all the windows of the car, on labels attached under the passenger seat and on the right front suspension.
- Also check the manufacturing dates of the seat belts and that the fire extinguisher is still valid.
- Once you’ve seen the used car, go inside and sit in the seats. If they are loose, torn or broken, it is a sign that you should not close the deal.
- Safety equipment is essential. Check that the used car you are interested in buying has a fire extinguisher, jack, wheel wrench, triangle, seat belts and spare tire.
- Check for tonal differences or splashes in the rubbers. This is important to know if the car has already been involved in an accident. The advice is to evaluate the paint on a sunny day. This is because, on rainy days, water droplets can mask possible dents and differences in the paintwork. The best advice is to examine the used car in daylight, as closed or dark places can make it difficult to see important details in the paintwork. Be wary if the car is heavily waxed, it may have been painted more than once.
- Also check the welds on the car. The original factory weld is stippled. If you find a continuous welding wire under the hood, the car has been involved in an accident.
- It is also worth checking used car parts, such as headlights. Be wary, for example, of new headlights that are only on one side. This may indicate that the car owner only replaced the broken part out of pure economy.
- If the used car you are interested in has less than 30,000 km on the clock, make sure that all four tires are from the same batch and that they are the first ones that left the factory with the car. If the tires have already been changed, be wary. Rarely does a new tire last less than 50,000 km.
- Avoid cars with a “claim” or remarked chassis. You can even pay less for it, but when the time comes to sell it, you will also have to do so for much less than the market price.
- Visit a trusted mechanic to assess the overall condition of the car, mechanics and bodywork. Ask them to also check that the doors and hood fit snugly when closed. If they do not close, it is an indication that the car has already crashed.
- If possible, test drive the used car with a trusted mechanic. Next, test the brakes, clutch, shock absorbers and other items. If the owner does not allow a test drive, it is essential to make observations with the car running and with the help of a mechanic.
