3 Useful Hacks for Used Car Buyers!
Many of you here might know already know this, but hey, not everyone's an expert!
So here are 3 hacks based on my buying experience:
- Check car health & history before buying
The best way to know about car health is to test drive it, but how do you know if it was accidental? Or the Odometer was tempered?
By getting the service history of car. And from my experience, no car dealer or most owners would not share the car service history:
Best way to get the service history:
You can download the CarInfo app and download service history of any car within hours!
₹219 (report generated by 24 hours) ₹500 (report generated by 4 hours)
This service report will reveal what parts were repaired, how much did it cost, and the odometer reading during the service. These things reveal a lot about car health!
Major accidents will also be revealed in this and some reports even mention if insurance was claimed or not.
Any part that was fixed multiple times should have your special attention.
This will help you negotiate a much better deal.
- Bank finance (skip this part if you're buying without loan)
DO NOT make application from multiple banks simultaneously if your credit score is lower than 700.
Try to get a quote from 1 bank, if you don't like the interest rate, get it negotiated. Even 2% of lower interest would save ₹15-₹20k depending on car value.
If you still don't like the quote, simply switch to diff bank. If your credit score is more than 750: you've superior control to bring down interest rates!
- Car Inspection (Important)
After you've done your primary research: it's time to let an expert test the car.
I used GoMechanic second hand car inspection service (₹500 approx).
They checked the car thoroughly, took a test drive and identified problems that I missed! So full credit for this.
(However I still don't trust GoMechanic with car servicing)
If you already know a local mechanic who would inspect the car with same level of attention to detail, then that's even better.
Hope my experience helps beginners find the best deal for their future car!