Tips for buying a used car

One of the main perks of buying a new car over a used car is the ability to be certain of its history.

With a new car, you know it hasn’t been in an accident, you know it hasn’t been used to practice hill starts, its life to date has been with the manufacturer and the dealer. Because you know its history, you can make some assumptions about its future.

With used cars, you have to do your best to recreate that foundation of knowledge. You need to know as much as you can about what you’re buying, where it’s been, how it’s been treated and how reliable it’s likely to be in the future. 

Research

Research the model you’re considering. Know what it looks like in its stock form, read online owner forums to see if there are any common problems or known-issues with a particular model, learn as much as you can about the car in a universal sense.

Investigate this particular car. Do the VIN, engine and registration numbers match? Is the car listed as a write-off? Is it stolen? Is there a clear title on the car? How frequently has the registration been transferred? Was this car always a personal car?

We recommend running a REVS Check, and if you’re really concerned, order a car history report.

Ask questions

Make sure you talk to the seller about the car’s history.

• Are you the original owner? (If not, how many owners came before you? How long have you owned the car?)
   
• Has it ever been in an accident?
   
• Has it ever had any major body or engine work?
   
• Have any of the large mechanical components been replaced?
   
• Why are you selling it?

Documentation

As well as asking for an verbal history of the car, ask for the servicing log books, receipts for other work done (if you notice modifications to the car, this is important) and, of course, registration documents. Ensure the roadworthy certificate is no older than 30 days.

What about dealers?

Buying a used car from a dealer won’t require this level of personal investigation. Dealers cannot sell a car that has money owing on it, and they are required to provide a 30-day roadworthy guarantee. You still want copies of its service log and documents regarding any aftermarket modifications it may have.