Pitfalls To Avoid When Buying Your First Second-Hand Car

If you are reading this, then you must be well on your way to purchasing your first car. However, you are considering going with a second-hand one as opposed to a new car and might be feeling slightly anxious. This article will take you through some things to avoid when buying your first car, how to choose your first second-hand car, as well as tips on how to finance your new wheels.

Money Money Money 

This is probably the most important factor to consider when choosing a car, especially a second-hand one as it will determine which price range to look at. It is encouraged that you save as much as you can before buying a car so that your deposit is higher. Remember, a large deposit means lower monthly premiums if you are buying on credit. Speaking of credit, graduate finance has the perfect vehicle finance tools/calculator you need to get the second-hand car of your dreams. This can help you know upfront how much credit you can qualify for to purchase your vehicle

. How’s that for dreams coming true?  

So, think about the car or cars (we encourage you to make a top 3-5 list) you may want, look at their price range and let financial service providers like WesBank help you with financing that baby. 

Don’t Be Scared To Shop Around 

Another common mistake to avoid as a first-time second-hand car buyer is buying too soon. By too soon, we mean buying the first car you like off the bat. It is okay to look at a few other options and shop around different used car dealerships. Hey, book a test drive while you’re at it too. It’s both fun and enlightening. Your future self will thank you for it. 

While shopping around and test driving some potentials, here’s what used car dealerships say you should try and check for before the test drive: 

• Open the boot and check how easy it is to get to the spare wheel (or if it has one)
• Open all the doors and climb into the back
• Fold down the rear seats (if possible)
• Check all storage compartments (make sure there’s enough)
• Try out the infotainment/audio system 

Once you get on the road, your test drive begins. Here are some of the things you should keep a note of while driving, according to reputable car sales dealerships:

• The controls: Is every control working properly?
• Visibility: How are the mirrors? Easy to adjust?
• Road noise: Is the car making any sounds on certain roads?
• Gear shift: Very important. You need to be able to shift your gears when driving in order to stay safe on the road. A problematic gear can be dangerous.
• Corners: Is it easy to turn? Sharp curves?
• Acceleration: Can you control the speed of your car? Do you feel safe when speeding and braking according to road laws?
• Your comfort: Probably should’ve been first because you need to be comfortable in your potential ride.
• Parking: Is it easy? Does the car have assistance?

So, you’ve test-driven a few cars and have decided on which one is going to be your partner on the road. Now, it’s time to start the buying process. Remember, it is illegal to purchase a car without a driver’s licence, so ensure you have one before making car-buying arrangements. 

Hello, New Owner 

Once you have made the decision to buy a car, ensure that you start looking at insurance packages immediately. You never know when you will need it, and it is one of the most highly recommended things you can do to protect yourself and your vehicle. One of the best tips to take with you when considering an insurance package is possibly adding your vehicle to your current asset insurance to lower your premiums. Also, another pro-tip is to save up as much as you can for the little more spending you will do in maintaining and servicing your car.  

Final Words 

To ensure you have a smooth sailing second-hand car buying experience, make sure you do your research and consider watching YouTube channel content from the likes of WesBank and other financial service providers, which offers nuggets of information on car buying, financing, insurance, and so much more. Remember to talk to a financial service provider or bank if you need financial assistance in asset and vehicle buying.