Nowadays, owning a car is no longer considered a luxury but a necessity for convenient transportation.
However, given that new cars come with an expensive price tag, some individuals choose to purchase a secondhand car for daily transportation.
Nevertheless, buying a secondhand car is unlike buying a new car. There are a few matters that you have to carefully consider to avoid any problem with your car in the future.
Therefore, in this article, Bjak will share a few helpful tips that you can follow when buying a secondhand car.
Set your budget limit
Your decision to get a secondhand car may imply that you have a limited budget. Therefore, our primary tip is for you to set a budget limit suitable for your need and financial state.
Through the budget, you will be able to identify a suitable car make or model that you can purchase.
In setting your budget, ensure that the car price does not exceed your annual income to avoid a long-term financial burden. Ensure that the monthly payment for the car does not exceed 15% of your monthly income.
To help you estimate the monthly payment for your car according to your budget, you may use a free car loan calculator available online.
Survey secondhand cars
Do not rush into buying a car by narrowing your search only to a single platform or website. You will have to survey secondhand cars so you can get the best car that gives you the most savings.
Nowadays, there are a few platforms selling secondhand cars for you to compare, such as Mudah.my, Carlist, Mytukar and Carsome.
It is not advisable for you to visit any physical store selling secondhand cars before doing an online survey. This is to prevent you from buying a car that is beyond your budget.
Limit your choice based on car manufaturing year
Though you would like to get a secondhand car, we recommend that you limit your choice to cars that do not exceed 5 years after their manufacturing date. This is to reduce any risk or problem to your car.
Keep in mind that if your car acts up, you may have to spend a lot on the repair that you may regret buying a car that is a bit old.
Check car mileage
Generally, the higher the mileage of a car, the lower the sales value of the car. However, if you wish to buy a secondhand car, ensure that the mileage is not too high but moderate.
Check the car usage history
Avoid getting excited by low prices that are too good to be true. Bear in mind that if a car has an incredibly low price, it may be due to a few reasons, such as the car:
- Was involved in a terrible accident
- Has a high car mileage
- Has been owned by a few people (3-4 previous owners)
Say that you purchase the car, you may risk having a car that often breaks down in the future.
Check the service record of the previous car owner
It is also crucial that you ensure the previous owner serviced the secondhand car regularly. It is best that you find a car serviced at a service centre specifically for the car brand as the service record is appropriately documented in their book or system.
The service record is crucial as you will be able to know the history of any replaced parts and significant damages such as engine failure.
Check the exterior and interior of the car
Even though the price of a secondhand car is lower than a new car, you should not take it lightly.
Before buying a secondhand car, it is best to check the car’s exterior and interior thoroughly. Check whether there is any damage or defect to the exterior or interior part. If there is any damage or defect, try to negotiate with the seller for a discount to compensate for the deficiency.
Keep in mind that a full-body paint may cost you up to RM2,000. If the car’s body needs any knocking, the cost may start at RM150 and above.
Check the basic fittings and equipment
Before buying any used car, you have to ensure that the basic fittings and equipment are complete and well-functioning. These include wipers, signals, lamps (front, rear, high-beam, spotlights, brake lamps), honk, air conditioner, radio, seatbelts, spare tire, tools box, and dashboard drawer.
If you find any defect and are not happy with the fittings or equipment, we recommend you take some time and keep looking. Remember that buying a car will not cost you a RM1 or RM2 but a few thousand. So be patient and look for the car that you are happy with.
Inspect the engine
Once you have inspected the parts above, you will have to inspect the engine to ensure it is in good and satisfactory condition. If you are unsure how to inspect a car engine, get an expert’s help, such as a car mechanic, to avoid any deception.
Test drive the car
As a prospective buyer, you have the right to test drive the car that you would like to purchase. This is to convince you that you have made the right decision. During the test drive, do and pay attention to the following:
- Brake your car slowly and check whether there is any weird sound
- Look for any turn and take a turn to see if there is any sound when turning the steering wheel
- Find an uneven area and test drive the car to identify any noises such as on the compartment side
- Drive within various speed limits and listen for any noise, engine or steering wheel vibrations, and the suspension system
- Test the car gears to see if the gears move smoothly or are jammed
Thoroughly inspect a secondhand car before buying it
Whether it is a new or secondhand car, as a smart user, you will have to ensure that the car you would like to purchase is the best and meets your needs and budget.
Apart from purchasing a car, bear in mind that you will have to bear other commitments such as the monthly loan payment, car services and car insurance and roadtax annual renewal. Remember that owning a car is a long-term commitment, so you will have to think carefully about buying a car to avoid any regret in the future.
Like buying a car, you should also compare across multiple insurers before purchasing car insurance. To help you save on it, use Bjak to compare up to 15 insurance brands for free. Visit Bjak.my to get free car insurance quotes online only in 5 minutes.
