Mistakes when buying used cars
While new car purchases are on the rise, used cars can still be a viable option for many people. However, some used cars often have legal or performance issues. Therefore, buyers should avoid the following mistakes to own a car they will not regret.
Not updating vehicle traffic violation status
Before deciding to buy a used car, buyers should check whether the license plate on the vehicle is correct compared to the car registration. Along with that, consider whether this license plate is also "related" to traffic violations to avoid having to pay fines that were not caused by the buyer. Currently, Vietnamese car users can look up vehicle violation information through the license plate.
Skip the vehicle background check
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When buying a car, customers often trust the attitude and behavior of the current owner to evaluate the condition of the vehicle. For example, those who always show caution and thoughtfulness are often considered by customers to be very caring and well-maintained owners of the car. This can cause buyers to skip the careful inspection of scratches and accident marks.
Therefore, before buying a car, customers should carefully check the interior, exterior and performance of the used car. Along with that, we should bring an experienced car expert along to ensure the reliability of the car we intend to buy.
Most importantly, even if the vehicle has all the necessary documents, carefully check the name of the owner on the vehicle registration and the name of the person intending to sell it. If they do not match, ask the seller to explain carefully to avoid buying a vehicle that is considered stolen.
Test drive "roughly"
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Once satisfied with the appearance, the buyer should spend another 20-30 minutes to test drive the car. According to experience, we should drive the vehicle through popular roads with many curves and on the highway if conditions allow. Through that, customers will easily feel the performance, whether they are suitable to drive this car or not. In addition, the driver can also realize whether he is satisfied with the acceleration, lane changing, and safety features on the car.
No undercarriage check
Some customers often ignore the chassis of the used car they intend to buy, although this is an important factor in determining the durability and reliability of the vehicle. Therefore, buyers should pay attention to checking the chassis for signs of corrosion, leaks or damage.
Skip maintenance history check
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Previous owners can prevent major breakdowns by following a car maintenance schedule. Keeping a detailed record of the car’s service history can also help improve resale value. So, keeping track of the maintenance schedule will give buyers a sense of whether the car has been well cared for.
In addition, some items including gaskets, rubber hoses, windshield wiper blades and tires will wear out in irregular cycles, so customers should visually observe these details to own a vehicle in the best condition.
No alternative options identified
Making a list of priorities is a must when buying a used car. It should be noted that not all used car transactions go smoothly. If they do not, the buyer will have to spend more time looking for another vehicle.
No insurance information check
Insurance can be a detail that is often overlooked when customers want to buy a used car. However, this is one of the most important information that we need to pay attention to in order to orient the future maintenance costs of the vehicle.