The prospect of buying any car can be intimidating. And when it comes to buying a secondhand vehicle, drivers need to be even more meticulous compared to buying new. After all, nobody wants to learn that they’ve practically thrown money down the drain. 

If you’re on the hunt for a used car, read on to learn a few tips on how to choose the right secondhand car for you and your family!

Perform a “life audit”

For a frugal person, every purchase must serve a purpose. And an investment like cars is no exception! This is why it’s essential to assess your lifestyle and family size, to determine which car best fits your needs and ensure that you’ll be getting your money’s worth.

Do your research

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, learn as much as you can about each car you’re eyeing. Read information online, join forums to connect with other owners, or even ask people you personally know if they happen to own the car model you’re interested in!

It’s also recommended that you compare listings across different buy-and-sell websites, to help you spot a good deal.

Set your budget 

Armed with knowledge on your preferred car models as well as the usual prices for secondhand, you should be able to set a budget you’re comfortable with. If you’re planning to purchase through an auto loan, make sure to compute how much interest you’ll be paying and compare it with the amount to be paid in cash.

At Carsada, you can use a loan calculator for every listing on the website!

Carefully inspect the car

While all of the cars listed under Carsada have already been inspected by a mechanic, don’t skip the personal inspection! When checking out a secondhand car, pay attention to the following:

• Comfort: Regardless if you’re planning to take the car for short or long drives, check all the seats to ensure that trips would be comfortable!   
• Interior and exterior condition: Check both the interior and exterior of the car for tears, stains, dents, and scratches. Also look for any signs of damage to the car lights, the tires, and the muffler. 
• Smell: Some odors can be difficult to remove, like cigarette and mildew. But the scent of burning oil or burning gas poses a more serious problem, as this can indicate problems with the engine. 
• Engine: The condition of the engine reflects the car’s overall maintenance. Signs of oil on the engine can indicate leaks or worse problems. Cracks or tired-looking hoses and belts can also be costly to repair. 

Apart from the visual inspection, also dedicate time to learning about the car’s mileage and history. Ask the owner for documents like the car’s Certificate of Registration (CR) and Original Receipt (OR) issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and even an anti-carnapping clearance issued by the PNP Highway Patrol Group!

Do a test drive

You might feel differently about a car that sounded like a great fit on paper once you get behind the wheel. Be sure to take the car for a test drive at varying speeds and on varied conditions such as types of roads and inclinations.

With a diverse portfolio of mechanic-inspected cars and helpful features such as the loan calculator and downloadable inspection reports, Carsada helps make buying a used car as easy and convenient as possible! Each purchase also grants owners a 1-year engine and transmission warranty, and a 1-year AAP membership with 24/7 emergency service.

Buy a car with peace of mind. Browse the Carsada listings now!

Reference:
https://www.moneymax.ph/car-insurance/articles/used-car-buying-tips
https://www.balancepro.net/education/pdf/usedcartestdrive.pdf
https://www.moneyunder30.com/how-to-choose-a-used-car