Do you know what to look for when buying a used car? Doing your due diligence ahead of time will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to buy a pre-loved vehicle that’s just right for your situation.
Whether you’re in the market for top-quality Japanese used cars or a stylish European import, we’ve got the tips you need to know exactly what you’re buying.
1. Read Up On the Car’s History
Conduct thorough research of the vehicle and collect a thorough AA vehicle history check. This important, in-depth document provides all of the details and information you need to know about the car, such as the status of the vehicle license and certificate of fitness. The report provides information on the age and model of the car, whether it has been in an accident, its mileage, if there’s any debt owing on it, the number of previous owners, as well as its crash rating.
2. Personally Inspect the Car
Car finance applications at Auckland dealerships are typically affected by the functionality of a vehicle, so it pays to inspect all the components. Make a thorough inspection of the vehicle, looking out for any damages to the surface such as rust, dents, or paint chips. Of course, you can’t expect a used car to be in flawless condition, but you should still be on the lookout for blemishes such as corrosion and rust that could lead to expensive repairs further down the road.
Be sure to check if there are any problems with the frame of the vehicle and if all of the components are correctly aligned and properly attached. Ensure that the ground clearance of the car is correct to the model—that it is not visibly too low or high off the ground. Carefully inspect the bumpers, trunk, and hood of the vehicle, making sure that there are no obvious missing screws or nuts. Oh, and don’t forget to check the oil!
At MotorCo, all our cars undergo a full mechanical inspection and service before we put them on our lot, so you can be confident everything will check out.
3. Check the Interior of the Vehicle
Inspect the inside of the vehicle, making sure all the seatbelts work and that all the seats are intact and adjustable. Look for any blemishes such as stains or rips on the fabrics and carpets, as these can indicate that the possibility of a pest infestation.
It’s important to note that many mechanics overlook the interior of the vehicle because they do not consider interior components to be vital to the overall operability of the vehicle. Test out all the electronic devices in the vehicle such as the air conditioning, radio, stereo, and monitor display to make sure they are working. This inspection also includes the operability of software such as GPS, Bluetooth and reverse camera.
Don’t forget to check the radio’s frequency range as well, as some Japanese import vehicles can’t reach some of New Zealand’s popular stations. We at MotorCo can help you install an aftermarket radio if necessary, that gives you access to your favourite tunes.
Get Top-Quality Used-Cars at MotorCo
MotorCo offers high-quality used cars at affordable prices. All our imported vehicles have been thoroughly inspected, checked, and maintained to the highest standard to ensure you get a car that is as close to brand new as possible.
We bank our reputation on honesty about what we sell and on customer trust. Book an appointment by contacting us today or by visiting our car dealer office in Penrose. MotorCo is the place to go!