The used car market is breaking sales records, while new cars are becoming more and more unaffordable, and many families are choosing to buy a car from the secondary market. Yahoo portal reported this. However, service experts note that along with the availability of used cars, the risks increase proportionally. Therefore, before purchasing, experts advise paying attention to four aspects.
First you need to study the history of the car. Research shows that 27% of buyers discover hidden damage after the transaction, and one in five encounters a wrong mileage. Without a history report and verification of all documents, the purchase turns into a lottery.
Next, it is important to check the condition of the car. The fact is that a perfect history does not guarantee serviceability. Many defects appear after several weeks of use. That is why an independent check by a specialist and a thorough test drive under different conditions are important.
In addition, it is necessary to calculate the cost of maintenance. Renovation costs are skyrocketing, jumping 32% in the second half of 2023 alone. In addition, over five years of ownership, a used premium car can cost significantly more than a simpler but reliable model. Therefore, experts advise assessing not the purchase price, but the full costs of ownership: insurance, fuel, scheduled maintenance and availability of spare parts.
The reputation of the seller also plays a big role in buying a used car. Statistics show that about 68% of consumers do not trust dealers because they are faced with unreliable information, unfulfilled repair promises and lack of documentation. Therefore, before you buy a used car, you need to study the sales cases of a particular car dealership.
History, actual condition, total cost of ownership and seller reliability are the four pillars of a secure transaction. If you neglect at least one of them, the purchase may result in long expenses and disappointment, Yahoo experts warned.
