12 Sure shot ways to select a good Second hand car

As you all know that buying a car is the most exciting thing one wants to do always. Few buy a new car and others go for a second hand rather call it as a used one. It’s not always necessary that you always go for a new car. Instead, you can choose the best deal in used car market with a good value for money.

How to Buy Used and Second-Hand Cars: Important Things to Consider

But before going for that, comes in mind,“Will I really be able to get a good second-hand car?”

Yes, of course, sometimes you get really good cars. A Good second-hand car means “as good as new”. All you have to do is to have patience, stable mind with time and money investment.

Important Things to Consider While Buying a Second-Hand Car

How to Buy Used and Second-Hand Cars: Important Things to Consider

1. Select A Car Type

First and Foremost: Always be clear in mind which type of car is your first choice according to your decided budget. Example, decide between a hatchback, Sedan, SUV(Sports Utility Vehicle), MUV(Multi Utility Vehicle) or any luxury beast as per your budget. Most of the people love to go for their dream cars. Some go for their need regarding its utility, some who are shifting from a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler, and some just want a nice car.

Segmentation: Always first try to set in mind which segment belongs to you or for which segment you want to go for according to your assigned budget. You can shift your budget while searching for a car and if you are really getting some good deals.

2. Where to Get Good Deals on Second-Hand Cars

For that first always try to look for a car within your For that first always try to look for a car within your references within your friend circle, any relation etc. as in that case you will save a lot of time and you don’t have to think much as you know the seller through some good means. But beware of mechanics and dealers related references. Do run a background check or you may end up getting what you never wanted at first place.

Its very easy to find your car on your own, you don’t have to rely on others for buying a good car.

Whenever you are outside, try to see the cars you like on roads whenever you can. Look for the cars you really want, whether you are in a jam or on the highway, whenever you get a chance to see your desired vehicle just try to have a glimpse of it from outside or if possible try to gain experience from that car owner also. By doing so, you will also have some good inputs regarding that car, because that vehicle owner will be the best person who can tell you the in and out of the vehicle like its performance, average, durability, customer service, maintenance etc.This survey will also give you some confidence. Checkout which color looks better on roads.

Look for Other Cars

3. Gather Car Info

Next step is to find some cars through various online Apps, but stick to the ONE best app and not so many. Talk to the owners, ask them why they want to sell, try to search for some more history, whether its accidental or not, know whether it is second /third/fourth hand through Registration Certificate (RC) serial no. Ask for the recent photographs of the car from the owner. Many people get stuck when they go for a car which they have seen online because what they saw was the pic taken when the car was in good condition but in actual it looks unlike the former.

4. Don’t Go For Modified Cars

Never ever go for a car which is modified and which got changes (major) like, shockers mounting to increase height of the car, broader alloys (wheels) for sporty look, as actually they eat up the tyres and create hindrance in driving when the car goes on rough roads, pits etc, as the tyres touch the body of the car, making major cuts and damages to the them.

Always go for a simply kept car, as simple is the best. Its good if you don’t stick to the color you want as most of the time you will get the car which was not having color of your choice. But its fine, never let go the deal just because the colour was not good. And in case you are lucky if you match with all budget, color and segment then it’s a different thing.

5. Check For Car History

Whenever you see a car, look majorly the bodyline to check whether the car had any bad past (accident major & minor both)or not. Open the bonnet, try to peep inside infront of the radiator, if the iron frame is bent/damaged or not. Check the fender line, engine mounting axle, chasis thourougly, check for any welding mark anywhere. If you feel its dicy, directly and frankly ask the car owner regarding its authenticity. Check the battery, as for how many times it has been changed, try to check the overall cleanliness of the engine area, its pipes etc, AC fitting whether they look clean or not, any rusting (very important) small rusting is always there and that can be managed by primer and  paint on that area which you also can do, so don’t worry.

6. How to Check Engine for Second-Hand Car

How to Check Engine for Second-Hand Car

Now, First start the vehicle and check the engine’s sound, if its smooth without any crackling or different types of sounds check the rhythm of the vehicle like rpm(Rotation Per Minute) should not fluctuate every now and then. Increase throttle a bit and try to check how sensitive it is to rpm. If it takes much push for the rpm to go up, come out of the vehicle, close the door and just say goodbye for that vehicle. Because if the vehicle is in good condition rpm will go up in a flick on the little push to the accelerator paddle.

7. Check Clutch of Second Hand Car

Secondly, check for the clutch in the neutral position. If its pushing hard that means clutch wire work is to be done or may be some other mechanical issue. If its smooth its fine. No need to check the brakes much as nobody in this world will compromise with his own life by not keeping the brakes in good condition.

8. Check Breaks of Second Hand Car

Check Break of Car by Hand

Most of the most you just need to change the brake pads, but please don’t forget to check the brake discs by hands, if its used roughly then the disc will be gone down in width size in mm (millimetres). Again say bye to the vehicle as its being roughly used in case Kms (kilometres) are less and still the disc is gone. As it will add a good expense to your pocket.

9. Check Car Doors And Windows

Check Car Doors And Windows

Third, do check the doors Hinges, under the seat nuts and bolts, seat locks, dash board, lights, steering, cleanliness inside the car, cabin sound, windows/Power Windows etc. whichever you see there just check.

10. Take a Test Drive

Take a Test Drive

Now take a short test drive, use all the things, accelerate, brake, clutch, steering, warning signs working properly, censors up to date, seatbelts, handbrakes, windows, check your compatibility with the vehicle.

Note: – Don’t switch on the music system while taking a test drive as it will help you in listening to a minor rattling sound also. You will be able to listen to each and every voice from inside and outside the car. Check the noises if any, if its from underbody mainly its of steering wheel assembly (again a good expense), calliper pin failure sound (acceptable), shocker mounting rubber failure due to old age of  the vehicle(acceptable), wheel arm rubber mounting sound (acceptable), engine mounting rubber damage sound(acceptable) etc.

11. Ask for Tyre Change History

Fourth, ask for the duration of the change of the tyres, like how many times they have been changed in the total car life till now. Generally, tyres get destroyed in 30-40k km and as per the driving behaviour, if the tyres are changed frequently in small intervals of time that means a car is being used roughly. Check the authenticity of the vehicle by the RTO or the brand showroom service centre through Registration no.

Check about the repainting of the car, why it got repainted etc.

12. Check for State Registration

Check for the registration of the vehicle (RC) of which state it is, always try to go for a vehicle which is not from nearby coastal areas as they might have high chances of a corroded underbody surface, engine parts due to salty water atmosphere because of the sea. Also, you will get the Coastal areas cars in much lesser price due to their lesser demand just because of  being from the coastal areas like Mumbai, Kerela, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Orissa

Note: Also always be assured that the car is not flooded in any case.

Most of the states has comparatively fewer taxes on the new cars that mean you will get  second-hand cars also according to that price for ex, in Delhi, Puducherry, Dehradun and some  of the other states have fewer taxes but seeing the prices only don’t go for outer states car as there are 40% chances of not getting a good deal. But if you are sure you are getting a deal you can go for it after checking all the papers.

Ok, if everything is fine and checked as told above before selecting that vehicle now seriously check why you want the car you have selected.

Choosing a second-hand car

Ask yourself “why this”, if you get 8 major good points out of 10 of that vehicle take that else leave it. Always try to go for a less driven car, maximum of 50,000 km and not more than that in the case of a sedan, 30-35 km in the case of a hatchback, 60-70 km in the case of SUVs.

Take a Survey

Take a small Survey online for above 300-400 cars, tag some good cars out of those, take ur time, no matter it’s one month or two doing the survey. Believe me don’t ever go for impulsive buying, take some time, don’t over go your budget in a hurry because a second-hand car will always ask for a min of 10-15k  expense after you buy that by some or the other means. Try to stick to your budget.

Opt for Single Owner Cars

Always try to buy the Single Owner car as you will be the second owner and incase you get a good deal becoming a third owner will also work but only if it’s less driven. If you are model specific then be ready for a good budget, if you are km(kilometers) specific don’t think of the model, yes of course it should not be that much old also, maximum go for a six – eight years old model & not more than that and that too if the condition is really good and its really less driven,

Note: check for the Odometer if its tampered or not. It is not easy to find whether the odometer reading is authentic or its tampered. Therefore check from the assigned authority of the brand, go to the nearest brand service centre and check the whole history of the vehicle regarding its number of services done and the last service meter reading and the month and year of the last service done. You will get to know the most of it.

Checking Second-Hand Car

Check Car Insurance Details

Don’t forget to check the insurance of the car and its recent IDV value and its validity and before going for a final decision it’s very important to know about the background of the seller. Please do check that and you will get to know the condition of the car at a glimpse. Sellers background is very important while buying any second hand or used vehicle. Avoid buying a vehicle of any seller who has a criminal background.

So guys keep all the things in mind and just go for your dream car, go find out the best deal because a good car can certainly be found. Next time you look at your desired car just remember the above points.

Will tell some more important details in my next Article. Any query mention in the comment section below .