Buying a pre-owned car online? Keep this in mind

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Tightened budgets have also led to more pre-owned vehicles being bought. In fact, the total value of pre-owned car sales in June 2020 increased by 46% compared to the previous month.

All pre-owned car shoppers should consider these important points before signing on the dotted line.

Balance your budget – and plan properly

If you don’t already have a monthly budget planned, doing so ahead of buying a pre-owned car is a great time to start! Be honest with yourself and list all your expenses, so that you’re clear about what you can afford.

Remember to set aside some extra money for insurance, licensing, servicing and occasional repairs – particularly if you’re buying a car that’s out of motor plan. A fuel allowance is important too – and leave some room for occasional fuel price increases.

If you’re not sure how to calculate your monthly costs once interest has been added, there are handy online calculators to help.

Selection process

Consider the mileage of a car compared to its age. Higher mileage cars may cost less, but they may cost more in maintenance. A car’s service history is also hugely important as it reveals how well a car has been looked after. Has it had its regular services at approved workshops and dealerships and, at the correct intervals?

When it comes to understanding the status of your car – the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is your go-to. It lets you know whether the car is stolen or if it’s been in an accident. Fortunately, reputable dealers will likely have partnered with a third-party service to free you of that hassle.

Research is key

Are you looking for a car to fit a family of four or for something smaller to take on the busy urban jungle? Understanding what you want to get out of the car will help you decide which one is best suited to you. Once you’ve ticked that box, look for customer reviews online for first-hand (and honest) experiences, and browse through online forums.

Checking the brand’s social pages like Facebook and Twitter will also give you a good idea of customer compliments and complaints surrounding a particular model. What’s more – you’ll gain great insight into how the brand interacts with their consumers.

Fuel economy is also important. Factor in consumption based on the model of your car and type of fuel. Wear and tear will have cost implications, too. If the car has been previously damaged, for example, it may require frequent services and/or repairs.

A trusted dealership

Buying online from a reputable dealer can help avoid a lot of the anxiety associated with buying a new or pre-owned car. They’re essentially responsible for the quality of the vehicle you’re looking to purchase and will have done the necessary background checks and roadworthy certifications.

A pre-owned car section is a guaranteed way to determine a dealer’s legitimacy – but just as you would research a car and brand’s reviews, do the same for the dealer. Learning about other customers’ experiences may help you avoid a bad one – or help you choose a dealership that takes care of its customers.