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How to Shop for Secondhand Car: A Complete Guide
Purchasing a secondhand car isn’t always an easy process. There’s always a worry at the back of one’s mind, especially regarding the risks involved when looking for used cars for sale in Singapore.
Yet, even with that worry, sometimes a deal is too sweet to pass up. Remember that new car model that you wanted so badly but couldn’t afford some years ago? Imagine getting it at half the retail price with just one catch – The car is a secondhand one. How can one navigate the secondhand car market and select a car that is in good condition?
As one of the dealers of cheapest used cars in Singapore, here’s our complete guide when shopping for a secondhand car. Finding a quality secondhand car is less about sheer luck and more about careful research coupled with observation skills.
Searching for a Secondhand Vehicle
When purchasing a secondhand car, make sure you are prepared with ample knowledge about the process. The more information you know, the better your chances of finding the right vehicle for yourself.
Here are some questions you’ll want to ask yourself:
- Which car model are you looking to buy?
- How will you be purchasing a car? Through a car dealer or by DIY?
- How much budget are you willing to set aside for the purchase and potential repairs?
Equipping yourself with knowledge can do so much in narrowing down your options when browsing through hundreds of car classifieds as well as when comparing used car prices. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from your network or engage the help of used car dealers to help you find the car that you want.
Inspecting a Secondhand Vehicle
Assessing the value of a secondhand vehicle goes beyond just looking at its tag price. Remember, the cheapest used car isn’t necessarily the best deal you can get. It often has a higher mileage—and the higher the mileage, the older the car is and the more parts you likely have to replace.
Upon inspecting a potential secondhand vehicle, make sure to look for any signs of damage—scratches, dents, cracks, stains, leaks, or rust—on the following:
- Exterior
- Interior
- Glass
- Tyres
- Seats
- Pedals
- Radiator
- Sound System
- Exhaust System
- Lights and Lenses
- Controls and Instrumentation
- Engine Fluids (engine oil and transmission fluid)
On top of these, you should also be looking into other red flags such as odour. Check the smell of the car as soon as you first open the door. If it has a mildewy, mouldy smell, there’s a chance of water leakage somewhere.
You can further assess the vehicle by taking it to a test drive. Only when you test-drive a car can you determine its performance on the road.
Checking the Documents
When you’ve found the perfect secondhand vehicle for you, don’t close the deal just yet. Dig deeper into the car’s history first and make sure that all the necessary papers are complete.
One document you will need is the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) which is the legal document allowing a vehicle to be driven on Singapore roads. It can be renewed for 5 or 10-year durations.
All these factors involved in purchasing a used car can seem overwhelming, but remember that it’s one way to guarantee that you’re making an informed decision.
Ready to shop for a new car? Engage the help of a used car dealer today! Get in touch with us at Carlingual.