16 Important things to consider before buying a used car in India

Used car market in India is growing in business much faster than expected. Richer population is throwing their new car even before the first 6 month of its usage. They are before the new additions in the market. So used car market in India is flooded with newer brands of all companies. Before going to buy a Used car in India, you should consider the following things. If these points are not considered before buying a used car in India, you may get into trouble. You may repent at the buying decision. This hub helps you to consider the important factors before buying a used car.

1) Type and size of the used car

Before buying a used car in India, always select the car according to your needs. You should consider the size of your family, your traveling habits, nature of your locality's roads, last but not least your monthly budget. Never jump to purchase a luxurious car just for the sake it getting at cheap price. The spare parts and servicing of the luxurious car may not be within your reach. Maintaining the luxurious car is costlier. If your family consists of more than 5 members, then go for a SUV, if your budget allows to go for it. After considering the factors you should come to the decision of the size and type used car you are going to purchase.

2) Petrol car or Diesel car

Before buying a used car in India, If you are the person who travels a lot, then Diesel car is suitable. But here operating and maintenance cost are much greater when compared with the petrol cars. If you are traveling less than 1200km in a month, then petrol cars are better.Be it petrol car or diesel car, you should consider the Model of the brand. Year of launching, availability of spare parts, presence of service centres, resale value, operational costs, affordability etc.

3)Source of purchase of used car.

You can purchase used car in India from the following sources.

A) From Individuals : You can buy from the individuals if you are well known with the individual and knows his driving style, his nature of travel, how he is maintain the car. This source may act as very best source and worst source. If you are going to purchase from an unknown car owner, there are great chances of being cheated.

B) From private agencies : There are lot of private agencies in India involved in buying and selling used cars. Advantage from this source are, you may getting lot of choices in terms of brands, you can bargain hard, all the paper work involved in the transaction has been taken care of by them etc. Before buying from this source, you must check the conditions of the used car well with the help of an expert and check with the road transport authorities about the authenticity of the used car. You must understands the prices of various used cars prevailing at the market. Consider more than 2 agencies and inspect and check with the prices of the various used cars in their garages.

C) From the used car agencies run by the car manufacturers like Maruti, Hyundai, Mahindra : This is the most safest method of all. This method keeps you from troubles a lot than other two sources. These dealers services the cars after purchasing from the owners and make the car trouble proof and they are also offering warranty for the used car. Here also all the paper work involved in buying the used car is taken care of by the company. Only problem is these dealers add a premium to the price of the car. The car may be priced more when compared with other sources. Chances of bargaining is limited. These dealers may not come down that easily.

4) Time of purchase of used car.

Before buying a Used car in India, always select day time to inspect and purchasing the used car. During day time you can inspect the car well. All the parts are visible to you at its original during day time.

5) Exterior and Interior portion of the car

Before buying the used car in India, check the wheel arch running board, inside and outside of the doors and check for any dust or rust. Pull the carpet and check for any rust in the floor board. Check the window glass, pull apart the rubber in window glass and check for any color change.

If there is color change, then it can be inferred that the car has been painted and may come across with an accident. Check whether the doors are closing correctly. If it is not, then it can be a result of an accident. Examine the conditions of front and back bumpers. In used car, check for scratches, cracks, chip off in the front Wind shield. Any of these signs is one more reason for rejection of the Used car. Check the head light and back light.

Check the wiper and washer is functioning well.

Interior portion

Check the elements in the instrument panel and ensure the functioning of all elements like Fuel gauge, petrol level, Temperature, Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer, Handbrake etc...Ensure the functioning of safety belt in the used car.

Proper sliding of seats, correct functioning of window glasses, proper functioning of child lock, door lock. Functioning of all internal lightings.

With regard to the AC in the used car, you must check and ensure blower speed control, blower direction knob, hot and cold knob.

6) Conditions of the engine of the used car.

Normally an engine lasts for 2 to 3 lakh kilometers. If the used car you are going to buy approaches this period then it is better to leave it. Presence of oil and dust in the engine may shows that the the car is not maintained well or repair has been done recently.

Presence of oil and smoke from the tail pipe may be the symptoms of engine damage. Before buying the used car, you should consider the conditions of the engine which is utmost important.Blue smoke from the exhaust fan indicate the heavy wear and tear to the engine.

Check for clutch slippage. If there is clutch slippage then you should put more attention in buying the said car. Check for any abnormal sound from the drive shaft.

7) Conditions of the Tyre of the used car.

Before buying the an used car in India, thoroughly inspect all the car tyres. If the tyres are deteriorated and nearing its life then ask the dealer to less the price of the used car with price of the tyre you have to purchase. With rubber prices at all time highs, it is another important factors. Nowadays tyres cost more than Rs.3500.

8)Inside the Bonnet of the used car.

Look for the ID plate and match the ID number with that of the chassis number. Listen to the sound of the engine. Any abnormal noise from the engine is a sign of caution. Check all the oils in the Car. Check for any leakage and damage to the ignition coil, chords, hoses.Find out for any damage in the fins of radiator and condenser.

9) Battery of the used car.

Before buying a used car in India check the manufacturing date of the Battery. Normally a Battery last for 3 years. If the battery is reaching its life, then bargain a discount.

10) Odometer of the used car

Before buying a used car in India, Never consider what you seen in the odometer. A car runs minimum of 3000km in a year. If the odometer is showing much reduced readings ask and clear with the dealers or individuals concerned. It is best not to consider a used car which had run too many kilometers in a short span of time. Consider buying cars that run 5000 to 30000 km in their life.

11) Documents of the used car.

Before buying a used car in India, ask for Registration certificate, Insurance, Tax details, Pollution details. Check the shazee and body number in the RC book and that of the car. Confirm both are same. If not, it may be a stolen one.

Check for any loan details, whether the loan is closed or not, whether the car is hypothicated to any body. If the service book is available, then check this book also. A well maintained car has been servicing regularly.

12) Always ensure spare key, jockey, Tool kit, Owners manual

13) Test drive of the used car.

Before buying a used car in India, Go for a test drive. Check the sound of the engine and listen for any abnormal sound. Ease of shifting of gears. Condition of the AC. Condition of the Brake, clutch, sound system, seats, horns all have thoroughly checked.

14) Never shy of seeking the help of your local expert or mechanic.

After all you are not an expert in automobiles. The local mechanic may be knowing more than you in the field of automobiles. They are well accustomed to the conditions of the engine and conditions of the vehicle they are driving.

15) Check with website of the Motor vehicle Department of your state and check the certificates.

Check the Registration Number in the websites of Motor Vehicle Department websites. Nowadays you can confirm a lot of information like, whether the vehicle come across with an accident, whether the vehicle is stolen, whether the vehicle is hypotheticate etc.

Never forget to receive the sales certificates or bill of the used car. Check whether the CNG or LNG of the used car is mentioned in the RC book. If the used car you are going to buy is from another district, then look for the NOC from the RTO of that state.

16) Last but not least BARGAINING

Never shy to bargain. If you not good at bargaining, consider the help of your relatives or friends who are good at bargaining. Go and visit as many sources of used car marketing and check the prices of various brands in the used car market and prices of various brands. After visiting many sources of used cars, you will be getting a good knowledge in used car market.