Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Luxury Car
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Luxury Car
Posted on May 24, 2022
Luxury cars like Mercedes, BMW, and Audi are expensive for a reason. These high-tech cars are meticulously designed and packed with advanced features to last for years. Considering the high number of advanced features in these cars, it makes sense to buy a used luxury car. The used luxury car market is flourishing because more and more car buyers are taking interest in pre-owned premium cars than brand new economy cars. The budget-savvy car buyers prefer buying a used car instead of leasing or investing in a brand new car. However, when it comes to buying a used car, there are two options- buy from a friend or you can find a reliable car dealer. There are also car dealerships that have pre-owned vehicle programs. Buying a car from a brand dealer means you get access to limited models from the same company. Also, buying from a friend means you don’t get the option to shop around. So, the best option is to find a used car dealership that provides a wide range of used luxury cars. These dealers buy cars from the owners after a thorough inspection.
It is safe to buy a used luxury car from a genuine car dealer. However, it makes sense to consider some factors before making a final decision. When you enter the car showroom, it is easy to get amazed by the collection of shinny luxury cars. But before spending your hard-earned money, make sure you consider some factors to avoid getting headaches later on the road. Here are some tips to help you make a smart buying decision.
Vehicle History
Don’t get too impressed by the spotless, shiny, and almost brand-new look of a used car. The car may look perfect but there can be defects hidden under its hood. Judging a car simply by visual inspection might create several problems later. To find out the true condition of the car, take a close look at its history. Some websites provide a detailed report of a certain car’s history. You need to find out details like the past owners, service records, and any prior damage. The car dealer can also provide you with maintenance records that can help you determine how much servicing the car needs.
Check the Car’s Condition
If you don’t know much about cars, it is better to take a mechanic with you to check both interior and exterior of the car. Before you arrive at the final purchase decision, make sure you find out the technical aspects of a car. When inspecting the car, check all the interior components such as front and back seats, windows, doors, music system, air conditioner, and other functions. You should also carefully look at the vehicle from all angles. The condition of tyres can tell a lot about how it was used. A mechanic can check the engine and find out leaks, corrosion, or cracked tubes. Once this inspection is complete, take the car for a test drive to see its performance on the road.
Inspect All Documents
When buying a used car, it is important to check documents such as the vehicle’s registration certificate. The registration certificate provides details like the owner’s name and the car’s details – engine number, chassis number, etc. Make sure the certificate is original and not marked as DRC. Moreover, take a look at the existing insurance papers. This can help you find out if the car has had any accident claims in the past. It is best to look for a car that has a high NCB which is a bonus reward for not filing a claim during the policy period. The higher the No Claim Bonus (NCB), the better.