Owning car is a necessity nowadays. But sometimes some people can’t afford to buy a brand new car but being practical and being smart with money will be a priority. So the next best option is purchasing a second-hand car. 

Here are some of the tips and guides on how to buy a second-hand car:

TIP #1:  Set you budget (for purchase, repair, and everyday use)

Yes, the initial step of buying a car is setting your budget. You have to allot a budget of the car you are planning to buy. Always keep in mind that you need to budget for some repairs and maintenance. Also, consider the budget for fuel because nowadays fuel is on a skyrocket. People nowadays choose Diesel engines for fuel efficiency compared to regular gasoline engines. Of course, always check on the status of the car that we will discuss later because what you pay is what you get. 

TIP #2: Know the type of used car you are buying

If you are a family man and you have 3 to 4 kids, might as well invest in a bigger car like a van or Sport Utility Vehicle. For a starting family, a sedan will do the job to keep your mobile going to point A to point B. For car and motorsport enthusiasts, there are many second-hand Brand H cars for sale, especially the 90's era good for project building and race worthy cars. 

 

TIP #3: Do your research

Due Diligence is the perfect term for this. Always check the necessary documents of the car if the Original Receipt is updated, the Certificate of Registration is in the seller's name and most of all, check with the PNP Highway Patrol Group if the car you are buying has been flagged down, check with LTO if the car has violations or a bad record. As a buyer, you have to protect yourself by not carrying the burden of the previous owner. Buying a car is easy especially dealership you choose has a good reputation in the industry. 

TIP #4: Check the Mileage

Pretty basic and very obvious - Higher mileage usually means more repairs and maintenance. Consider yourself asking the seller if the car was driven on a freeway rather than the city because of the road conditions. Also, check who were the main drivers of the car. Was it used for a heavy-duty ride? Or just simply getting a grocery? Is it Daily driven or a weekend warrior? 

TIP #5: Check the vehicle thoroughly

There are many things to consider about how to check the quality of the car you are purchasing. First is the paint. If the owner has a garage, well good for you. Some owners park their car outside where there is sunlight and some bird poop that can cause changes in the paint and also in the interior. That is kung maselan ka sa pintura of your car. 

Check the body. Some sellers will not disclose if there was a minor or major accident but you can determine as a buyer. Go around the vehicle, knock the body of the car with your fingers lightly. If it is "lata ang tunog", there is no problem. 

Inspect the tires. Check for the thread wear of the tires if it is equal. You can determine the thread wear if there is something wrong in the alignment of the car which we will discuss later on testing the unit. 

Check the head unit and the speakers of the unit. Music videos, TV Boxes, and Bluetooth connection is a necessity for a driver especially when you are stuck in traffic here in Metro Manila. 

This is very important - You have to also check if the car was flooded. 13 years ago, remember Ondoy? After the typhoon, several cars were posted For Sale. And they have a disclosure "Hindi po ito na Ondoy." Some basics that we can share with you are: check for any moisture build-up, corrosion, the scent of the interior, faulty fabrics, the engine oil, and the electrical system especially the ECU or what we call Electronic Control Unit. 

TIP #6: Test drive the vehicle

Now, you're done inspecting the exterior, the interior, and popping the hood, let's go for the performance and condition of the car.

We always recommend checking the suspension and under chassis. This is one of the most expensive maintenance. While driving, check the alignment of the steering wheel and handling. It is a good thing to test the car in over bumps if the under chassis and suspension are intact. This is where the tire thread comes in. A good suspension and wheel alignment result in good thread wear of your tire.  

 

TIP #7: Bring a mechanic (especially if you are new to cars)

Looks can be deceiving in its pictures. A mechanic will guide and give you some idea on the unit you are checking especially on spotting the problems, especially while test driving. If you don't have time to physically test drive or check the unit, you can always ask for a virtual or live demo- but make sure to have the agent go around the unit completely.

TIP #8: Our last reminder: Choose the right seller

Buying a used car boils down to one key decision- who you decide to trust. As much as possible- try to choose a seller/dealer that can give you a guarantee or some sort of warranty. Make sure that your transaction is well documented & safe for you. Used cars are a smart and practical choice but only if you get a trustworthy seller or dealer.

 

Ready to start buying a used car? Check out our catalog & you might just find the perfect used car for you: Carmax Shop Cars