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There is nothing more creepy than a sleazy car salesman, especially a  secondhand car salesman trying to sell you a dodgy looking car…
However the reality is that most of us can’t afford to constantly buy brand new cars! To help ease the process for you, we’ve come up with five key things every nzgirl should know before taking the plunge and buying a pre-used car…
 1: Pre-buying advice
Firstly, know how much you want to pay. This indicates what kind of car you will and will not be able to afford. Then get your hands onto a buying guide, this will tell you the going rate of the type of car you’re after and will help you avoid getting ripped off. Also, one more thing to consider is that small and medium saloons and hatchbacks will be easier to maintain and repair than say a convertible or luxury car.
 2: Looking at cars
Consider all different outlets for buying used cars such as trade-ins at new car dealerships, private sales and trademe, don’t just rely on second-hand car dealers. This is an extremely part of the buying process and there are heaps of different aspects that you need to look at. First check the engine plate on the car corresponds with that given on the registration documents. Also, never buy a car without test driving it yourself and make sure you test it on a mix of conditions such as motorways, roundabouts etc.  3: Looking at the exteriorAlways inspect the bodywork in good light. Look for corrosion or rust. Walk around the car and take time to have a good inspection. Also make sure to check for damages, a car that has been in a collision can be dangerous, especially if its suspension and/or steering have been damaged. Check over the shock absorobers, steering, condition of the tyres, brake pedals etc. 4: Looking at the interior The next step is to look inside the car. Look at the odometer; if the numbers are out of line the mileage may have been altered. Look to see if the mileage corresponds with the general condition of the car. A worn brake pedal and wear marks on the gear lever indicate a car that might have done a lot of miles. A worn driver's seat and carpet are other signs of high mileage. A very low mileage may indicate the car might have been left unused for long periods or used only for short journeys; both can cause engine problems. A car that has been regularly used and .jpg) serviced is a better bet.
5: Before making an offer
If the car passes your inspection and test drive here are a few more things to bear in mind before making an offer. Check for warrant of fitness and ask to see service and repair history and well as repair receipts. Also, check the mileage on the odometer tallies with service and repair receipts.
Check the car's registration matches those on the registration document. If the vendor is not the person named on the registration document ask for written confirmation from the registered owner that the vendor is authorized to sell the vehicle on his behalf. If you are buying from a trader, depending on the value of the car, it may be worth investing in a warranty. Read the warranty small print very carefully as some warranties exclude more than they cover. Francesca de Jong
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