How To Choose The Best Pre-owned Car?

Are you looking to buy a used car but have no idea how to go about it? The basic and easy things are to decide the type of car required, and model, from which dealer, and set your budget. The real challenge comes when you test-drive the vehicle and inspect it. We have listed some of the most important steps when choosing a pre-used car from the top used car dealers in Bangalore to save you from this confusion.

Testing The Car

Once you have decided on which car to buy, from which vendor, and at what price, now it is time for a test drive, which is not just a test of the engine or the way a car drives, but a test of all you need to know about the car and everything that the car offers. So make sure your test drive is long enough to inform you about the working condition of a vehicle. 

Drive for at least 5 Km through various types of roads in order to understand the car and your comfort. Remember that the vehicle should start instantly, and there should not be any strange noises apart from the sound of the engine; gears should shift smoothly, and the car should move forward without jerking upon releasing the clutch, the steering should not vibrate, and the brakes should slow down proportionally to the force applied to them. This should happen in a straight line, and the car should not move sideways. Also, check for oil leaks from the engine and the gearbox by parking the vehicle on clear ground.

Pre-purchase Inspection

Now you know that the car drives well and has passed your test drive expectation, do a short inspection. You can check the relevant car documents like registration, pollution certificate, insurance, loan clearance, and road tax clearance. Other important aspects include checking the meter reading which has to have a run of 30,000 to 40,000 km for a five-year-old car; the body of the vehicle, which should not have any rust; the engine and the exhaust which should not emit blue or black smoke upon acceleration nor should there be any oil spouts on the exhaust. 

Also, check if the tyres are in good condition, the wheels are properly aligned, and the suspension provides a noise-free and comfortable ride; check the shockers, bushings, and suspension springs for any leaks; the battery for any signs of acidic wear and tear near it, poor maintenance and the expiry. Check if the AC is working properly or not by keeping in mind that the cooling should be gradual, and upon an increase in levels, the cooling should also increase. You can drive the car on a slope to check the cooling system's efficiency. Do not forget to check all the lights, hazards, dippers, indicators, headlamps, brake lights, and reverse lights, as they all should be in top working condition. Also, see if the electrical components like electric rearview mirrors, music system and OVRMs function properly. 

Document Check

Below are the documents you should check before signing the deal.

• Insurance: It can tell a lot about the vehicle. Check the insurance for past claims, as this is a very important document for transferring ownership.
• Registration certificate: This will prove that you are buying a car from a registered buyer. Also, inquire about the integrity of the RC, and remember that the RC's engine and chassis number should match those on the vehicle.
• Pollution certificate: This certificate is required for ascertaining the car's fitness and is important when transferring ownership. 
• No objection certificate: This is issued by the finance company and states that all payments towards the loan have been cleared and the financier has no claim on the car.
• Road tax: Though this is cleared during the purchase, you should again check if it has been cleared on the used car so that you can bargain on the price if it is not cleared.

Explore All Payment Options

Once you have checked everything, you will have to consider the high-interest rates that banks offer so that you can compare them and choose the one that suits your budget. If you have a good upfront payment, it can ensure lower interest rates. Also buying online from the top used car dealers in Bangalore will give you perks such as assisting in availing loans for your purchase.

Transfer Of Ownership Documents

Once you are done with the payment, you will have to get the documents transferred in your name, making you the car's sole owner. This will require you to see a few documents, including:

• Original registration certificate, which is required to be submitted to the RTO. You will also need a NOC if a loan purchased the car along with form no. 35. 
• Sale transfer form no. 29 provided by the RTO must be signed by both the buyer and the seller in duplicates. 
• Vehicle chassis number imprint
• Notarised insurance papers along with address and identity proof of the buyer and seller. 

Wrapping Up

Although buying a pre-owned car can appear daunting and even more difficult than buying a brand-new vehicle, the above steps will help you make the process easier. You have to choose a reliable used car dealer if you want to land up with the best deal and the best car.