Zero2Turbo
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    Zero2Turbo
    • Home
    • Contact
    • Videos
      Featured

      New Lamborghini Countach Gets Lowering Kit and Aftermarket Wheels

      By Zero2TurboJanuary 31, 2023
      Recent

      New Lamborghini Countach Gets Lowering Kit and Aftermarket Wheels

      January 31, 2023

      Aston Martin Reveals Most Powerful DBS Ever The DBS 770 Ultimate

      January 18, 2023

      Hennessey Reveal Track-Focused 1,817 HP (1,355 kW) Venom F5 Revolution

      January 9, 2023
    • South Africa
    • Zero2Turbo Telegram
    Zero2Turbo
    Home»Zero2Turbo»Things to Keep in Mind When Buying A Used Car
    Zero2Turbo

    Things to Keep in Mind When Buying A Used Car

    By Zero2TurboMay 9, 2019Updated:May 16, 2019No Comments
    Facebook Email Twitter LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp
    Share
    Facebook Email Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram

    Shopping for a used car can turn into a very stressful situation. While there are good deals out there, that can get you the perfect car for your budget and needs, there is also a big market for scammers or people who want to get a bit more than the car’s really worth. Truth be spoken, there is quite a big number of reasons for buying a used car, instead of a new one, such as saving money on car insurance, taxes and registration. But before going in and shaking hand on a deal, there are some things you should look for, when buying a used car:

    Look for the right model for you

    Before going out and testing all the sports cars in your pricing range, it might be worth sitting down, evaluating your options and leaving any emotional factors out of this deal. Think about why and how you will be using the car, to make sure the list of models that you are going to come up with fit your needs, Will you be needing a family car? Do you need plenty of luggage space for long trips? Can a child seat be fitted properly? Is it worth buying a high-speed car, if you are only driving from home to work in high traffic every day? Will you be looking at a petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid model? Answer all of those questions before making a list with the right models that fit your needs and fall on the right price range.

    Check the vehicle history

    Before even deciding to take it for a test drive, make sure you run a VIN lookup on the car to check its history. It is not uncommon for car sellers to try and hide some of the vehicle’s past issues, in order to sell it faster or get a bit more than the car’s actual value. By using the vehicle’s identification number, you can get a detailed report of the car’s past issues and decide if the price fist the expectations.

    What you can learn from a VIN lookup:

    • Any serious accidents that the car might have been involved in: if for example, the car has been involved in a fire or flood incident, the car might have been declared a total loss by the insurance company, while it is still drivable.
    • Alterations to the odometer: some car owners might spin the odometer back, in order to look like the car has been less used and maybe sell it at a bigger price
    • Ownership: a VIN lookup can tell you how many previous owners the car had
    • Maintenance reports: you can find out if maintenance check-ups were done on time and what work was performed on the car

    Take it for a test drive

    Nothing can tell you if the car you like is a suited model for you, better than a test drive. Even if you really like the model, you might find out, after taking it for a drive, that the seats are too low for you and you can’t see past the wheel. While this can be modified, it involves investing more money, so knowing all of this beforehand can drastically influence your decision. When taking it for a test, select a route that allows you to test as many things as possible. Try to drive a bit up and down a hill, on rough pavements, curves and, if possible, on a highway or a road where you can speed it up a bit. Always test the car with the radio off, so you can hear if there are any unusual noises or vibrations coming from under the hood. Don’t forget to test the brake and pay attention to how responsive and predictable they are.

    Inspect the inside of the vehicle

    When looking at the inside of the car, pay attention to how worn out the seats are. This will also tell you a great deal about how much the car has been used and if it is consistent with what the odometer is showing. Check the buttons and make sure all of them are functioning as they should. You can do some of this while drive-testing as well. Check if the seats can be adjusted to your needs, pull all the seatbelts and see if they work properly and pay attention to the car’s dashboard for any warning lights. Heat and air conditioning should both be verified, no matter the season. You don’t want to end up having to face the summer heat without the air conditioning working properly. Don’t forget to check the trunk as well and look for the spare tire and tire tools. Look for any rust or mold that could be piling up in the trunk as well. This can tell you a great deal about how the car has been taken care of.  

    Inspect the inside and outside of the vehicle

    When you’re reviewing a car that’s been up for sale, it will most definitely be quite shiny and clean, but it’s worth taking a thorough look at it before closing the deal. Inspect the panels and bodywork for any signs that may indicate the car has been involved in an accident.  If you see anything unusual, don’t be afraid to ask the seller directly. For example, if the black plastics on the rear bumper look faded from age, but those in the back don’t, it might be a sign that the car had a new bumper fitted. Pay attention to the paintwork as well. While it is not uncommon for the paint to lose its brightness and vibrancy over time, it should be uniform throughout the entire exterior.

    Check prices before accepting a deal

    Negotiation can be a burden, but before accepting the deal that the car owner proposes, it is worth checking the market and seeing what the normal prices are. Chances are, the seller is going to try to ask for more than the market average, but they are usually willing to go way under the first offer. After finding out the average market price, pay attention to the car options as well. The seller might be asking for more because the car has some interesting options. While the price might be justified, think about your needs and ask yourself if those options are worth another $1,000.

    Share. Facebook Email Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram
    Previous ArticlePagani Huayra BC Macchina Volante Up For Sale
    Next Article 10 Reasons To Consider an Electric-Vehicle, Part Two

    Related Posts

    Next Mercedes-AMG E63 Set To Drop V8 For Straight-Six Hybrid

    January 31, 2023

    New Lamborghini Countach Gets Lowering Kit and Aftermarket Wheels

    January 31, 2023

    Audi South Africa Expands EV Charging Network Including First 200 kW Ultra-Fast Charger

    January 31, 2023

    One-Off Bugatti Chiron Profilée Heads To Auction This Week

    January 30, 2023

    Lamborghini Aventador Successor Gets Superb Looking Render

    January 30, 2023

    Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato Gets First Ever All-Terrain Run-Flat Supercar Tyre

    January 26, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Popular Posts
    • US-Owned Bugatti Centodieci Gets Epic EB 110 Le Mans Racer Spec
    • BMW M3 CS Officially Revealed Packing 543 HP (405 kW)
    • 2023 BMW M3 CS Leaked Ahead Of Debut
    • Aston Martin Reveals Most Powerful DBS Ever The DBS 770 Ultimate
    • How to Avoid Insurance Disputes in a Car Accident Claim

    Latest Instagram Photos
    • Menacing Frozen Brooklyn Grey Metallic BMW M4 CSL sold by @bmwbryanston spotted in Linksfield recently by @thomasovitale 😎

Just 15 of these came into the country priced at R3.57m.

Would you prefer this or the freshly revealed M3 CS?

#ExoticSpotSA #Zero2Turbo #SouthAfrica #BMW #M4CSL #FrozenBrooklynGreyMetallic
    • The BMW i4 M50 is quite possibly the best EV we have had the pleasure of testing.

It's superbly comfortable but at the simple touch of a button, it switches from tourer to tornado and you find yourself instantly doing speeds you should not be doing.

While not all EVs will have the same refinement or scintillating performance, this was both relaxing and thrilling to drive.

The Gran Coupé is a handsome car with a sense of sleek length and disguises its hatchback as a booted saloon rear end and that M Portimao Blue metallic paint certainly garnered a lot of positive attention.

Compared with the BMW iX it’s less of a show-stopper, but comes with a much more attractive price tag – and while the i4 is still quite the financial investment (R1,6m) we feel it gives you excellent value in return.

Yes, we did have a few charging issues (Eskom) and if you don't have a Wallbox charger at home filling up with petrol is MUCH easier. However, that being said if you’re looking for an outstanding driving experience both on the twisties and on the highway, this is definitely worth considering if you have decided to make the jump to the electric car.

#ExoticSpotSA #Zero2Turbo #SouthAfrica #BMW #i4M50 #Z2TDriven #BMWi4M50
    • The totally bonkers Ferrari 812 Competizione was spotted in Bryanston today by Brad Ainge.

It actually makes the F12tdf look quite tame in comparison. Which would you rather have?

Priced around R14m depending on spec.

#ExoticSpotSA #Zero2Turbo #SouthAfrica #Ferrari #812Comp
    • Welcome the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4MATIC to SA 🇿🇦

Front and rear motors delivering 350 kW and 858 Nm of torque for a 100km/h sprint in 4.2s and a WLTP range of up to 535km.

Pricing is estimated to be R2,200,000.

#ExoticSpotSA #Zero2Turbo #SouthAfrica #MercedesAMG #EQE43
    • Our time has come to an end with the most potent version of Mzansi’s favourite bakkie, the new Toyota Hilux GR-Sport.

The 2.8-litre turbo diesel powerplant has been tweaked to push out 165kW and 550 Nm thanks to an updated ECU which also responsible for the much needed revised mapping of the six-speed auto.

The sporty Hilux gets new monotube shocks as well as stiffer coil springs which make the bakkie a lot more settled at higher speed and provide great feedback on some of the twisty bits. If you don’t have a full load at the back however, you might find it a tad too stiff and rather twitchy for day to day driving. 

Inside you get a load of sporty touches including “carbon fibre” trim pieces but the highlight has to be the race inspired front seats complete with Alcantara inserts and some GR badging on the headrests. 

For the Hilux customers, this is a welcome addition to the range as the exterior and interior aesthetics align very neatly with the GR brand.

Yours from R891,400. Are you picking this or the Legend RS?

#Z2TDriven #Toyota #HiluxGRSport #Hilux #GRSport
    • Kicking the week off with this gorgeous Giallo Ferrari F12tdf spotted in Lenasia this weekend by @theedesignstudio 

#ExoticSpotSA #Zero2Turbo #SouthAfrica #Ferrari #F12tdf

    Follow Us

    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube RSS
    Designed by Zero2Turbo.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.