Buying a new or used car
Cartalk was created to help people who may be considering buying a new or used car, and may not be sure what to look at or where to start.
1. The focus is to get people to drive very reliable, fuel efficient cars, at a reasonable price point.
Where possible, try and think green and reduce your carbon footprint by looking at more fuel efficient cars as this may help reduce your running costs, and help resale values.
Diesel cars and diesel SUVs are increasing their market share and should be seriously considered, especially if its a larger vehicle or SUV. Diesel vehicles are very good for towing caravans / trailers.
Buying a car is usually the largest expense or investment a person or family will make after buying a home and it is important to get it right the first time.
Based on my thirty years of general car knowledge and speaking to different car brokers, valuers, and wholesalers, the more you spend on a new or used car the more you may lose unless it is a rare collectable or classic car.
Depreciation can be a real killer on some cars especially when buying large vehicles in a petrol engine rather than in a diesel. When the economy turns backwards and fuel pricing rises, it has a major effect on resale values and car dealers may not offer you much when selling the vehicle.
2. Second opinion on SUV,s and roof strength on different vehicles.
Before purchasing a new or used SUV vehicle check the servicing costs and capped pricing options on some of these vehicles, insurance premiums and warranty period. Some of these SUVs can be very expensive to maintain, especially with fuel costs. Also check with a specialist mechanic to see if the vehicle has had a hard life or been in an accident if buying a used vehicle.
www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety - Rollover Crashes
3. Exit strategy - How quickly is your car depreciating.
It’s best to have an exit strategy when buying a new / used car or SUV. Why? You could be stuck with a car sitting in your garage for a long time, so choose your car wisely for resale value.
Biggest losers
The cost of depreciation
4. Buying tips and mistakes.
http://news.drive.com.au/buying-tips
Top 10 car buying mistakes
5. Reversing and forward visibility ratings.
Poor driving visibility in cars and SUVs also contributes to many children accidents each year.
www.nrma.com.au-reversing-visibility-tables
Which cars have the best reversing safety
6. Research and patience.
Remember, research, time and patience, and organising your finance beforehand is critical as it will help with your negotiating power. See research page on Cartalk for more information.
Car dealers do offer competitive finance rates, but at least you will be in control when negotiating for your new or used vehicle. There are plenty of cars dealers, so do not be pushed by unprofessional tactics. There are also new lemon laws for protection when buying a new car.
7. Australian Consumer Law, Consumer Affairs and your practical guide to the Law in Victoria.
www.consumer.vic.gov.au
www.consumerlaw.gov.au
www.lawhandbook.org.au
8. Odometers in cars are being tampered by some used car dealers.
Check if the odometer has been tampered with. Check the car history very carefully, and which may include checking the car history and asking for the previous owners information. Check vehicle details before purchase a used vehicle with Vic Roads and the Personal Property Securities Register which will be live in 2012.
www.ppsr.gov.au
www.carhistory.com.au
www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Second hand cars odometer tampering
Car salesman fined for odometer tampering
9. Rentals sites - Consider hiring before buying a new or used car.
If you need to rent a reliable car at very good rates at short notice from your local area, try Drive my Car rentals
or the Drive Now site. If you need to go a long distance, try Stand By Cars and Campervans at very special rates.
This may give you time before buying your next vehicle, and by driving some of the rental cars, it may also help you make a better final decision when purchasing your next vehicle.
Stand by Cars
www.carnextdoor.com.au
www.drivenow.com.au
www.drivemycarrentals.com.au
