Introduction
As new car prices are rising day by day, many people today are choosing to buy pre-owned cars to save money while still getting a reliable vehicle. The majority of people, however, do not know the correct procedure to purchase a pre-owned car and therefore end up doing many things wrong.
It is very easy to get carried away by a shiny exterior or a “too good to be true” deal and end up with endlessly ongoing repairs or paperwork problems.
The good news is that you can avoid all of these problems if you know what not to do before signing on to any deal.
In this article, I will guide you through the most common mistakes people make when buying a pre-owned car, so that you can avoid making these same mistakes and shop with confidence and get the best deal on your new vehicle.
Mistake 1: Skipping the Vehicle History Check
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is trusting the seller without checking the car’s history. This can lead to surprises like hidden accident damage, odometer tampering, or huge loans.
In India, about 20% of pre-owned cars have inconsistent mileage or hidden accident histories. Fraud cases take years to resolve and can leave you stuck with a problematic car.
To avoid making this mistake, you should always check the vehicle history on VAHAN. Compare service records with the odometer reading. If a 4-year-old pre-owned car shows very low kilometres, be suspicious.
Also Read: Best Second-Hand Cars in Jammu Under 5 Lakhs: A Complete Buying Guide
Mistake 2: Neglecting Proper Documentation Transfer
Doing proper paperwork is essential when buying a pre-owned car. Without timely transfer of ownership and insurance, you may face legal problems and denied claims later on.
The primary documents are RC transfer, insurance renewal or transfer, PUC certificate, and Forms 29 and 30 for change of ownership. In case the car was financed, obtain a bank NOC.
Ensure that the RC is transferred within 14 days of sale. If you miss this, you may have to face up to a ₹20,000 fine and further insurance claim problems.
Trusted dealers may help with paperwork, but always ensure to double-check everything is being done correctly for your own satisfaction and a hassle-free experience.
Mistake 3: Not Negotiating Smartly
Some buyers either completely forego negotiating or lowball with no idea of the market prices, which is frustrating to sellers and stalls the deal. A smart negotiation on a pre-owned car will involve:
- Checking the vehicle’s market value on trusted online platforms.
- Using your inspection report as your bargaining chip while negotiating tyre replacements, expiry of insurance, or minor repairs.
- Being prepared to walk away if the price is not favourable.
Negotiation is not just about squeezing the best price; it’s about getting good value for the condition and paperwork of the used car.
Mistake 4: Not Doing a Proper Inspection
Many buyers fail to do a proper inspection of the pre-owned car because it looks fine. This can be very risky because some defects don’t show up at first glance, but hidden issues can cause trouble for you in the future.
So before purchase, you should always inspect carefully:
- The engine for unusual noises, smoke, or leaks.
- The chassis for corrosion or damage.
- The tyres for uneven tread wear.
- Electricals such as lights, AC, and the infotainment system.
- The odometer reading.
Always take the pre-owned car for a test drive on highways, poor roads, and in traffic to identify hidden issues in the car, if any. Take a trusted mechanic along to get a professional opinion as well.
Mistake 5: Failure to Account for Total Cost of Ownership
Most buyers take care of the initial price of a pre-owned car and ignore future regular charges. Ownership of pre-owned cars involves insurance renewal, fuel, repair, interest on the loan, transfer fees and future maintenance costs.
So you should always keep in mind all these extra charges when you go to buy a pre-owned car.
Certain pre-owned cars come with extremely high spares and maintenance part expenses. To avoid any such surprises, research the following before choosing a car:
- Price of spares (electronics, suspension, clutch).
- Service charges at official showrooms versus independent workshops.
- Spares availability, particularly for a discontinued model.
Also Read: Best Second Hand Alto K10 Price in Jammu – Buying Guide & Tips
A Quick Recap
Buying a pre-owned car is a great way to save money while upgrading your ride, but only if you take your time and avoid making these common mistakes.
Let us take a quick recap of what you should do when buying a pre-owned car:
- Look up the history of the pre-owned car.
- Verify documents.
- Negotiate well and do not hurry into an agreement.
- Inspect the pre-owned car thoroughly.
- Do not overlook the future maintenance cost of the vehicle.
Conclusion
Buying a pre-owned car is a smart financial move, but only if you avoid making these few mistakes. But if you need further assurance and a guarantee on your pre-owned car, you can rely on JKCarMart.
JKCarMart is a reliable selling and buying online platform for pre-owned cars in Jammu and Kashmir. It enables the buyer and seller to contact each other directly, cuts out the middlemen, and lists only RC-verified inventory. Such transparency creates trust and allows buyers to find good pre-owned cars without any hassle.
With the help of trustworthy car dealership platforms like JKCarMart, you can buy your ideal pre-owned car and get behind its steering wheel and enjoy several years of carefree, cost-effective driving.
