Hi everyone,
Just wanted some input regarding what questions I should ask the owner, and what things I should keep an eye out/check to make sure the car is in good condition both internally and externally. I'm interested in purchasing a 2013 Toyota Corolla ZR sedan with under 10KM clocked.
Many thanks!
Cheers!
Oh nice, didn't know they had that. Well here's mine for additional references: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3ozh0zgkm3ijy1h/Checklist%20summar…
REVS check first and foremost. Check for mis-matched panels, check the screws on the panels under the bonnet. Check for damage to license plates. Check service history.
Otherwise should be ok!
Thank you!
check the screws on the panels under the bonnet
What does this mean?
Hard to describe, but by checking the screws used to attach the side panels you can determine if they have been replaced or not. Easy for the layman to determine if it's been in an accident.
Questions to ask when buying a second hand car?
Should I buy a new one instead?
Hahaha maybe if I was rich. Saving $10k+ on a 2-3 year car (36K new) is a big sum for many of us!
I would hope you're not buying a $26k 3yo Corolla :/
It is the ZR sedan edition - the highest of three tiers. Still looking around at the moment! What price do you think it would be around, with under 10KMs clocked? Definitely will be asking why it's been driven so little. The asking price of the one I'll be taking a look at is $22k.
Just checking the models out, in WA was a 2014 with 30kms or so for $28k at a dealer.
Sure, it's got the leather/push button start/GPS, but it's a Corolla… it still has the same 1.8L CVT as the base model!
Jees some new cars with all the extras are around the money. Cruze SRiV can be had for $28,990 drive away, with leather, push button start, GPS. And a turbo motor.
Just seems silly money for a 3yo Corolla. If the drivetrain was any different, sure, but I just can't see the justification for the money. (And I don't think the market can either, hence the lack of them 2nd hand as a result of the lack of them that sell brand new)
I tell you what. Before you sign up on the dotted line, do yourself a favour and drive a Suzuki Kizashi Sport AWD.
Just do it, and you'll get where I'm coming from.
@Spackbace: Alright thanks for the tips! Will definitely take a look at that model :) I've just had very good experiences with Toyota in the past so I trust their cars; almost hitting 200k km on my 2000 Echo.
Common thing to hear, Toyota now is banking on their name from those cars (early 00s). Like Echo, Corolla, and Hilux. Nowadays, they haven't changed with the times and it shows.
I think it is only fair if you tell OP you are a Suzuki Salesman.
Not saying it makes your above points invalid, but OP can now see any conflict of interests.
@PoorStudent:
Is it a conflict of interest?
If he was saying "come into Lapscock Suzuki and ask for Mr Bace, first name Spack", then there'd be a conflict of interest.
As said above, conflict of interest no, possible bias yes. That said, besides motoring journos, I can't think of many other professions that get as much exposure to different models of cars as a salesman.
As has been pointed out, it would be a conflict of interest if I pointed the OP to my dealership, or if they were in my state, but they haven't announced their state once from what I can see, so all I'm giving is advice.
I don't understand people that would get a (relatively) expensive Corolla that has no powertrain differences from the base model. In the Kizashi, you're buying AWD, as well as whole list of accessories and an awesome drive and build quality. The Cruze SRiV might lack a bit in the build quality compared to the Japanese, but it offers amazing value for money and has the turbo motor, and brand new can be had for the same price as a 2 years older Corolla, whilst the Corolla offers no added accessory (from what I can see) compared to the Cruze.
So to summarise:
If you have automotive club membership, ask about their car inspection offers - might cost you $80 for a mechanic to come and look it over, but well spent if they spot something you don't know to look for.
Thanks! I'll definitely get a mechanic to take an inspection if I'm committed.
Ask if the car has ever been damaged.
Isn't this appear on Family Feud question today?
The answer from the survey is mileage, price etc..
Make sure whoever is selling it has 2 hands.
Better to check the car yourself rather than asking questions :)
Best is to drive the car, if it drives well then continue to inspect it further. I bought a second hand car from a dealer but had driven several other same model cards and it was easy to tell which car was well maintained and which were nearing their life's end. So just by driving one car might not give you a good idea.
Also, a mechanic told me a quick trick that take the oil pick out, clean it and see if the pick is clean. If it clean means the oil has been changed regularly. If the tip is dark, the owner has not changed oils as required.
Also he told me to open the cap on the engine and check inside with a flashlight. If it looks clean and all that is another good sign.
And one seller said that a logbooks can be bought for few hundreds, so don't blindly rely on them.
Hope this helps a bit :)
Thank you! Great tips~
That is one pricey 2nd hand corolla.
You'd be far better off getting a used base spec mid sizer like a liberty, Mazda 6 or Camry for the same money. Kizashi is a better drive than a Corolla (I've driven both as hires) but I don't think it's as popular as the three I've listed above. Or if you like smaller cars consider the Corolla ascent sport. You don't get much of your money back on higher spec cars unless there's something fundamentally different about the drivetrain. I'd suggest trying a comfortline golf as a left field suggestion, I drive the seventh gen it's a solid little car with a lot of polish and I've never had problems with it
It's probably safer to buy from a dealer, if you go private REVS check is a must. Obviously if it's encumbered and you're keen you make one of those cheques out to the financier not the seller. You'll be covered by factory warranty for most cars under 36 months old for anything major due to a build fault.
Full dealer service history with logs is expected for newer cars in warranty period walk away if it doesn't have this. You can call the dealer's service dept to confirm the vehicle has really been serviced there. Ask about accident history too and check paintwork carefully for any slightly differently coloured panels etc as well (do this in daylight). Private sellers I always do the oil stick check, and I get them to switch the ignition on while I'm standing outside the car to see if any smoke comes out of the exhaust before a test drive.
Also on the test drive check the stereo to make sure it works, then leave it off and listen for any rattles or other unusual sounds. Pay careful attention to the steering on a flat road, and make sure your hands aren't what's keeping the car in a straight line.
Finally, at this price point you can be looking at new cars especially in the small car segment (Corolla, Mazda 3 etc). See how hard a bargain you can drive with new car dealers, and look into options like novated leasing which can get you a GST saving, income tax advantages and competitive hassle free quotes arranged through the leasing company. My work uses LeasePlan but there are others out there too.
Cheers! Will take your words into consideration for sure.
Car buying advice
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