Noticed that seano2101 posted something for New Cars (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/359121). I just happen to be in the market for a used car and wanted to get some tips off some of you.
So, what are some tips on getting a cracking deal on a used car?
And if anyone can also answer this, is it just my luck or has anyone else come across a deal online and gone to look at that exact car only to see it listed at a much higher price? Happened twice now.
Dentures or plates?
I can't figure out what you're getting at
Gumsales. Dentures and plates have gum bits on them.
Do you know if Carfacts reports are helpful or not?
Nah all you need is to do a post for $3 to check written off status and if it's encumbered or not. After that mechanical inspection.
I’m surprised by that. I thought gooogle might have died and ozbargain forums taken over.
Create notifications on eBay, Gumtree, carsales, etc. The best cars sell very quick. Know what you want and know what you want to pay. Take a friend, try to negotiate there and then. If what you're looking at is worth buying it will sell quick. IMO playing games means you miss out on the best cars. Pretending not to be interested just means someone else buys it.
I'm looking at buying a used car and was told its best to get a mechanic check it before buying. Would you agree with that, or otherwise how can you balance getting it checked with getting a sale settled quickly?
I'm confident enough to identify problems.
You can put a deposit down pending a positive review from RACV. Negotiate with seller and make up a receipt.
Find out why they are selling. If they already have a new car then you are in a better position.
I just sold my car, but I had already bought a replacement.
It was costing me $85 per month in insurance + ongoing carsales and gumtree fees to use 'feature ad'.
I wanted it gone, but i wasn't going to give it away, and I also knew it had a problem with an O2 sesnsor that caused the enngine light to come on, something the purchaser wasn't at all interested in, but he was interested in the cracked windscreen that he was going to claim on his insurance policy.
Has anyone bought from pickles before?
What was your experience like and what tips do you have for someone considering them?
I had a friend who brought a Holden Cruze Diesel from Manhiem can't remember how much it cost though but I remember when we looked up identical cars on Carsales it was a few thousand cheaper than the cheapest listed.
I have been to the auction a for the government and repossed veichle, very simple to enter, you just need to register online and get your number the day of the auction. You can even bid online if you can't attend. The auction here in Darwin is once every second week, not sure in other state. All veichles are unregistered, you can find a report on the website with some details, but if you are prepared to bid is better to go and see it with a mechanic.
Prices are definitely better than gumtree etc..
I remembered regretting not having bidded on a 2014 Ford Focus sedan with 20k that sold for $8500.
Twice on the ol' bait & switch eh? It's amazing how often the car was sold just before you got there and the online ad hasn't been taken down yet. Scum. The whole damn lot of them.
If possible, have the NRMA or RACx look over it. A reasonable seller shouldn't prevent you from doing that.
If they flinch when you suggest an inspection, just walk away. There are problems with it.
Don't ask for a discount until you inspect the vehicle. It marks you as a tyre kicker, which no one takes seriously.
make sure theres lots of rust
Do your research on models. You'll probably be able to get more value for money on a less popular model (note less popular doesn't necessarily mean worse). They'll be worse less when you sell too, but the bulk of depreciation is from new.
you might also get some knowledge of common problems to look for with that model.
Make absolutely sure its a good car - get a mechanical inspection
Avoid cracking deals as there will be something wrong with the car for sure!
Maybe buy from somebody you know or trust.
Ensure you have full service history - if missing do NOT buy!
Do NOT buy from Lebanese people as thery are the biggest scammers in the used car market - both private and dealers. There may be the odd 1 in 100 thats honest but not worth the risk! I dont care what anyone says about this comment because it comes from plenty of experience!
Do not buy from used car yards as these are the used cars that have been rejected trade-ins by the new car dealers
Hence if you decide to go with a dealer go with a reputable one that only sells used cars traded in on the new cars they sell. Hence they will be part of a new car dealership and the car will most likely have a service history.
Good luck - its not easy and there is no simple answer
Most importantly - take your time - study the market and do not rush into anything
Make absolutely sure its a good car - get a mechanical inspection
Most of the time it's worth it, unless you have good mechanical aptitude ot the car is not very old and still under warranty.
Avoid cracking deals as there will be something wrong with the car for sure!
Not always, maybe the seller just wants the cash so they can buy a new one.
Ensure you have full service history - if missing do NOT buy!
Doesn't really matter for cars over about 5-8years. The condition should help decide whether it has been looked after properly. The first few years of records are important.
Do not buy from used car yards as these are the used cars that have been rejected trade-ins by the new car dealers. Hence if you decide to go with a dealer go with a reputable one that only sells used cars traded in on the new cars they sell. Hence they will be part of a new car dealership and the car will most likely have a service history.
Car yards are a lottery. Smaller used car yards are often a front for selling the dealer's dodgy trade ins. Dealer car's come from auctions too. You might also be surprised that several dealers might be linked ie the local ford, toyota, mitsi, honda dealer is all the one company and they ship around their used cars to keep the stock levels right and keep customers coming in to all yards.
Most importantly - take your time - study the market and do not rush into anything
Study to learn exactly what you are looking for, but then act reasonably quickly when you find the right car. Used cars are a one off, there aren't several to choose from in different colours and spec levels - BUT another similar one will come along if you miss out.
Amayzingone 10 min ago new
Make absolutely sure its a good car - get a mechanical inspection. Agree
Avoid cracking deals as there will be something wrong with the car for sure! Really?
Maybe buy from somebody you know or trust. Never buy from a friend or relative.
Ensure you have full service history - if missing do NOT buy! Come on…not everyone keeps every service record.
Do NOT buy from Lebanese people as thery are the biggest scammers in the used car market - both private and dealers. There may be the odd 1 in 100 thats honest but not worth the risk! I dont care what anyone says about this comment because it comes from plenty of experience! 100% agree,
Do not buy from used car yards as these are the used cars that have been rejected trade-ins by the new car dealers. Not trueNew car dealers only keep the top 10 to 15% of cars they trade because of age of car and brand.
Hence if you decide to go with a dealer go with a reputable one that only sells used cars traded in on the new cars they sell. Wrong again. We have sold a car to a dealer that wasn't purchased there when new. Dealers also go to auctions.
Hence they will be part of a new car dealership and the car will most likely have a service history. Again wrong. Dealers are there to make money. If it has full service records great but are they genuine?
Good luck - its not easy and there is no simple answer. Agree.
Most importantly - take your time - study the market and do not rush into anything. Don't agree. If it's good and ticks your boxes grab it. My father lost 2 very good vehicles by procrastinating. He finished up with something above average but should have done better.
Remember there are 2 people in this world, the quick and the dead.
My comments come from 40 years of buy and selling cars.
I also have a good mechanical knowledge
Feel free to agree or disagree but dont pretend to be an expert.
I know what I am saying from many years of experience which i doubt you have.
And nobody can ever be an expert in this dirty game
@ Amayzingone.
Where did I say I was an expert? I disagreed with you as others have done.
You have no idea who you are talking but I think I have worked you out.
Have a good day Princess.
I constantly check gumsales for a bargain. you have to check a few times everyday and eventually you find it. You can minimise the pool by putting in your preferences so you don't have to scroll down every bomb
IF IT'S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT IS. DO YOUR CHECKS!