First Things You Look for in a USED Car (Possibly Your First Car) ?

[Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 23:40
Last edited 04/05/2018 - 15:38 by 1 other user

Hey guys.

Bought to upgrade from my first car (perfect little chugger from the 80s with barely any use on the clock).

I've never purchased a car through choice and decision. I got this one through sheer luck and brilliant timing.

I'm about to buy a used car from a car auction and just wondering what types of things you would prefer when making a purchase like this.

i.e. things important to me.

• Year, 2013-2017 seems appropriate for me. any earlier and I am kind of going to need an upgrade again shortly.
• Style, a Mazda 6 looks nice but $$$ for what you get compared with a Mazda 3, etc.
• Colour, (not really a care for me but convince me why white ain't good)
• Accessories? (my car has no accessories, it is a early 80s car, so I don't know what I want most and what I should be getting for a 2014+ model)

What tip would you give me to keep in mind when I find something I might wanna bid on? Anything you forgot but regret after buying your car?

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  spackbace on 02/05/2018 - 23:46

  +3

  How mechanically minded are you?

  There can be some definite pitfalls to auction cars if you can't scrutinise the cars properly.
  Of course there's some bargains too (though if a dealer doesn't jump on it, is it really a bargain?)

  Do a PPSR check!

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    [Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 23:50

    Not very.

    The good thing is, I have a friend of mine who runs a business and requires fleets of cars. He'll be able to help me as he purchases from there quite frequently. But the problem I'm having is whether the car is worth it on the look/feel.

    Of course there's some bargains too (though if a dealer doesn't jump on it, is it really a bargain?)

    Yeah. Some bargains make me scratch my head until I find the reason.

  • 

    ronnknee on 03/05/2018 - 08:26

    +1

    This. $3.40 for the PPSR report will give you a piece of mind on any finance of the car as well as any write-offs.

    Also service log books showing that the car has been regularly serviced.

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  Some Human on 02/05/2018 - 23:51

  +3

  High yield investment potential.

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 23:51

    Nope.

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  SydStrand on 03/05/2018 - 00:22

  -5

  I wouldn't consider a car without Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It's a good way to future-proof your car's infotainment and skip the manufacturer satnav option. Some automakers are still pretty stubborn, sell it as add-on, or they only offer one option (e.g. Toyota finally caving to Carplay but still no Android Auto).

  • 

    spackbace on 03/05/2018 - 00:52

    Toyota doesn't have CarPlay

    • 

      SydStrand on 04/05/2018 - 11:40

      They're adding Carplay

      • 

        spackbace on 04/05/2018 - 11:48

        Doesn't help OP. It's a future plan, ie not possible to buy a Toyota now with it

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    [Deactivated] on 03/05/2018 - 06:08

    Rules out OPs choice of Mazda’s.

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    Euphemistic on 03/05/2018 - 07:08

    Nice to have, but not necessary. Sat nav is useful, but most of the time I know where I’m going already. Listening to the radio is still a thing that people do, don’t need much tech for that.

    • 

      SydStrand on 04/05/2018 - 11:46

      While you probably don't think you need satnav, I'm sure you drive beyond your usual commute at least a couple times a week. IMO, radio is what I listen to after I've exhausted Spotify or podcasts.

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    whooah1979 on 03/05/2018 - 07:22

    +1

    a smartphone, phone mount, g.maps and a jack cable can make any head unit with an aux future proof.

    • 

      SydStrand on 04/05/2018 - 11:46

      Uber driver starter pack?

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    [Deactivated] on 03/05/2018 - 09:23

    I don't like opening my Android up to sending all my information just to do some things with it in the car.

    I used it in a test drive and it kinda felt clunky and Big Brother'y.

    The test drive dude really tried to sell me on it. But it just felt like adding an Alexa to my car.

    • 

      SydStrand on 04/05/2018 - 11:49

      It doesn't send data, nor is it adding an assistant. It mirrors your phone (which does all the work), so supported apps will get a larger, car friendly UI, while connecting the phone to your car's microphone, speakers, and buttons.

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  whooah1979 on 03/05/2018 - 06:19

  You could try government/mnc/large/medium business fleet dealer or auction. Buy the best selling brand and model for reliability.

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  pao2x on 03/05/2018 - 07:24

  Test drive. Service history. Vehicle history.

  Some people would not say it but location type of use and user

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  Speckled Jim on 03/05/2018 - 08:43

  +1

  but convince me why white ain't good

  If you already have a preference for white, don't be dissuaded. Non-metallic white has many advantages:
  - Doesn't visibly fade like darker colours.
  - The most visible colour to other road users. Extensive research, google it.
  - Preferred by Government and private fleets. There should therefore be more choice if it's a Govt car auction.
  - Cheaper, quicker and easier to touch-up (pro or DIY) should you need to.

  There's more, but things like staying cooler after sun exposure…a bit dubious for a car as most of the UV/heat enters via glass areas.

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 03/05/2018 - 09:24

    My current car is an 80s yellow. I think that's more visible ;)

    Yeah flat white is definitely my choice, I like black, but it's got more negatives than positives and only looks good at night.

    • 

      Speckled Jim on 03/05/2018 - 10:10

      +1

      Yellow and lighter shades of orange are up there, but the reports I read had white on top.
      Keep in mind this was pre-Carplay/Android days when most people were more attentive.
      Greys and blacks were least visible, even during the day.

      I have two black cars — avoid!

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  ESEMCE on 03/05/2018 - 09:32

  Firstly, you need to narrow down your target vehicle to probably a model, badge (specification level of the model) and year range. You really don't want to go in with any more than 2 specific type of car on your shopping list in my opinion.
  Once you've done that homework, set a max price limit and stick to it for each specific car.
  Don't fall in love with a car… then your heart might over-rule your max spend.

  If you don't go in with a plan similar to the above, your mind will be turning over all the choices at the time when you need a clear head to be bidding and focusing on staying under your max spend.

  Steer clear of Fords with Powershit Dual Clutch Automatic transmissions.
  Probably do same with Volkswagon DCTs

  My basic requirements are;
  Vehicle size is suitable for the number and type of passengers expected.
  Vehicle capability is appropriate for my use, eg luggage capacity and Highway performance sit high on my list.
  No well known defect in the model (a la Ford Powershit above)
  Fuel Economy and fuel type are suitable for my usage - eg Diesel engine isn't really suited for city driving due to DPF requirements.

  PPSR check
  Service History is up to date - and how much is a major service and when is the next one required?
  5* ANCAP
  Stability Control
  Bluetooth calls and Music built in to the audio system. (don't assume Bluetooth Music is included even if the car advertises Bluetooth)
  Brand Name tyres (you'll find a lot of cars for sale have some no-name brand tyre, they wear rapidly and don't perform - grip - as well as a Brand Name tyre, it's a false economy) - deduct $600 to replace tyres if the vehicle has no-names

  • 

    Euphemistic on 03/05/2018 - 11:02

    Brand Name tyres (you'll find a lot of cars for sale have some no-name brand tyre, they wear rapidly and don't perform - grip - as well as a Brand Name tyre, it's a false economy) - deduct $600 to replace tyres if the vehicle has no-names

    While this is true, cheap tyres in most situations will do the job. Wear them out before you replace them, don't waste 'free tread' but still drop the price accordingly.

    • 

      ESEMCE on 03/05/2018 - 12:30

      The problem with "most situations" is that you actually need the extra performance in those outside cases that exceed "most situations".
      Then the difference can be crashing or not, or crashing faster (and harder) or slower.

      Cars a dime a dozen for a buyer with no special needs like OP appears to have. Just buy a car with decent tyres or factor in replacement in the purchase price. Most people wont value them, so you can likely just focus on the cars with good tyres and forget the rest.

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  ShannonN on 03/05/2018 - 12:42

  " I have a friend of mine who runs a business and requires fleets of cars. He'll be able to help me as he purchases from there quite frequently"

  Is there a possibility of buying one of the fleet cars off of this friend? that is: He and the vehicle are known to you. You have a chance to take it away for a weekend drive perhaps you can view service history etc etc and negotiate a good price without the added buyers premium etc at an Auction maybe an extra 10 % of purchase price?

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 03/05/2018 - 13:58

    That's a possibility. It just depends what he offers me. I'll know in a few weeks.

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  garffi on 03/05/2018 - 13:11

  +1

  Both my parent’s car were bought from auctions. We generally already have a certain brand and style (sedan) in mind, and just look for the one that fits the criteria. The car needs to be under 4 yrs old and under 100,000kms.
  The auction website provides a report on any cosmetic damages, tyre thread depth, service history, registration included(?) etc. Check if your car auction provides these.
  If those information all check out and suit you, go to the auction yard a bit earlier to have a quick inspection of the car (to confirm what the website states). My mechanic tells me to open the hood and check for any obvious oil leaks, if so, then avoid. In my opinion, a bit of luck is involved as well.
  When you bid, make sure you know what your limit is. Auctions are fast-paced, there’s no time for you to think. I don’t care too much about accessories. If the car runs well and I got it for a good price, I’m happy. PM me if you need more info. Good luck :)

  • 

    spackbace on 03/05/2018 - 13:47

    +3

    My mechanic tells me to open the hood and check for any obvious oil leaks, if so, then avoid.

    While it's up, inspect the bolt holding the bonnet brackets to the car, see if they've been undone (check the paint). This is an easy check for repairs from front end smashes. Do this with door bolts as well.

    Inspect the service book and the first owner. Buy ex-rental at your own risk

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  Oz8argain on 03/05/2018 - 14:02

  why auction as a first time car buyer?

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    [Deactivated] on 03/05/2018 - 17:12

    I prefer the price efficiency of slightly used cars.

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  Speckled Jim on 03/05/2018 - 17:40

  A white 2016/17 1.4l Astra R (R+ if you want nannies) would be my tip. Reputedly very good, I'd just colour-code the C-pillar.
  White is cheap ;) Has all you need, stuff you didn't know you needed and stuff you probably don't.

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    whooah1979 on 04/05/2018 - 06:50

    But it’s an opel.

    • 

      Speckled Jim on 04/05/2018 - 08:57

      Opals are much loved and sought after!