Used cars: Deals on wheels

Steer through the used cars market in the pursuit of your dream car, equipped with tips and tricks to avoid pitfalls.

Shopping for a used car can be a daunting task — while most used car sellers are known to be unreliable, our guide can teach you how to spot the red flags and score the perfect deal.

Deciding on your car

The Toyota Corolla is the best-selling 1300cc (or above) locally manufactured passenger car according to the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA). The market has responded positively to the car’s supreme performance and reliability, earning it a great resale value. If this car is out of your budget, we recommend the dependable Honda City, which at a lower price is also a worthy investment.

For vehicles at 1,000cc or below, the Suzuki Mehran leads the pack in terms of sales due to its more affordable price tag. But if you are in the market for such a vehicle, we recommend the more expensive Suzuki Alto or a Daihatsu Cuore instead.

An Imported Japanese vehicle with a modern look is another feasible option. But the scarcity of its spare parts might make it a more expensive and time-consuming proposition in the long run.

Finding your car

Shift into first gear by exploring all available sale platforms. Websites such as Pakwheels.com, OLX.com.pk and Bolee.com have classifieds available from all across the country and are the fastest way to explore your options.

Shoppers in Karachi can visit the Sunday Car Bazaar, where thousands of serious sellers show up from locations far away. Similar bazaars are organised in other major cities as well. However, buyers should be aware that some cars presented here tend to hide major flaws and should be examined thoroughly.

Inspection time

Although common sense dictates that a car which has a lower mileage will be in a better condition than a car that has run a greater distance, in reality, it is rarely that simple. A regularly maintained vehicle which ran on smoother roads will be in a better condition than a roughly used car that has half the mileage. Keep in mind that mileage can be doctored so trust the power of your observation and keep the following tips in mind:

a) While the number of kilometres on a car’s display can be reversed, natural signs of aging cannot. Compare the car to similar vehicles and watch out for signs of wear and tear on the pedals, as well as rusting under the hood.

b) A large number of owners in a short lifespan for a car can be a warning sign, pointing towards a major issue — accidents.

c) A car with a recorded maintenance history from an authorised dealership is a better buy.

d) Sellers who evade questions are more likely to be hiding something. On the other hand, owners who happily allow their vehicles to be examined by dealerships are more trustworthy.

e) Be wary of vehicles losing radiator liquid on a daily basis, or blowing strange smoke out of the exhaust pipe. Cars with a potentially blown gasket may be due for major repairs, or worse. Moreover, if the engine oil is reducing on a daily basis or has a suspicious texture, the car has serious flaws.

f) For automatic vehicles, if the car is jerking while shifting gears, it may require expensive repair. Keep in mind that certain automatic cars will have their transmissions ruined if run on CNG.

Have your future new car thoroughly examined by a reliable, experienced and competent mechanic before purchasing preferably at an authorised dealership.

Negotiating

Once you have found your dream car, bargain unabashedly to reduce the suggested price. There are usually significant profit margins involved and sellers will reduce the original price by as much as Rs50,000.

Buying

Get the car’s license, engine and chassis number checked with the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) on their hotline (136) for a detailed history of the vehicle’s tax payments, traffic accidents and possible criminal activity record. Complete the transaction using official documents available at most notaries, and have the car’s registration file checked to see if it is complete before buying.

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, October 27^th, 2013.