When buying a car, purchasing a used vehicle is a great way to reduce the initial outlay required. When cared for properly, used cars can still be quite reliable and enjoyable to drive, so they’re a great option for many circumstances. For example, if you’d rather not outlay the amount that a new car costs, are hunting for a first car for yourself or your children, or are looking for a weekender that won’t be driven all the time, a used car could be the ideal solution. Having said that, there are still some key questions that you should ask when purchasing, so we’ve outlined them below to help with your buying journey.
How many kilometres are on the odometer?
The first thing you’re going to want to know about any used car that you’re considering purchasing is how many kilometres are on the odometer, and whether they’re city or freeway kms. This can tell you a lot about the condition that the car is in before you even go inspect it, and is a good way to rule out cars that it would be a waste of time inspecting.
Although lower kilometres doesn’t always mean well cared for, it’s a solid starting point for the rest of your investigation.
What is the service history like? And have there been any major works done?
Not all used cars come with a full service history and many owners may not even know the vehicle’s full history if they’re the second or third custodian. When buying a used car that has had only one owner before you, acquiring this information should be pretty easy, but if the vehicle has had multiple homes, the information you receive may not always be complete or reliable.
For this reason, we strongly suggest having a trusted mechanic look over any vehicle that you are considering purchasing privately, as many owners don’t even know that there is an issue with their car until something goes majorly wrong. All used vehicles sold within the Freeway Motor Group network have been tested to ensure that they are mechanically sound and come with a roadworthy certificate, so if you’re buying from us, you can skip this step if you’d like to, as we would never sell a used vehicle that we wouldn’t drive ourselves.
You should also check if any major repairs or part replacements have been carried out on the vehicle, and ask whether it has been involved in any accidents. Repairs and replacements are not necessarily bad things, as they mean you get newer components in the vehicle, but you will want to know why these works were required.
Does the vehicle come with warranty?
Purchasing a used vehicle from a dealership usually entitles you to a warranty from the business (you will need to speak with your Sales Consultant to confirm this, as coverage varies depending on the age and condition of the vehicle being sold).
However, purchasing a used car privately does not usually offer this security, so you’ll need to inspect the vehicle carefully. The exception to this, of course, is if you purchase a used car that is new enough to still have the balance of the new car warranty. When purchasing through a dealership, the transfer of this will usually be handled for you during the sale, but private buyers will need to look into how to get this done and coordinate with the seller to make this happen.
What is the ANCAP Safety Rating? And what safety features are included?
The ANCAP Safety Rating of a vehicle can tell you a lot about how safe it will be for you to drive, but this shouldn’t be where your inquiry ends. Vehicles have had a host of safety features such as sensors and/or cameras, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warnings for years, so it’s a good idea to have a list of the ones you’re after and check whether any potential vehicles have them. If you have little ones (or intend on having them in the future) it’s also a good idea to check what type of connection the vehicle has for a child seat so you can ensure it has your preferred option.
Has the car been modified?
People like to personalise their things, and if a vehicle is intended for work purposes or off-roading, it’s almost guaranteed to have some kind of customisation on it. Modifications can be as small as the addition of a towing kit or bullbar, or as significant as engine alterations, suspension swaps or rewiring the vehicle for additional accessories such as light bars or fridges.
This can actually be highly beneficial to you if you were intending on fitting these modifications or accessories yourself, as you now won’t have to spend the extra cash or wait for them to be fitted. Having said that, certain modifications and accessories can impact insurance costs, so it’s always wise to look into things before committing.
Note: Vehicles with a modified engine should always be inspected by a mechanic to ensure that all work has been done correctly, and all custom wiring should be looked over by an auto-electrician.
What comfort and entertainment inclusions does the vehicle have?
If you’re looking for a specific comfort and entertainment feature such as heated, ventilated or massaging seats, Apple CarPlay or AndroidAuto, screens for the kids or multi-zone climate control, whether this is included should be something you ask before even inspecting a vehicle. This way you won’t waste your time looking at cars that don’t suit your needs.
Having said that, if you’re flexible about what inclusions you’re after, don’t automatically ignore a vehicle just because it doesn’t suit 100% of your preferences, as many of these things can be fitted as aftermarket options.
How did the previous owner drive the vehicle? And what kind of fuel do they run?
Finally, it’s a good idea to ask the previous owner what their driving style is like, and what kind of fuel they ran in the car. This may seem strange, but vehicles can get used to being driven a certain way and/or running a certain type of fuel and may not run optimally if there is an immediate and significant change, so it’s information worth having.
As noted above, all Freeway Motor Group used vehicles have been thoroughly inspected and tested and come with a roadworthy certificate and dealer warranty. We have full trust in all vehicles that we sell, and our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to help you find the right car for your needs.