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Always compare the price of a new or used car with a reliable independent motor vehicle evaluation guide. Examples in australia: for a private sale, look at redbook.com.au, and for a licensed car dealer look at glassguide.com.au
kellyjones00 (593)
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When comparing used vehicles, a good rule of thumb is to buy newer models with an odometer reading of under 130,000 klms. Most new car warranties expire then.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Check whether there are any loans owing on an used vehicle, or whether it's security for another loan, by entering the registration, VIN, and engine number into an online registration check like REVS. Get a clear REVS certificate (if possible) less than 24 hours before you sign the contract and take the keys. This is a guarantee against the car being repossessed.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Don't do any test drives until after a thorough inspection of the car. Look at a number of automobile club or car insurance websites to find a good checklist.
kellyjones00 (593)
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After you have found a candidate for purchase, have an independent mechanic do a thorough inspection and create a report. if the seller requires a holding deposit (e.g. 10%) then get a receipt stating "the holding deposit is refundable if the mechanical inspection is dissatisfactory to the buyer."
kellyjones00 (593)
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After the inspection, ask the seller for any repairs to be done before getting to the point of sale. Also ask for things like floor mats or wheel alignments to be done.
kellyjones00 (593)
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In some states, a licensed car dealer must offer a statutory warranty for a used car if it has done less than 120,000 - 150,000 kilometers or is under 7-10 years old. Otherwise, you may be able to purchase a reasonable warranty, but the dealer will probably require all services to be done by them.
kellyjones00 (593)
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There is no warranty for used cars sold privately.
kellyjones00 (593)
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At the point of sale, negotiation is expected. Say, "I'm offering $....." then be silent. If the salesperson gets up to talk to their manager, you should get up too, to show you're not attached to the deal.
You could also mention the cost of various repairs not done as justification for lowing the price.
If the seller reduces their price, raise your offer by a smaller increment than they've reduced by. If they say they're losing money, say that your budget is your concern.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Read the contract carefully. Don't sign unless you agree with everything. Make sure any promises mentioned earlier are in writing. For instance, "faulty number plate globes replaced".
kellyjones00 (593)
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When test-driving the car, make sure you are covered by insurance in case of an accident. You may have to pay an excess.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Wait until you have car insurance before taking the keys or driving the car home. Read reviews of different insurance companies: the cost and features of a policy is not as important as the actual behaviour of the company in the case of claims.
kellyjones00 (593)
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