Buying pre-owned is always a task that has to be approached with much caution – it’s the nature of the process because you’re essentially looking to buy someone else’s vehicle ownership history. And not everyone may be as thorough as you may like when it comes to taking care of a car. 

So, it can be hard to know where to start. You obviously want to make sure that you’re getting the best deal and that you’re not going to end up with a dud. Truth is, buying a used vehicle may come with its own fair share of cautionary tales, but the outcome certainly doesn’t always have to be housed in a negative experience. There are some seriously great pre-owned buys out there if you know what to look for. 

Simply, finding the roses amongst the lemons is achieved through savvy shopping – and that comes with knowledge. 

This handy guide will take you through the most important things to look for when buying a pre-owned car. From checking for accidents or damage, to verifying the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), we’ll show you how to find the best deals on used cars so that you’re left feeling confident in your decision. 

What Should You Look for When Buying Pre-owned

If only car shopping were as easy as changing a tyre or buying new car accessories. Buying a car takes time and patience; unless you know what type of car you want, the process can be timely. There are lots to consider and factor in when buying a car, especially a pre-owned one. Some of the most common and important factors to consider are:

• Budget – how much can you afford to spend either monthly or in total for the car you want? You don’t want to stretch your budget out too far and be unable to afford petrol, maintenance etc.
• Lifestyle – some might not think this to be too important, but will the car you buy match your lifestyle? If, for example, you travel a lot – you’d want to buy a second-hand car that is fuel-efficient to keep the costs low.
• Maintenance – the make and model of the car you buy determines the maintenance needed to be done. Look for low-maintenance second-hand cars; they tend to require the least number of services. 
• Research – doing your homework helps guide you in the right direction. Research all the second-hand cars, their driving ability etc.
• Reputable dealers – last but not least, ensure you purchase your pre-loved vehicle from a reputable dealer, such as Subaru.

A Checklist for Buying Pre-owned Vehicles

Building a checklist will help put things into perspective for you. Instead of buying the first car you see, which we don’t recommend, this list will navigate you to the right pre-loved car for you. We’ve taken the liberty of drawing up a checklist for you to use when you’re ready to take that step and purchase a car.

Tip: Research the vehicle’s make and model

The make and model of a car determine a lot of things. For example, if you choose a lower model, you’re missing out on some updated features compared to the most recent model. The make of the car is the brand. Is there any brand in particular that you like or heard is the best? Knowing this information will make buying a used car that much easier.

Tip: Compare the vehicle’s features to your needs

Earlier on, we spoke about matching a car to your lifestyle. When you’re comparing a vehicle’s features to your needs, do they shake hands, or does it not fit in at all? A vehicle should have power steering, aircon vents, Bluetooth or USB, electronic windows etc. If a car is missing something that you need, the next car you like might have everything you’ve ever wanted.

Tip: Look at the vehicle’s overall condition

Used cars have a reputation for needing more maintenance than they require. Looking at a car’s overall condition indicates how well the previous owner looked after the car. If it’s sluggish, makes weird noises and has a few issues here and there, it’s best to skip and move on to the next.

Tip:Compare prices

The price is sometimes the determining end-all decision when you buy a car. Depending on your needs, some features can be overlooked if it means a better price. However, if you’re willing to pay a little more for better features, go ahead! Your car – your choice.

Tip:Check for any warning signs of wear and tear

Common signs of wear and tear include seat condition, rust on doors and so on. Take the lack of care in the car as a warning sign of possible underlying issues. This one might not be the one for you.

Tip:Consider the vehicle’s fuel efficiency

Will you be travelling a lot? If so, buying a used car that is fuel-efficient can save you some extra cash and keep your carbon emissions low.

Tip:Be aware of the vehicle’s safety ratings and crash test results

A vehicle’s safety rating and crash test results indicate the condition and result of a car after an accident. If either of those is poor, you may not feel safe – especially if the vehicle has been in previous accidents.

The Benefits of Buying a Pre-owned Vehicle

Second hand but not second best! There are numerous benefits to owning a pre-owned vehicle.

• More affordable in comparison to new cars.
• May come with added car accessories.
• There are no “new car” fees.
• There is a wide range of used cars on the market for you to choose from.
• Some used cars still have an original warranty.

The Importance of Being Informed When Buying a Used Vehicle

The more you know, the better. Being informed about everything when buying a used vehicle ensures that you make the right decision. At the end of the day, you want to enjoy your pre-loved car and have memorable road trips with family and friends. Be conscious about the world of cars out there and ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Interested in Subaru’s range of pre-loved beauties? We’ve got a wide range waiting to be test driven by you! Pop on over to your nearest Subaru dealership and book a test drive of a lifetime today. For any information on our range, contact us at +27 116 220 0260.