Buying a Used Car?

I still remember my very first car, we went to look at it and because it was a manual (and I had only ever driven auto) my father took it for a test drive. I was as proud as punch when we got it home, I couldn’t wait to drive it for the very first time.

I took it for a test drive in our neighbourhood so I could work out the gears. I took off from the roadside and sailed down the road towards the corner and went to turn the steering wheel…and nearly drove off the other side of the road! My dad didn’t tell me it didn’t have power steering, I didn’t even know cars came without power steering and I had never driven without it before! My arm muscles got very strong driving that little car!

My first lesson in buying a used car was; make sure you ask all the questions before purchasing!

I’ve created a checklist for you to look at before you make that big purchase;

- REVS check (to make sure there aren’t any fines or money owing on the car)
- Redbook (you can check the car’s estimated value to ensure you are paying the right amount)
- Mechanic check- get your local mechanic to check it out so you don’t get any unexpected bills or worse stranded somewhere
- Tread on tyres- make sure they still have some life left in them
- Radio/CD player- does it work? And does it come with the car?
- Seat reclines- does this work? (yep had that happen to me too)
- Check for rust/panel damage
- Registration- how long is left on the rego?
- How much will insurance cost you? Can you afford it?
- Check under car seat covers and mats as this could be hiding something.
- Why are they selling it?
- Test the air conditioning
- Check the lights, blinkers, brake lights
- Test drive the car

What else can be added to the checklist?