For some, buying a car is one of their biggest accomplishments, especially among possessions with monetary value. Sometimes, people spend their whole life’s savings on this. Unfortunately, though, not every car seller considers this. To them, it’s just business, and the only goal is profit maximisation, at the expense of buyers. This is why one must be cautious when buying a new car, especially a used car.
Car sellers will tell you that it’s only slightly used, “close to a zero-meter car,” and will manipulate you into believing their decades-old vehicle has only been used to sit at home. But you must understand the factors that come into play when buying a used car, so that no one can scam you.
So, how do you buy a second-hand car? Here’s everything you need to know before making a calculated decision.
How to Purchase a Used Car? Steps to Follow
There is no straightforward formula for this, but there are certain important steps that must not be skipped at all costs to avoid regrets later.
Step 1: Before Anything, Decide Your Budget and the Car Models
Before making up your mind to buy a second-hand car, don’t just immediately jump onto platforms like OLX or PakWheels to randomly look for anything. Yes, these are reliable platforms, but buying a pre-owned car or a car in general requires a lot of brainstorming.
You must pre-emptively decide on a budget and then look for all the models that fall within your budget. This way, you can use search filters more effectively. On platforms like PakWheels, where the user interface is specifically designed for used cars, the research process becomes much easier.
All you have to do is apply the price filter, set your desired budget, and see all the cars available in that price range. Alternatively, you can click on different price brackets and view the cars available in those ranges. This will give you an idea of the market price, so dealers won’t be able to exploit you.
A Word of Advice: While deciding on a budget, also ensure you consider additional costs like taxes and registration fees. This will give you an idea of the total expenditure that might be incurred, so there is no disappointment later on!
Step 2: Research and See What Cars Fulfil Your Requirements
Once you have a preliminary list and a rough idea of which used cars you can buy within your budget, you will now need to get more specific. Put your research skills to good use.
Ask yourself: what specific features do you want in your car? Things like fuel efficiency, cargo space, and resale value (these are just a few examples of possible requirements). Compare cars in the same category. There will be many options available, but being overwhelmed by them isn’t wise.
Always check online reviews and user experiences on PakWheels forums before finalising a model. Make a list of all the models you have decided on.
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Step 3: Buying a Second-Hand Car and Visiting Sellers
Once the brainstorming is done and you have your list, you will now need to visit the dealers. For this step, you can either opt for online platforms like OLX, PakWheels, and CarFirst, which offer hundreds of car ads from sellers wishing to sell their cars. These ads contain a summary of the vehicle and the contact details of the seller.
Alternatively, if you prefer in-person dealings, you can visit car showrooms and shops that also sell used cars, such as those on Khalid bin Waleed Road or Jail Road in Karachi. People also post ads in Facebook groups or spread word of mouth, so make sure to ask your friends and relatives to check out car deals within your range.
Tip: Avoid dealing with middlemen (brokers), as they often inflate the prices of used cars.
Step 4: Contacting the Seller and Negotiating
Have all the details of the car owner or seller? Have you visited the showroom? Great! Now, you’ll need to deal with the seller. Always ask the dealer the following:
- Ask about additional information regarding the car, such as exact mileage, availability of original documents/files, any known issues, accident history (if any), token tax up to date, etc.
- Also, ask the owner or evaluate yourself whether there is a chance of any discount on the car price. But ensure that you do this face-to-face, as initially, people may not show any concessions because they aren’t sure if the person will buy their vehicle. Once the deal gets serious and the seller feels relieved, they may reasonably reduce the asking price to finalise the deal.
Some Safety Precautions: Remember to meet at a neutral place, and if you are meeting at the seller’s house or appointed place, take someone with you. Never go alone to meet the seller, and never carry cash—this is a golden rule. Ideally, bring someone along who can inspect the car, so you can make an informed decision.
Step 5: Get the Used Car Inspected and Verified
Once you’ve selected a vehicle and agreed on your ideal deal, it is highly advisable to get the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic, especially before buying second-hand cars. PakWheels also offers an inspection service where their team does all the verification for you.
If you are knowledgeable about cars, then inspect it yourself without hesitation. Here are some important things to check:
- Original registration book and number plate
- Challan and tax status
- Accident history
- Car mileage (don’t go with tampered odometers)
- Engine condition
If the vehicle is a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) car, it is essential that you check and verify the Auction Sheet, which comes with every car imported from Japan.
Step 6: Always Take a Test Drive
Once you’ve selected a car, it’s essential that you take it for a test drive. This is the best way to ensure there’s no mismatch between what you were expecting and what you’ve got, and to ensure you aren’t getting scammed.
Through a thorough test drive (around 3-5 kilometres), you will be able to identify most flaws in the car and make an informed decision. Always check the following during your test drive:
- Engine condition
- Suspension and alignment
- Interior condition
- Tyres and brakes
Step 7: Check the Documents and Complete the Paperwork
Once both parties agree on a price, all the necessary documents must be assembled to complete the legal paperwork. Only with these certain documents will you be able to transfer the vehicle to your name:
- Transfer of Ownership: Visit the Taxation Office with the seller to transfer the car to your name.
- Sale Agreement (Stamp Paper): Write a sale deed mentioning the price, CNICs of both parties, and car details.
- Original Registration Documents & Duplicate Key: Always ask for the original papers.
- Verify Non-Custom Paid (NCP) Cars: Avoid buying smuggled (NCP) cars, especially in Balochistan or KP, as they are illegal.
- Other Documents: Additionally, check the GD (goods declaration), BL (bill of lading), and Export Certificate.
A Heads Up: Double-check the chassis number with the one on the documents, and if there is any discrepancy, immediately stop pursuing the car. Also, check whether the book or file of the car is a duplicate, as this affects the price of the vehicle and may indicate fraud.
Step 8: Payment and Getting the Vehicle Transferred
If all goes well, the only thing left will be transferring the payment and getting the vehicle registered in your name.
Even now, don’t let your guard down and don’t make the mistake of paying the full amount in cash without a receipt. You can do this by paying the seller with a pay order made in their name. This way, there will be a record of the transaction.
Even after this, make sure to sign the Sale Receipt and Delivery Letter.
Most importantly, many people neglect to transfer the car immediately to their name after completing the payment. Know that, by doing this, the vehicle is not legally under your ownership, even if it’s in your garage. This act can have legal consequences in the future.
Follow these steps to get it transferred:
- Register it under your name at the Excise Department.
- Pay token tax online (Use the Excise & Taxation website).
Get Your Car Insured at All Costs
Not many people will tell you this, and even though it’s not among the above crucial steps, it’s advisable that you get your newly purchased vehicle insured. This will help cover future theft and accidents without putting a strain on your finances.
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With the increasing accident and theft rates in the country, car insurance is essential; at least for a wise person. Popular insurance providers in Pakistan include Adamjee, EFU, and TPL Insurance. Take all precautionary measures and drive safely!
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