What to know before buying a used car

Used cars or 'Tokunbos,' as they are usually called, often come with associated risks. In this report, Okechukwu Nnodim outlines some important tips, which a buyer should look out for in a used car before spending his hard earned money on it.
Buying a used car is more risky than buying a new one, automobile dealers say. A used vehicle may have some hidden faults, may have been poorly maintained by its previous owner or may have been involved in an accident in the past. Automobile engineers therefore, advice the buyer to be careful or seek the assistance of an automobile professional before making a purchase.
Below are some things which you should know before buying a used car, according to experts:
Set your budget
This is the first thing to consider, both for individuals who wish to buy new or used cars. Car dealers say this is important because it allows you know what type of car you wish to drive home from the dealer's showroom. They note that the process of buying a car might be overwhelming to some people. The failure to draw a budget may warrant distraction by more expensive cars which the buyer may not be able to afford.
Dealers say without a budget, there is always a good chance for the buyer to be swayed into buying something more expensive than what he originally had in mind. "Most times, payments for such expensive cars may be spread for months and this might appeal to the buyer," says a car dealer at Magodo, Lagos, who simply identified himself as Austin. "But when you compute the monthly payments you will be surprised at the margin you will get when compared with complete payment."
Get a reliable car model
Buyers of used cars should look for models that have good standing for reliability and are sound enough to retain their value for a specified period. Austin says it is important to ascertain the car's mileage and its safety ratings, adding that prospective buyers should avoid used luxury cars.
According to him, many used luxury vehicles are costly to maintain. Experts say it is better to buy a car used by just one owner. They note that the buyer may demand for the service records of the car to know how the car was maintained by its initial user. Experts say the lower the mileage the better, but add that the buyer should not put too much value on the mileage alone. They say the mechanical condition of the vehicle is more important.
Examine the car thoroughly
Buyers should not lose interest in cars with minor cosmetic damage, like scratches, dents or hard bruises, unless this really matters to the buyer. According to dealers, the most important thing is for the car to be in perfect shape mechanically. They note that if it has some minor blemishes, it won't be unreasonable if the prospective buyer asks for a lower price. They note that the car's interior usually says a lot, and advice that buyers should watch for excessive wear of the driver's seat, roof, steering wheel, dashboard, driver's door, controls, handles and switches.
Experts advise that you should avoid cars with engine or transmission problems, whether the problems are called minor faults by the dealer. They say often times, such problems lead to expensive repairs and additional costs. They note that badly rusted cars should be avoided even when the rusted spots have been repaired by the dealer. Over-modified cars should not be considered. Modifications should be done by the buyer after the purchase and not the dealer.
Decide on a price range
The buyer must be able to decide on a specified price range. He should know what amount he is ready to pay for the car. Dealers say decent used cars of about three to four years fall within a range of N1.5m to N2.5m. This, they say, would be a typical car and may not necessarily be a luxury car and they are cars used by just one person. Experts note that usually these cars can last for another four to five years, depending on the user and how the car is been maintained. Sport Utility Vans and trucks are usually more expensive than regular cars.
Cars in the price range of N780,000 to N1.4m are usually cars that have spent six to nine years after they were manufactured. Some of them usually come in good shape and may do considerable mileage, dealers say. The buyer should take time and look for what fits his budget and soothes his taste.
Another category, according to dealers, are cars which fall within the range of N200,000 to N350,000. These cars are mostly bought by individuals looking for a cheap vehicle which they can use for transportation, dealers say. They are often old and many of them have covered high mileages. They are most likely sold by a private owner, as dealers usually do not do business with such cars. The buyer, however, should be ready to spend more funds keeping this type of car in shape.
Expensive/cheap car
Experts advise prospective car buyers not to always look for cheaper vehicles. They note that when it comes to the purchase of used cars, the best deal does not always mean the cheapest one. According to them, buyers should not look for the least expensive car, but a well-maintained and reputable vehicle in good condition at an affordable price. They note that a good car will save the buyer cost on repairs and he will enjoy driving the it.