Some Tips For Buying A Car

Purchasing a vehicle is an expensive investment that needs to be carefully considered. However, in the used and new car market, there is a risk of coming across a dealer who is trying to take advantage of you.

The six tips explained below when buying a car will help you make the best decision for you.

Pitfalls When Buying A Car

When buying a new vehicle, four, five or even six-figure euro amounts are involved. The competitive pressure on the market is high given the large number of car dealers. In order to optimize their own profits, traders occasionally resort to tricks that move into legal gray areas.

One of the biggest pitfalls when buying a car are hidden defects that have a negative impact on the vehicle's value but were hidden from you when you bought it. Even though a car appears to be in good condition on the outside, sometimes serious problems are hidden beneath the highly polished paint.

This also includes the history of the vehicle: the consequences of accidents or water damage are rarely visible at first glance and can have a serious impact on driving behavior and, in particular, on the subsequent resale value. Worst-case scenario, a dealer tries to sell you a stolen vehicle that puts you in unexpected contact with law enforcement.There are also pitfalls lurking if you want to finance the purchase of the vehicle with a loan. You can find more information about this in the graphic below.

Six Useful Tips For Buying A Car

The tips explained below are aimed at helping you identify defects before you sign the purchase contract. If a car dealer intentionally misled you or is at least accused of negligence, you can dispute the contract. However, the legal process is rocky and filled with financial risks to your detriment. It is therefore best to identify any defects in the vehicle as early as possible.

Ask yourself whether The Speedometer Reading Is Plausible

The mileage is crucial for the value of a vehicle. The more kilometers a car has traveled, the greater the wear and tear on important components and the higher the risk of unexpected and costly repairs. That's why manipulated speedometers are now the rule rather than the exception on the vehicle market: On average, customers pay around 3,000 euros more than the vehicle is worth. In addition, a manipulated speedometer reading poses a risk to your safety, because if the seller does not reliably inform you about the service intervals, there is a risk of unexpected and sometimes dangerous breakdowns.

So check the checkbook for irregularities: Does it look noticeably new or are the signatures very similar? Do you have doubts about the authenticity of the TÜV, HU or repair reports? Do you notice any abnormalities with the stickers in the engine compartment. Also check whether the specified mileage matches the condition of the vehicle interior.

Don't Let Yourself Be Put Under Pressure

Every car salesman tries to convince you to close the deal as quickly as possible. This does not necessarily mean that there are unfair intentions behind it.The risk of signing a sales contract too quickly increases if you go to the car dealer without a plan.

Set an upper limit for your budget and ask yourself what you want your new vehicle to do and what features it should have.A concrete plan will help you not to be blinded during the sales conversation. This way you avoid buying a vehicle that doesn't meet your expectations and goes beyond your budget.

Don't Be Afraid To Ask Questions Or Point Out Discrepancies And Request Explanations.

Don't let the car salesman trick you into buying something you don't want. You do not owe the seller anything and it is not reprehensible if you decide to refrain from purchasing during the sales discussion.

Price Negotiations Are Permitted

The advertised price of a vehicle is not set in stone. You can save several hundred euros or even more if you negotiate a price with the seller.To do this, find out comprehensively about the price of comparable vehicles before you head to the dealer.

Databases available on the Internet help you set a realistic starting point for the negotiation.First let the seller express his price expectations or have the advertised offer verbally confirmed to you. Then state your ideas about the purchase price.

Emphasize your personal advantages as a buyer, such as your credit score and the ability to make same-day payment.If the seller makes an offer, initially remain silent. This may cause the dealer to improve their price to elicit a response from you.

Take into account not only the vehicle price, but also other cost factors such as taxes, insurance premiums and sales fees.Be prepared to abandon the negotiation if it doesn't go your way.

Take A Test Drive

Take a test drive before signing the purchase contract. This is the only way you can check the driving comfort and handling of the vehicle. Listen for unusual noises inside the cabin or under the hood; disturbing vibrations indicate problems and hidden defects. Also make sure that the vehicle stays in the lane on a straight route. If this is not the case, the dealer may be hiding a serious accident in the vehicle history.

Have The Vehicle Inspected By An Independent Expert

Especially with expensive used vehicles, it can be worthwhile to have the vehicle inspected by an independent expert. This reveals hidden defects that are not obvious to laypeople. He checks the engine, suspension, brakes, electronics and other important components.Make sure that the additional costs for the expert are in relation to the total price of the vehicle.

Occasionally, vehicle dealers will try to sell you a used car without drawing up a formal contract. If this is the case, alarm bells should ring for you. Without a purchase contract, you face almost insurmountable difficulties if problems arise with the vehicle you purchased and you want to enforce your warranty claim.

If the dealer tries to avoid drawing up a purchase contract by making excuses, he most likely has something to hide. In this case, you should immediately abandon your purchase plan.

Conclusion – Look Carefully When Buying A Car

Before buying a vehicle, check whether it is worth the money. In particular, look for signs that the mileage has been manipulated. Take a test drive before closing the deal and don't be afraid to negotiate the price with the seller to save money.