Tips to help you buy your dream car

Buying the right car is never easy, especially when you've decided to go down the pre-owned route. But here are some tips that might make life easier for you.

Buying a new car is always a more pleasant ordeal than buying a used one. The salesman is very friendly, answers all the questions you have for him and even get’s you your choice of coffee or tea. Within 15 minutes, you already know what you like and dislike about a certain car. If you do choose to buy the car, other than the regular financial documents submission and loan approval, there is nothing to worry about. All you have to do is wait for the call to come in saying when you can pick up the car.

When going down the pre-owned path, things aren’t as rosy. At every used car lot is a dodgy looking salesman who come hook or crook, wants to unload whichever car he can on some poor sucker who doesn’t know any better. As such many get burned when opting for a used car as they finally drive home a lemon- a car they had not interest in buying but were talked into getting anyway.

That’s a real shame as there are some really good runners out there that can not only offer bucket loads of driving enjoyment but will also be as reliable as a Toyota Corolla. To find such a car, here are tips you must follow:

Tip #1: Identify your budget
Find out how much you have to spend on a car then set aside RM7,500 for repairs for the next six months. You probably won’t need it if you’ve bought a good car but it helps to be prepared.

Tip #2: Know what you want to use the vehicle for
List down what you will be using the vehicle for. There is no point in buying a super cheap pick-up truck when all you are going to be doing are urban cruises. If it’s seating capacity you are after, then opt for an MPV. If all you need is a reliable and fuel-efficient car, get a compact hatchback.

Tip #3: Look through car classified ads and make a shortlist
Browsing the car classifieds section in Motor Trader magazine and it's online site will give you a rough idea as what is and isn’t in your budget. Make a shortlist of what you can afford.

Tip #4: Do your homework
After you’ve settled on a car. Do your research and find out as much as you can about it.
- How much does servicing it cost
- Are spare parts readily available
- Is the car prone to particular mechanical issues
- What do current owners have to say about it

Sometimes after completing your research, the car you’ve chosen doesn't turn out to be the dream car you that it would.

Tip #5: Visit the dealers’ lots
Look at as many examples of the car that you want. Scrutinize everything from the condition of the upholstery to the sound of the engine when idle. Ask as many questions as possible. Take a test drive if permitted. If you aren't happy with the condition of it, walk away. Never settle for anything less than your expectations.

Tip #6: If a deal seems too good to be true, walk away
Often, dealers will a few lemons that they can’t shift. It’s because they are accident vehicles or are naturally problematic. As such, to sell you the car, they will keep that information from you but tell you that your getting a darn good deal!

Then they will tell you that they are clearing the stock and that is why its going for such a price! This is total BS. So don’t believe it.

Tip #7: Seek the advice of counsel
It will be very helpful if you have a trusted mechanic on hand. If you don’t have one, you need to make friends with one soon as he will probably be the go-to-guy should something eventually need mending. Take him with you when inspecting a car. He will probably be able to spot potential issues that don’t seem obvious to the average Joe.

Tip #8: Haggle like there’s no tomorrow
Most dealers hike the prices of their cars, so take your best haggling skills with you and low-ball them if possible.

Tip #9: Make sure all the paperwork is in order
Once you’ve settled on a car, make sure the paperwork is all in order before signing on the dotted line.

That's all you need to remember. If you follow these rules and remain weary of used car dealers' tricks, you should be able to drive home your dream car.

Finding a reputable car mechanic can be tough but Carama’s online site has a whole list of certified mechanics you can trust. If you are interested, visit their site.

More from Motor Trader on Yahoo! Autos can be found here.

But for more news, reviews and features visit the Motor Trader website at www.motortrader.com.my.

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