The used car industry has grown to become a multi billion rand industry globally. Used car sales initially started in 1898. The Empire State Motor Wagon Company is one of the very first used car companies. The used vehicle market is substantially larger than other retail markets. There are millions of used cars being sold yearly due to several factors like tough economic times globally. People are these days, looking at affordability rather than comfort.

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From as far back as the early 1900’s, people began to realize that a used vehicle can be just as reliable as a new vehicle. Individuals began to compare prices of a new vehicle to a used vehicle. A fundamental discovery was made by early used car buyers which were, `why pay more for the same purpose’.

Early car buyers discovered that a used car is a vehicle that had one or more owners which offered the main purpose it was created for, transport from point A to point B. Not many vehicle makes and models, luxury features, security features and other modern vehicle features where created, hence the simplicity of finding a good used car deal. Early car buyers understood and appreciated the purpose of a used vehicle.

Used Cars And New Cars, Same Purpose, Different Prices

Good used cars save money. There are dealers who sell used cars with a certified pre owned certificate which reassures the potential buyer of the reliability of the vehicle. A warranty can also be purchased at a used car dealership for a used car on sale.
You can also negotiate on the price more easily for a used car than a new car; however different makes and models of vehicles have different resale values which will make a difference in the price negotiation. The price of older shapes of selected used cars is sometimes more expensive to that of a new car due to the high resale value of the older shape vehicle.

Some features very rarely change with selected makes and models. The engine specification is normally the same and the only visibly change is the vehicle shape. Some dealers often suggest buying the older shape due to its engine reliability and simplicity in design.

Precautions To Note, Used Cars

Buying a used car can sometimes be a gamble. If the vehicle is more than a certain age, the dealership or banks will not finance the vehicle. It is wise to always do an AA test which consists of a 100 point check on the vehicle, prior to purchasing a used vehicle.
Some used car dealerships offer deals or sales with an AA Test already done on the vehicle.  A used vehicle will require maintenance and possibly repairs far sooner than a newer vehicle, so an AA test will do you good.

Do checks on the used car dealership as well to ensure that they are accredited with the relevant departments and authorities. Buying a used car is an exciting experience, however should be undertaken with precaution.

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A used car is not at all bad value for money. Many people own used vehicles that are extremely reliable. There are some features that an older model vehicle may have that a newer model may not have. Vehicle mechanics have acknowledged that some older vehicles have stronger bodies and simpler engines, and are easier to maintain.

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A used car bought from a meticulous owner and reputable used car dealer may after all be better value for money. Buying a used car requires patience and some home work or research.The best time to buy is normally midweek, at the end of the month, at the end of the model year as the newer shape model is being despatched.

Some people are superstitious and prefer different times and days like rainy days, at the end or beginning of the day to finalise the sale. Whatever your preference, do not wait for the right moment to finalise your mind as there may be thousands of buyers keeping their eye on the same vehicle. Be quick and don’t loose out.

Used Car Dealers

A used car may be bought from an individual or from a used car dealership. Prior to finalizing your mind, you should check if the dealer is reputable and registered with the relevant authorities. Be wary of vehicles that have been accident damaged or code 3 vehicles which are rebuilt vehicles and not in their original state. If the vehicle is code 3, it will be extremely difficult to insure the vehicle.

Do not be disillusioned with a vehicles appearance. There may be hidden problems waiting to surface. Take a mechanic and ask the used car dealer or owner if the car has COR or been AA tested before you outlay any cash.

There are very few used car dealerships who offer a return or money back guarantee and if they do offer them, it normally is valid for within a few days or weeks. Almost all current purchase agreements do not permit a return policy; hence consumers are stuck with a bad, troublesome buy.

Good Used Car Dealer VS Bad Used Car Dealer

A bad, deceitful used car dealer will do whatever it takes to get ride of the vehicle they are trying to sell. They will provide a false description of the vehicle and hide or touch up any problems with the vehicle. They normally do not provide a warranty, AA Test, COR check, or any valid accreditation towards the authenticity and reliability of the vehicle.
If you are caught out by a vindictive, malicious and unethical used car dealer, report the problems with the vehicle immediately as the new consumer act protects consumers, however it may be difficult to prove if the cause of the problems where the dealers or your fault.

A good used car dealer will normally offer a valid road worthy certificate and a warranty option. They some times provide services records of their vehicles and always ensure the vehicle is in a good drivable condition.

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A used car can offer good value for money. Vehicle owners sometimes hold onto their old cars for longer due to sentimental value and not wanting any additional debt via purchasing a new car, hence the vehicle is normally in meticulous condition. Also, due to economic factors such as recession and job losses, car owners do their best to maintain and look after their vehicles. Buyers need to be patient and not rush purchasing a used car as they might miss out on a sale or better offer elsewhere from a dealer.

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The best time to approach a used car dealer is when business is slow and the used car you have an eye on, is not being sold. Select a vehicle that you are keen on and wait until the moment is right to purchase. Be cautious though not too wait for too long as the vehcile may be sold.

Owning A Used Car

Almost anyone who buys a used car or new one is looking for ways to save money where ever possible. A good used car is noticeably cheaper than a new car. When shopping for a used car, identify the type of car you are looking for (make and model) and the features that you would like with the vehicle.

Just looking at the vehicle will not do you any good in trying to ascertain if it is a good buy. Test drive the vehicle and inspects the vehicle thoroughly. Check the service records and any history of replacement spares. If work was done on the vehicle, find out which dealership or mechanic. Take the car to a reputable mechanic or AA Centre for a check, prior to finalizing the sale.

Visit as many dealers as possible to identify a good deal. If the car of choice is not immediately available, advise the dealer to contact you if they get stock of the vehicle. A good dealer will try to find the car you require or offer an alternate similar vehicle within your budget.

How To Look After A Used Car

You can save huge sums of money if you know how to maintenance your used car. Maintaining your used car is important for the health of your vehicle and for resale and trade in purposes. Keep all the service records safe in a service record book, with any original invoices from motor spare shops.

Invoices for any new parts to your vehicle such as brakes, pad/discs, lights or any engine replacements, must be kept save as proof of replacement. The next person purchasing your vehicle will have confidence that you looked after your vehicle.

Any damage caused to the vehicle such as stone chips to the windscreen, bad tyres, engine noises and dents, need to be attended ASAP. A small problem like a windscreen crack or oil leak can turn into a big problem if not attended immediately. If you look after your vehicle, your vehicle will look after you.

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People are sometimes naïve and gullible when attempting to purchase a used car. There are lots of tricksters and con artist who take advantage of consumers who are illiterate in purchasing their product.

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Sometimes individuals who purchase a used vehicle realize short afterwards, the mechanical condition is not impeccable as stated by the used car dealer. Unfortunately, it is most often too late to return the vehicle after the deal is signed or get a refund.
It is therefore very important to purchase a used vehicle from a reputable dealer or purchase a mechanical warranty with the vehicle. The new consumer act does offer you some protection however it may be difficult to prove the if fault was cause by the dealership. If you experience any mechanical problems with a newly purchased used vehicle, report it to the dealer immediately.

Pros And Cons Of Buying A Used Car

A person looking for a used car needs to be extra careful. Although consumers have the same rights with new or used good purchases, the problems with used and new goods vary drastically.  A new vehicle is less likely to give buyer problems and all new vehicles come standard with a warranty and service plan.

Second hand or used vehicles may have hidden faults that are not noticed upon purchase. Used car seekers need to consider the age, condition, and price of the vehicle prior to purchase. If there is a problem with your used car, act ASAP. Either report it to the dealer or sort it out immediately.

Do not drive the vehicle as the problem will only get worse and may cost you more money to repair as additional faults may arise. A very old used car may be difficult to repair and prove difficult in claiming repair cost from dealers. The condition of a used car varies, therefore know and do research on the used car dealership you intend doing business with.

A Good Used Car Dealer

A used car must match the description of the advert placed. A good used car dealer will tell you if there are any problems with the vehicle and if the vehicle offers a warranty or cover on mechanical faults. Used car buyers should not expect a used car to drive like a new car. There will be odds and ends to sort out.

If the used car has many problems hence the low selling price, calculate the cost to repair the vehicle. A good dealer may want to sell the vehicle as is with minor problems, hence a reduced price. It does not mean the car is unreliable or a bad buy.

A good used car dealer specifies the faults, defects and problems with the vehicle prior to the sale of agreement being signed. Small problems like the window not winding up or down, the clutch being too stiff or the hand brake being too hard, can be sorted by a reputable used car dealer without any additional cost or worries.

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A used car can save you a substantial amount of money. If you’re on a budget, buying a used car is the best possible option for you. People also rent used vehicles which are more costly. A good used car cost a fraction of the price of a new vehicle and it can get the job done just as well.

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The price of a used car varies for many reasons. Do your homework prior to purchasing a used vehicle. A used car is not like buying a new car. A new car has a standard price that most dealers adhere to. Visit as many car dealers as possible and review car magazines, classified car sections and vehicle websites to know the estimated retail price and selling price of the used vehicle you admire.

With used vehicles, you have a much wider range to choose from. Knowing the estimated price is important as it allows you to identify good deals and offers. There are several factors to consider when considering purchasing a used vehicle. The age, model, make, mileage, body and engine play a significant role in determining the price of the vehicle. Used cars that are in good original conditional, often hold onto their price.

Why Choose A Used Car

One of the major benefits of owning a used car is that the insurance is much cheaper than that of a new vehicle. Your vehicle will however need to have either an alarm, anti-highjack, immobilizer, gear lock, trackers or steering lock, prior to insuring a used vehicle.

Used cars are also noted as being less of a risk for theft than that of a new vehicle. Selected used cars also have a stronger body than most new cars and the parts are much cheaper.
The decision to buy a new or used car depends on your budget and financial status. Consider and explore your different options carefully. You can really keep that extra money in the bank with buying a good used vehicle.

New Cars Vs Used Car

There are certain small advantages of owning a new car. The color, additional features and extras like an air conditioner, electric windows, mag rims, tinted windows, radio and cd player can be added to the vehicle at an additional cost. There are also benefits like warranty cover, roadside assistance, service plan and other benefits that a new vehicle most likely has.

Purchasing used cars however offers much more benefits than purchasing a new car. Apart from the most important factor, prices distinction, buyers have a much wider choice of vehicles to choose from.

The additional extras that a new vehicle has like sound, security, mags and tinted windows etc can also be added to the used vehicle for a fraction of the standard price on a new vehicle.  Some car dealers also offer warranty cover, roadside assistance and a pre owned certificate. The security features that most new cars have, can also be added to a used car as well.

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Purchasing a used car can be a challenging and time consuming task.  Unlike a new vehicle, a used vehicle often does not have a standard warranty and service plan.

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Start by checking the vehicle from the front to the back. Look for signs of rust or bad paintwork. Check the tyres and slightly push the vehicle downwards in a rocking motion via placing your hands on the bonnet or boot. This allows you to identify if the shocks are still ok. Check for dents and scratches via looking at the vehicle from different angles.

Check the engine for oil leaks, water leaks or any signs of bad maintenance. Start the car and listen to the engine carefully for any irregular noises. If the car has accessories check them carefully. The air con, radio/cd, alarm and immobilizer, anti hijack, gear lock or any other accessory need to be carefully scrutinized.

Check the odometer for tampering and the spare tyre, jack etc. Ensure all the lights and windscreen wipers are working. Ask for service records and test drive the vehicle prior to finalizing your decision.

Where To Look For Used Cars

When looking for a used car, you need to shop around as there are several dealers that specialize in used car sales. Firstly identify the type of car you are looking for. Do you require an economic, low maintenance car or a luxury car?

Do you want a bakkie if so, a double cab, single cab, club cab, 2*4 or 4*4. Knowing the type and purpose of vehicle you require makes the daunting task of selecting the right car much easier. Start by going onto the internet to review specs and features of the vehicle you desire.

Look at online car dealers like the Auto Trader and other car dealerships that advertise on the internet.  There are many car dealers that advertise on the internet. Look at the classified and car brochures available.

When To Buy Used Cars

When car hunting for a used vehicle, it is wise to know when to purchase from a dealership. Bases on several surveys, it is best to wait until the weekend, month end or end of the model year to purchase a used vehicle.

Many dealers have sales on weekends due to car buyers shopping for deals and good offers. Dealers need sales to be finalized within the 2 days of the weekend, hence the price reduction. Dealers also have fun activities for kids and adults, making the purchasing experience more pleasant and fun filled.

End of the month is also a good time to shop for that used car that you like. Sales agents need to make their targets and commission for the month, hence monthly sales. Year end sales are sometimes the best time to purchase a vehicle. Dealers want to get rid of old stock to make a way for new stock. Newer models are infiltrating the market, hence the need to sell older models ASAP.

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Firstly and foremost, know the make, model and type of used car that interest you. Know your budget. Researching the car you fancy is one thing, negotiating with a used car sales agent is something else. The ball is normally in the buyer’s court. Negotiate for the best possible price and installments.

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Show the used car dealer that you are really keen on the vehicle as this indicates that you have made up your mind already. Talk about finance options and work on the best payment rate if you are paying installments. Try to put down a higher deposit to reduce your car installments. Make sure the dealer calculates all payments including a warranty plan or roadside assistance if you have chosen one.

Ask the sales agent for any important paperwork on the vehicle. Don’t take too long to make up your mind as the vehicle may be sold and you may not get the same vehicle again. Finally, make a decision and stand by it without any regrets. Close the deal ASAP if you like the vehicle.

Selling A Used Car

If you are thinking of selling your used car, understand the do’s and don’ts to make the selling process quicker and effortless. If you want to purchase a new vehicle or newer model used vehicle from a dealer, it may be better to trade in your car with the dealer. You will get more for your car if you sell your car privately, however it is time consuming and stressful to sell privately.

You will need to advertise, take ongoing phone calls pertaining to the vehicle and show the vehicle to potential buyers. The big disadvantage of selling privately is if you have seen a vehicle that you like at a dealer, the dealer may not be able to wait until you sell your car and you could miss out on the deal.

You could set a good competitive price and wait for a buyer, however advise the car dealer that you are trying to sell your vehicle and if they could be patient. Advise the dealer that you like the vehicle and to advised you if it is being sold. Advertising effectively is of paramount importance. Word of mouth, online advertising, newspapers, and a for sale signage board on the vehicle can assist in a quick sale.

Get All Paperwork Ready For Inspection

Once the advertisements and arrangements have been made to sell your used vehicle, get all paperwork and vehicle documents in order.

You do not want to be going back and forth looking for important documents for the vehicle. Potential buyer and used car dealers will need all necessary documents for your used vehicle.

If a used car dealer wants to inspect, ask advice on your vehicle from mechanics and panel beaters, allow them. Do not falsify or lie about anything on your car. Make sure all fines are paid in full and there are no endorsements on your vehicle.

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When buying a brand new car you can feel confident that the car is safe and reliable as manufacturers today ensure that cars will be able to protect you against most of the threats you may find out there.

When buying a used car, you will need to ensure that you will be protected against all of the things that could go wrong on the road and that your car will be able to withstand all of the threats people face every day. When you take a car home from a dealership, the car should be in excellent condition, but no car will stay that way forever; you need to maintain it. S4 Used Cars can stress the importance of ensuring the safety of your vehicle which will give you peace of mind and could help you avoid some really dangerous situations.

Tyre Pressure And Ridges

Tyres are a vehicles only contact with the road and the importance of making sure that they are in good condition cannot be stressed enough. When buying a used car you should be sure to ask how long ago the tyres had been replaced and make sure that the ridges are deep and not smooth. Tyres are actually not very expensive to replace; if you think about the fact that the life expectancy of tyres adds up to 60 000km’s if you maintain them well.
Air pressure is another thing which many motorists tend to neglect, but when it comes to road safety this can make a big difference in your car’s performance.

Brakes

Having a good brake system can save your life and many of us tend to neglect our brakes and wait to hear the really bad screeching sound of metal against metal before we replace them. Just because you are driving a used car does not mean that you don’t have to have a maintenance plan or service plan. Driving a used car makes regular service and maintenance even more important.

Fluid Levels

When you don’t really know anything about a car, you might be shocked to find out how many things need the correct fluid levels to function properly.

At least once a month check your oil levels- this can be done at a service or gas station and if you check the cars manual you can even do this yourself.

Your wipers also need fluid in order for them to be able to work, and not having any left would mean that you would be in great risk when driving in a storm, unable to see the road ahead of you. Not having enough water in your car could lead to the car overheating and could cause serious engine damage.

While it may seem like a lot of effort to ensure the accurate fluid levels in your car it could save you a lot of money, and in some cases it could even save your live.

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When deciding to buy a used car from a private dealer and not from a dealership, you might be attracted to the fact that you could negotiate and get a better price or that you will find someone who’s desperate to sell as they need the money. While desperation from a seller could sometimes work to your advantage, it most likely could just as easily go in the opposite direction. Here are some pointers from S4 Used Cars which could help you spot whether you will be making a good or bad decision when purchasing a used car.

1. The advertisement sounds too good to be true

If you see that a really good car with a lot of appealing features is being advertised for a ridiculously low price, there is a very good chance that the owner is either hiding something, like the fact that the car was a write off, or that the advertisement is a scam and the seller will somehow try to make money out of you with you getting absolutely nothing in return. As the saying goes: if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

2. The Car Has No Papers

Never buy a car that does not have registration documents. Chances are that the car was stolen and that you will be sitting with a lot of problems after buying it. If the seller of the car has nothing to hide, he would have applied for new papers and tried to do an honest sale.

3. Does The Mileage On The Car Match The Sellers Story?

When looking at a used car that you are planning to buy, ask as many questions as possible; ask why the person is selling the car, what they used the car for, when they bought the car and how many owners the car had before they bought it. If all of the answers to these questions don’t add up, you might want to reconsider buying the car. A lot of people are dishonest and will use illegal methods to make the mileage less on the car; the higher the mileage compared to the year the car was made, the more problems you will have with the car.

4. Are There Any Signs Of Accident Damage?

When looking for a car you will see that many people do state that the car they are selling has been in an accident, but usually they will state that the damage is minor. Off course no one will put the full extent of the damage in the advertisement, but will they tell you? Your best bet would be to just not take a chance. Take a mechanic with you when you go to look at cars, because a car could look great on the outside and have unbelievable damage on the inside.

5. Service And Maintenance Records

A car that has been well taken care of will have service records and the owner will be more than happy to show them to you. Make sure that you look at the dates on these records and that the car had been serviced recently; this way you can ensure that you will not have to spend a big amount of money on the car right after you bought it.

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Making a mistake when it comes to buying a second hand car will not only break your hopes and dreams for your future car, but will also cost you a lot of money. Buying a second hand car can be very risky when you buy it from a private source as you have no idea about the reputation or integrity of the seller. Buying a car form an established company, like S4 Used Cars, is a lot safer as you can hold the dealer accountable if something goes wrong, and you will feel more secure in the fact that dealers pride themselves on their reputations.

A Bad Experience

When it comes to making mistakes regarding second hand cars I seem to be an expert at making all of them at the same time. I learned a very expensive lesson when I sold my old car, saved up some money, and bought another one from two men. One of the men told me that his wife had been driving the car for eight years and I was very happy to find that the car had only 78 000 km’s on the clock, and the exterior was beautiful.  However, there were no service records and I ignorantly did not ask for any- my first mistake.
After buying the car I was ecstatic as I thought that I had made a very good decision, but I started to feel very uneasy after I opened the ashtray bucket and found a price sticker with my car’s details on it. The price on the sticker was 50% less than what I had just paid for it.

Another big blow came when I took the car for a routine service; the mechanic opened the hood and pointed out to me that the car had been in a very serious accident. While the car drove smoothly for the first few months it soon started to develop more and more problems and I in turn had to pay for them.

Who Takes The Blame?

Needless to say I had been conned; badly! Obviously the two men had bought the car when it was badly damaged form an accident and fixed it up just enough in order to sell it to some poor ignorant fool, who happened to be me. I have to admit that the blame does not solely lie with the two slime balls who sold me the car; if I had done my homework I would never have bought it. In the first place I was in a hurry to buy another car and had been looking at cars for two weeks when I finally found one that looked decent on the outside and fit my budget; big mistake! Needless to say, what’s under the hood of a car is a lot more important than the exterior.

I also failed to ask enough questions and took everything at face value. Independence is great, but when it comes to making a big investment like buying a car you should take people along who know what to look for and who will help you recognize all of the warning signs.

Lesson Learned

So what did I learn from this mistake? When buying a car do your homework, get an experts opinion and make the seller sign a contract that claims that the car is in a good condition. If it then turns out that you were conned, you will be able to lay a charge and to get compensated.

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