AutoTrustPH Buying Tips

Tips in buying used cars

Itinerary Plans

  1. Formulate a financial program that includes the price of the car, insurance, road taxes, fuel, petroleum oil and service maintenance.
  2. You need to consciously determine the reason why you are buying a car. Deciding on the type of car, brand and model is purely dependent on your need. Establishing where and how you are going to pay the car should be strongly considered, a possible individual or corporation loan is one option for this type of purchase.
  3. Try to look around and scout for your ideal car from different individual car owners and available websites like the AutoTrustPH which is a "One-Stop-Shop" of Auto shopping network that provides personalized service, assistance and information to clients who are in need of a Brand New Car, Used Car and other financial concerns and services available at a very low and flexible interest rates.
  4. If possible, try to buy a car which came from the first owner and carefully verify the papers, this would save you from future headaches. Check the logbook (V5) and cautiously ensure that the name matches with the seller and make sure to get the service records history.
  5. Never inspect the car during night time, do it during day time with the supervision of a mechanic or somebody you know who knows cars, they may notice effectively what you may ignore during the actual inspection. This way, you get the best value out of your money.
  6. Never inspect the car in a place like shopping malls, fast food chains, car parks and letting them drive it to you, do it in the seller’s house.
  7. Always ask for a test drive. This way, you will be able to pay attention to the humps, shatters or noises that could probably signify a minor or major trouble. While driving, it allows you more time to make critical decision based on what you observed. More importantly be prepared for a bargain, negotiate directly to the seller and do not buy the car right away. It is also imperative to mention that you are in an immediate need of buying a car, but you are still looking around for other possible options and are very much sensitive with the price.

Bodywork - Rust

  1. Appearance on the inside wings, bulkhead, cross members and chassis members under the bonnet. If you get any of it, better leave the car and look for another one.
  2. Thoroughly check the corrosion on the floor, bumpers, compartments and other key areas of the body. Check if the brake pipes are not crusted with rust then inspect suspension and steering mounts.
  3. Cautiously inspect the entire exterior body of the car for alteration of paint. Check the bumper hinges if they are twisted or if some hinges are missing. This may be due to minor or major accidents.
  4. Under the car, inspect the inside sills, chassis legs, cross members and sub frames. If you feel there is problem, gently tap the area or push hard with your hand. If it moves and gives way, the metal may be damaged. Graciously say thank you and look for another unit that would fit on your preferred interest.

Engine

  1. Look at the oil through the dip stick - very black oil indicates that the car has not been frequently or recently serviced, it may destroy other parts of the engine if change oil is not regularly done. Beige and thick oil indicates that there may be head gasket escape. This is often due to irregular checkups.
  2. Inspect the coolant - it should not be red and rusty looking.
  3. Pay attention to the engine start up from frosty – verify that there is no black/blue smoke emanating from the exhaust. The oil light should go up speedily. Also, there should not be any knocking or rattling noises.
  4. The car should be idle efficiently with no revving, pinking (tiny rattling) or misfiring.