When you need a replacement vehicle, getting a second-hand could be your best option. You would find plenty of used cars in Dubai with both private sellers and dealerships selling them. New car purchases are increasing with the rising economy, even then, used cars can be ideal for those looking for a means of transportation on a budget. You just need to know where to shop for one that best caters to your needs.
You can get a lot out of buying a used car. Having a used car is easier on the pocket and allows you to travel conveniently. However, there might be some issues of wear and tear that you have to tackle as early as possible.
So, there are a handful of mistakes you ought to avoid at all costs when shopping for a second-hand car:
Not Having a Finance Plan
Whether you purchase a used car through a private owner or a dealer, decide how you are going to pay for it. Everyone can’t pay full cash upfront. In that case, they have to consider the financing options. Negotiation becomes a lot easier when you know your budget.
Buying a used car from a dealership might have additional interest rates if you decide to go for dealer financing. You can avoid this by shopping around and doing your research first. Different lenders have different rates. Knowing your budget helps in making an informed decision.
Not Taking the Car for a Test Drive
A study found that 20% of used car buyers do not test drive the car before finalizing the deal. First-time buyers of new cars test drive, on average, test drive as many as seven cars before buying a new car. In the case of used cars, one must take a test drive before making the final decision. This way, you can know that the car runs properly. Sometimes, you can even know about any issues during the drive as well.
Not Checking the Vehicle History Report
Apart from doing a test drive, you must run the vehicle history report. This will allow you to check for any prior issues with the car, accidents, and how many owners it has had before.
Purchasing for Good Looks Only
Before you begin your search for a car, you should, first of all, determine what you need from it. You must know what you are looking for in a car. If you want to have a car that easily accommodates your family, then do not waste your time by looking at sports cars. Also, do not get deceived by looks only. Sure, the car must look good and both the interior and exterior should be clean. But do not buy a car only because it looks good. It should be able to fulfill your commute needs and fall within your budget.
Making the Final Decision on Monthly Payments
Usually, when people look for a new car, the first thought they have in mind is the monthly payments that they will have to make. For your monthly budget, a lower monthly installment is good. When it comes to a longer payment period, you end up paying a bigger amount in the long run. It would be better to take a higher monthly payment plan due to the compounding interest as you would pay back the principal amount in a shorter period.
An economical option would be to lease a used car. Since not all dealerships have used car leases, you would have to look for them. There are certain conditions involved as well.
Not Getting the Car Inspected by A Professional Mechanic
Experts recommend taking the car out for a test drive before you make the final decision. However, getting it inspected by a professional is also necessary. This could save you a lot of money in the long run. A professional could check the car thoroughly and make sure you are getting a good deal. You may know sufficient about cars to buy one, but a professional is observant and might identify things a layman cannot.
There are many scammers out there well who may try to dupe you. Having a professional at your sight could highly mitigate the risk of becoming a victim.
All in all, understand your needs first. This way, you can reduce your chances of making an impulsive purchase that you might regret later. The focus, while looking for used cars for sale in UAE, should be what you need, not what you want. You should determine a budget first, think about how you plan to finance this purchase, and then move ahead with your car shopping.