A COMPLETE GUIDELINE FOR USED CAR BUYERS

The purchase rate of used cars contributes to one of the fastest-growing sectors of the automobile industry in India. Times of India has stated that by 2025 used car market will skyrocket by more than 70 Lakhs sales.  Post pandemic demand for used cars has grown tremendously. Many start-ups and e-commerce platforms raised more than $ 3 Billion in valuation.

Various factors have caused this sudden growth. Digitalisation during the pandemic era and the growth of the young economy in India are one of its primary reasons. As the younger economy of India has reached their prime age of youth, their need for vehicle ownership has increased as well. This has amplified the first-time car buyers. There might be few issues while opting for used cars. Even though Roadside assistances are available for immediate needs, A second-hand car should be bought considering the various factors listed below.So, we are mentioning the complete guidelines for used car buyers for your better understanding.

Used cars are not new cars that can be bought after checking the specifications and requirements. The first check while buying an old car should be checking the history of the car and its various factors. This tells how much the cars were used and depreciated.

By inspecting history, the timelines of services can also be checked. It will help you to decide if you can go ahead with the purchase or opt for another car. By, aligning them to your needs and comparing them, you’d know if that old car will be good enough to accommodate your needs. Some histories that should be given high priority are Vehicle owner history and service history.

Few other details like registration details, accident logs, insurance history or loan history if any, are also checked sometimes.

Vehicle Owner History

The vehicle owner history can be referred to understand the purpose of the vehicle. Knowing for what purpose the vehicle was used before i.e for personal use or commercial use, will be beneficial to understand the usage and the level of depreciation. Depreciation chances are more in the case of commercial used cars even if they were only in a run for 1 year compared to 1 year of personal use. Knowing the owner’s details will also clarify that the asset is bought from a genuine seller.

Service History

Even if the purpose of the car was for personal use earlier, it is required to examine the condition and service logs of the vehicle to ensure that they are in perfect condition. This helps you to know how often car repairs are done, and with who they are serviced- Local merchants or showroom facilities. If there are any defective parts, then the buyer can decide to negotiate.

Additional facilities in the car

The second hand cars are bought either to upgrade from the old ones or by the first-time buyers. Thus, it is evident that cars are bought to increase the standard of living by giving a comfortable environment or to enjoy more benefits. Some factors that can be checked are excess leg spaces and truck space, inbuilt sound systems, beverage holders, headrests, Airbags etc.

Interior condition

Inspecting the interiors to identify any wear and tear should be mandatory. Car care centres are supposed to check both interior and exterior conditions when a vehicle is sent for service, A few components that can be checked are,

Steering wheel 

Identify if the steering is power steering or normal steering. These factors in steering wheels should be checked to go ahead while purchasing a money worthy used car.

  • Discomfort during steering the car.
  • Noises or vibrations during turns.
  • Looseness or tightness of steering wheel.
  • Colour change in power steering fluid.

If there are any issues with power steering, there are more chances that there are engine issues. In such cases, engine repair should be done immediately. Thus take the car to the nearest car service shop or call a doorstep car service.

Dashboard

Dashboards are also called Dash which is the extension panel from the windshield. It contains the control systems, Indicators and many Vehicle regulator factors. Any Problems within the vehicle mechanism will be firstly identified with the help of Dashboard controllers. So, all the control systems must be working fine.

The indications that are primarily checked by drivers are Meters, Indicator lights, Wiper controllers, Sound systems, storage/glove departments, AC filters, Air ventilation filters, gearboxes etc. To check any faults in the Dashboard part, on the car and leave them for a few minutes, now the control systems will start working. Some minor issues when unchecked might lead to a huge issue. Go for the branded car service station to resolve issues with a dashboard.

Meters

  • They Include, speedometers which show the speed at which the vehicle is travelling.
  • Fuel Gauge shows the level of fuel and will be helpful to know when they can be refueled.
  • Rev controller helps in limiting the engine RPM when reached its maximum point.

Dashboard Indicator lights

  • These dashboard indicator lights are the warning lights the vehicle shows such as seat-belt, Hand brake, AC light, Fuel, Battery, turning lights, Open doors, Windshield defrost, beam light etc.

AC controllers and filters

  • Everyone these days uses the AC when they are in a car. Even when the outside temperature is very cool, we increase the temperature. Thus the Air ventilation system and the AC controller should be maintained well.

Sound system

  • They are usually the entertainment structure inside the vehicle. Everyone uses these days, either by radios or by Bluetooth connections, they Include the volume buttons, promotes, speakers, The touch screen or CD players in case of old cars.

The vehicle owner history can be referred to understand the purpose of the vehicle. Knowing for what purpose the vehicle was used before i.e for personal use or commercial use, will be beneficial to understand the usage and the level of depreciation. Depreciation chances are more in the case of commercial used cars even if they were only in a run for 1 year compared to 1 year of personal use. Knowing the owner’s details will also clarify that the asset is bought from a genuine seller.

Interior condition

Honks/Horn

Turn on the ignition to check the horns of the car. They are a vital yet under-looked part of a vehicle. Check the level of noise. The sound of the horn should not be too loud or too light. 

 

Door handle

Door handles are one of the malfunctioned parts of a car when not used smoothly. Check the Door handles on all the sides to ensure that they are in perfect condition.

 

Power windows/door lock controls

Power windows mean the door lock control which is placed either on the right-hand side of the driver seat or near the gear space. This has been introduced to ensure child safety. Thus, if you are a parent buying a used car ensure to double-check if the buttons are fixed perfectly and are working fine.

 

Clutch

Cars cannot perform without a clutch. The clutch pedal should be easy to step on, not too firm or not too loose. The pedal pulling back after a full press should be smooth and fast. If the car runs on manual gear transmission, then the need for a clutch is more important. Test drive the cars to ensure they tick off all these features.

  • Smooth gear shifting
  • No burning smell of the car after you start.
  • Able to full press the clutch.

Brake pedal

They are used to stop or slow down the speed of the vehicle. It is either placed in the centre or on the left side in the case of automatic gears. While test driving the car the buyer needs to check how smooth. The easy flow of brake fluids guarantees smoothness of the brake. The major issues are fluid leak and air in brake lines causing soft pedals. While purchasing a second hand car, if the pads are getting thinner make sure they are replaced by the previous owner. 

 

Gas pedal

The gas pedal is known as the Accelerator pedal used to increase the speed of the cars. This pedal releases the required gas to the engine, resulting in high speed. If the car runs slow even when the gas pedal is pressed, it is an evident character of any issue. This happens because of any airflow malfunctions in the throttle body. Sometimes it results in going into a limp mode. The unresponsive gas pedal may also be because of sensor failure.

 

Transmission stick shift

The transmission stick shifts increased the speed capacity of the car. In both manual transmission mechanisms and an automatic transmission mechanism, any disturbances during the gear shift should be examined promptly. The unresolved issue in gear shifts might lead to severe accidents. In the case of Automatic transmission, all the gear positions should be easily moved. Test drive them and check if the gears aren’t slipping. Any hints of transmission fluids leaking, Vibrations or noises during gear shifts should also be noticed.

 

Cup or beverage holder

The beverage holders are normally placed in the door panels or at the centre of the front seats. Some Vehicles have holders in both places.

 

Emergency brake handle

Emergency brake handles are also called parking brake handles. The levers should be able to move with normal forces. If they are too tight, then checking is required.

 

Side mirror

The major issue with side mirrors are they get loosened over time. Most cars do have to mirror adjustable levers to resolve this issue. Some side mirrors have a protective cape over the mirrors.

 

Rear-view mirror

There should not be any breakage in the rear-view mirror as they are the most used mirrors while driving. A loosened mirror can become a discomfort during the drive.

 

Seats

Seats and seat covers should be maintained properly because any wear and team will cause additional costs to the buyer. Movable or adjustable seats should be moved and checked prior.

Exterior Condition

Exterior conditions of a car constitute the value of the vehicle. Minor things like windows, lights, and exterior panels also add up to safe driving and the car’s safety.

 

Window 

Cracks on the car windows should be given immediate repair. Windows are the sole protector of passengers from external factors like dust, dirt etc. Moving the glass up and down should be smooth.

 

Doors

The common issue with doors is they might not be accessible from one side. It can be a hassle during an emergency. In normal situations, it is okay to demand roadside assistance, but while opting for a new car, this should be checked prior by the seller. Keep the doors polished by calling a doorstep car wash team.

 

Tail Lights

Tail lights are most needed to show your presence while parking or while slowing down your car. They are checked during car services. An issue in tail lights should be checked immediately to decrease unforeseen events.

 

Rear Bumper

Like the name itself, it is present in the back of the car. To protects the car from more damage during accidents. Any cracks in the used car should be clarified with the seller.

 

Splash Guard

Rough and Tough cars like SUVs, Bolero, Maruti Gypsy etc, have a splash guard to protect the vehicle from excess dirt and damage. Commercial vehicles can also opt for Splash guards. They keep the car clean and are expensive. They are also customizable according to the vehicle.

 

Tyre and wheels

While buying a used car ensure there aren’t any issues like tyre inflations, bulging or cracks. Tyre repairs can be solved during service check-ups. With the age and usage of tyres, they are bound to get similar issues. When such problems are faced on road, call immediately for a towing service to avoid severe accidents.

 

Grilles

Grilles are an important feature, that sends air in and out and cools down the engine. The look of the car is enhanced by the grill.

 

Front Bumper

Front Bumpers avoid any excess damage to the engine in case of accidents. Mild bumps can be fixed by nearby mechanics.

 

Headlights

Fuse is a common problem with headlights. They either go off fully or the light gets feeble. An issue in this will be a hindrance while travelling during night times. Ensure the car you buy does not have any light issues.

 

Fender

The fender is used as a protective layer for wheels. Opting for a tow car will be good in case of severe fender accidents. If the second-hand car you are buying has a history of accidents in fender parts, check if the wheels are aligned properly. Inspect the exhaust pipe, wiring issues and engine damages.

 

Hoods

 

Hoods or bonnets are used to close the front engine parts. They come with a bonnet holder rod and are used to hold the hood safely when someone is working on them.

 

Windscreen

A vehicle’s windscreen should be clean and free from cracks or any damage. If they were replaced in any near past, check if they have any leakages or screeching noises while driving.

 

Roofs

Car roofs should be free from dents and should be strong as they are above the heads of the passengers. If they contain a sunroof, make sure they are strong and fit correctly to ensure safety.

 

Wipers

Wipers are the cleaning device which cleans the dirt or rain on the windscreen. A poor-quality wiper blade will not clean the dirt or rain properly and may cause creaking sounds.

 

Mirrors

Rear view mirrors and side mirrors are essential tools for driving safely. In case of loosened bolts in mirrors, they need to be tightened. This ensures the drivers see the movement of vehicles from all angles.

 

Brake light

Brake light is a warning light that comes on when there is an issue in the brake system. The car may be low on brake fluid. If ignored, it’ll create a severe issue or an expensive car repair.

 

Parking light

The parking light turns to show other vehicles that you are slowing down or the car is parked. It makes the car visible at night and protects the car from accidents. If they are on even after switching off the engine, then it might be due to a minor malfunction. It takes up the energy from the car battery, resulting in calling for a car helpline to get them resolved.

If any of the conditions are not met properly, then the buyer or seller can download any car service apps like Gomechanic, Garage On Road etc, and get the vehicle checked thoroughly.

Documents to check while buying a used car

“Do work in silence, and let your car make the noise.”

The automobile industry in India has seen robust growth in recent years. A sizable credit to the used car market. Several hardships are being faced by the automobile manufacturers such as chip shortages, pandemic lockdowns and choking economic circumstances. This has resulted in the potential consumers browsing through quicker and much more affordable alternatives. The process of transferring ownership of automobiles isn’t a cake walk as it seems. The second-hand car registration necessitates a specific set of essential documents. This not only benefits you with legal documentation but also ensure an absolute status check of the vehicle in question. One must arrange for the following documents:

  • REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE:

A vehicle registration certificate verifies whether the particular vehicle has been registered with the Government of India or not. It states the territorial boundary in which the vehicle operates, date of registration, registration number, owner’s serial number, owner’s name, engine and chassis number, type of fuel used, cubic capacity, and specifies the category of the vehicle. The buyer must be cautious while procuring the RC and must ensure that an authentic RC has been procured. The changes have to be updated on the RC. Note that the older vehicles had RC books unlike the smart cards available in the present years.  

  • OWNER’S MANUAL:

An owner’s manual holds a lot of importance. You must always make yourself familiar with the important instructions about the vehicle. It includes the servicing schedule, location of parts like the fuse box, and crucial maintenance tips. This is necessary to maintain the vehicle’s excellent condition.

  • INVOICE OF CAR PURCHASE:

With an increase in the numbers of the statistics displaying car thefts, a demand for the invoice of the car purchase by the previous owner is important. A mandatory invoice of your own purchase which carries signatures of both parties is also required. This will serve as a proof that the vehicle belongs to the owner in question, authenticated by the showroom.  

  • SERVICE LOG BOOK:

Service Logbook or the Blue Book is a record of the type and number of services the car has availed in the past. This will allow you to inspect the maintenance of the vehicle which would include damage repairs, replaced parts and the basic condition of the car. The meter readings at each service would also show if the odometer readings are genuine and not tampered with. The more the number of services, the better the condition of the vehicle.

  • FORMS:

Forms 29 and 30 are pre-requisite documents required for buying a second-hand car in India. The second-hand car registration procedure requires the seller to sign two copies of Form 29 and a copy of Form 30 and hand it out to the buyer. The buyer will then submit the same at the RTO for transfer of ownership. Form 29 is the notice of transfer of car ownership, while Form 30 is the application for the intimation and transfer of car ownership.

  • NO OBJECTION CERTIFICATE:

Most of the vehicle owners have bought their respective cars with the loans issued by the bank. Thus, a no objection certificate must be issued by the bank. The NOC must state that the vehicle is free from all loans and the financier has no claim over the vehicle at any circumstance. If a used vehicle which has not completed its loan tenure is bought, then the present owner would be liable to pay for it.

  • ROAD TAX RECEIPT:

Road Tax Receipt refers to the one-time tax which is paid to the government during the sale of the vehicle. It is required to ensure that there are no accumulated penalties on delayed or no tax payment. If there exist previous penalties, it would by default fall upon the new owner. The road tax ranges from 2 to 8 percent in respect to the geographical area.

  • BI FUEL CERTIFICATE:

Some vehicles have been configured to operate on two types of fuel which is petrol and CNG. The registration certificate must mention the same. An NOC provided by the RTO and a receipt of the kit retrofitted must be procured by the seller for the buyer. The bi-fuel package has a guarantee of five years from the time it was converted.

  • EMISSION / PUC CERTIFICATE:

A PUC Certificate indicates the car’s emission levels and the condition of the engine. It is a mandatory document which must be kept in the vehicle at all times as it is often checked for and is mandated by law.

Transfer insurance:

You must apply with the appropriate insurance provider for a car insurance transfer. To transfer such an insurance policy, you must pay a transfer fee and provide the following documents:

  • Form of application

  • 30th Form

  • 29th Form

  • A letter of authorization from a current policyholder

  • The insurance company conducted an inspection report.

  • A new certificate of registration

Documents to check while buying a car:

The following paperwork is included in the transfer procedure when buying a used automobile from an independent seller:

  1. Certificate of Registration (RC)

  2. Car Purchase Invoice and Insurance Documents

  3. Service Book
  4. Forms 28, 29, 30, 32, and 35
  5. The notification of transfer of automobile ownership is Form 29.
  6. Form 30 is a notification and transfer of automobile ownership application.
  7. The No Objection Certificate (Form 28) is required when automobile ownership is transferred between states.
  8. When the seller has taken out a loan to buy the automobile, Forms 32 and 35 are required.
  9. Road tax receipt Certification for bi-fuel kits
  10. Owner’s Manual for PUC Certificates

Validity of automobile insurance

A second hand car insurance coverage usually has a one-year validity period. To prevent a vehicle inspection, you must renew it before the required date. Your auto insurance coverage will expire if you do not renew it on time. There are several risks associated with a lapsed insurance, and your car will also be examined prior to renewal. As a result, you must renew your insurance on time to save time and money. You must take care of a few things in order to return to a secure position. The reason for this is because renewing such documents takes time and necessitates a trip to the Regional Transport Office. Due to a large list of appointments for document verification, the Regional Transport Office is quite packed. According to the current norms and regulations surrounding social separation and needless mobility limitation, such a circumstance would be a no.

  1. Long-term and multi-year vehicle insurance:

As a result, it is usually advisable to purchase a long-term comprehensive auto insurance policy. This not only covers third-party claims, but also protects your automobile from damage and compensates you in the event of an injury or death. You may also benefit from a variety of different benefits and vehicle insurance add-on riders that give all-around protection 

No claim policy:

A no claims policy or discount is a decrease in the amount you must pay for an insurance policy. If you have not made any claims in the preceding year. Even if they are not at fault in an accident, drivers may forfeit their no-claims discount. If the new owner fails to transfer the insurance policy within the 14-day period, the insurance company is not responsible for any damages. If the insurance is not transferred and the policy still contains the initial owner’s name, the insurance company will not pay the claim for damages caused to the vehicle or a third party. In addition, the court may issue a notice to the first owner to pay for a loss made to a third party. The no-claim policy is a reward given to the car owner for safe driving. For example, if you sell a 10-year-old hatchback and buy a C-segment car, your no-claim policy will be transferred to the new car. This will be allowing you to save money on insurance. It can be transferred to another insurance provider with proof in the form of a renewal notification. This decrease in the premium is typically 20% for the second year, 25% for the third year, 35% for the fourth year, 45 percent for the fifth year, and 50% for the sixth year. The amount of the discount is determined by the insurance claims you have made in that time period.

Vehicle inclusion

Tools and equipment are essential for a car to overcome any emergencies. If you are driving on a remote road, even a minor issue might result in prominent issues. In worst cases, it might lead to towing your cars to the garage. So, it is always safe to carry a few tools with the car. Likewise, while buying a second-hand car, it is required to check if these tools are present in the car.

During emergencies Call for 24×7 road assistance, but you can also opt for resolving them yourself if the required tools are present. 

  • First aid kit : The first aid kit comes in handy when any passenger is injured. The car first aid kit usually contains adhesive tape and bandages, gauze pads, an antiseptic agent and Antihistamine cream.
  • Stepney : It is a well-maintained spare tyre that is always included in any car even if the car isn’t new. Tyre punctures are inevitable. Having a Stepney will pay off while facing flat tires during emergencies.
  • Jacks : Jacks are equipment that raises that car, so that technical works are done under. This is very useful while changing a flat tire or while checking the lower part of the car.
  • Jumper cables : When cars are used for long there are more chances that the batteries might die. If you are buying a second-hand car, check if the batteries are replaced prior. Issues in starting the car even after replacing car batteries should be handled by a car mechanic. Call a vehicle service provider and use jumper cables to jump-start the old or idle battery.
  • Tire inflator : Maintaining the tire pressure is as essential as having a Stepney. They are small and portable. It is useful in inflating your tires when the air in the tube is lessened.

Conclusion

More second-hand cars are bought and sold in recent years. It is vital to research before buying a car as we do for any first-hand cars. The above-mentioned guidelines would be helpful if you are buying a used car. Having this checklist is also helpful while buying a new car.

If there are any other emergency needs while driving, then this would be the right time to call roadside assistance. Many local car mechanics are partnered with Garage on Road is present all round the clock to come to your saving. Call us at 9971800751 to get immediate car assistance.