Checklist for buying a used car - Buying a Car (2024)

By Ané Albertse

Buying a car is probably one of the biggest decisions of your life, and it can be a very daunting experience if you don’t know what to expect. We have done the legwork, so you don’t have to. So before you sell your car quickly and easily with our Instant Offer tool here and start your search for new or used models on AutoTrader here, let us go through the 10 tips.

Related: How to negotiate when buying a car

1. Know how much you can spend

Knowing how much you can afford is the first step in your purchase journey. This means knowing the total amount of money you can spend on the car, broken down into monthly payments + insurance and maintenance/running costs, such as tyres, fuel, and services. A good place to start is AutoTrader's car finance calculator.

2. Know what type of car matches your lifestyle and budget

Take a look at your lifestyle. If you are an outdoorsy type, buying a low-slung sports car might be counterproductive; you won't be able to incorporate your car into your lifestyle. Look at your family requirements and begin your search with cars that fit into your life.

Seek advice regarding which cars are affordable to service and maintain. A good place to start is to search if the model you are considering is expensive to maintain. Another very good indicator of cars that will stand the test of time (this goes for good aftersales too!) is the IPSOS vehicle quality survey report.

Need advice on financing a car? Click here.

3. Stick to reputable dealers

It’s a good idea to stick to well-known dealerships. These larger dealerships will be more willing to bargain on a sale, and it will be more likely that what they sell you won’t have any issues. It’s an easy way to avoid buying a lemon. If you're unsure about a car's history, doing a vehicle check will put your mind at ease. Do one here.

4. Keep maintenance in mind

If you are looking at a vehicle from a specific category, for example, a mid-size SUV, it pays to keep in mind what the maintenance costs are for a specific brand. Some automaker's car parts are available over the counter at your local spares shop, while others will be “agents only," meaning that they come with a hefty price tag. This means that the excellently priced German marque will cost you an arm and a leg over its Korean counterpart when it comes to services. (Refer to No. 1)

5. Do your homework

Once you’ve decided on which make and model you’re going to buy and have found the one you’re after, the checks begin. The things at the top of your list to check will be the following:

• Service history:has the car been maintained regularly? Has its handbook been stamped at an authorised workshop?
• The odometer reading in kilometres tells you how far the car has driven. Generally, higher readouts mean the car has had a hard life.

A high odometer reading on a relatively young car indicates incredibly long journeys and many hours of driving and should be avoided. Likewise, an older car with low mileage should be viewed with suspicion. Excellent deals can be had, but they are scarce, so approach with caution!

• Lastly, check the overall condition; if the condition of the vehicle seems out of whack with the odometer reading, walk away.

Recommended: Should you buy a car with high mileage?

6. It’s your right to request certification

You have the right to request certain things from the dealer. Two items high up on the list should be the mechanical inspection report and the aforementioned vehicle history.

Both these items are a must-have. The mechanical inspection certificate provides proof that the vehicle is in good mechanical condition and is usually performed by a third party, while the vehicle history is pulled from various databases using the vehicle's VIN number; this is also proof that the car is legally allowed to be sold and provides a trail of ownership from when it rolled off the assembly line.

7. Test drive

Always test-drive the car! Take the car for a drive along a route you know and listen for anything untoward or strange, such as a knocking sound, rattles, bumps or squeaks. Be sure to also put the car in reverse. Get comfortable in the car and make sure everything works as it should. Be sure that this is the car you want to drive for the next couple of years.

Recommended: What to look out for when test-driving a car?

8. Know when to walk away

Never feel pressured by the dealer to sign the OTP (Offer to Purchase). If you are not 100% happy, walk away. If you cave into the purchase, you will end up with buyer’s remorse and end up miserable in a car you will end up hating.

9. Pay deposits by bank transfer or EFT, never use cash!

This applies to both dealers and private sales. The EFT or bank transfer leaves a financial trail and provides proof of purchase. Cash leaves no trail, and it's dangerous to carry around that kind of money.

10. Get your documentation

Once the deposits have been paid and you are ready to collect your vehicle, make sure you get an itemised invoice and as much paperwork as they will give you. You should have all the certificates you’ve requested and a delivery note. You should also receive the licencing papers and any other relevant documents. You must provide proof of insurance before driving away in your new wheels, though.

Now that you are armed with the right information, we wish you luck on the hunt for your dream wheels.