When purchasing a vehicle, the biggest mistake is to rush. Take time to reflect on this vehicle, its condition and your first impressions of the seller. © Fotolia
You are about to invest in a used car? Whether through an individual or professional seller, there are always pitfalls to avoid. Here are our ten tips!
1. individual or professional seller, what to choose?
Buy a professional ensures a minimum mechanical three-month warranty. In case of engine failure, the gear lever or in case of discovery of defects Hidden (see tip number 10), the seller is responsible.
Conversely, if you buy your vehicle to an individual, you have very few guarantees. If ever the particular seller will not acknowledge his fault or involve an expert, you can file a complaint. But it can cost you a lot of money and time.
Conversely, if you buy your vehicle to an individual, you have very few guarantees. If ever the particular seller will not acknowledge his fault or involve an expert, you can file a complaint. But it can cost you a lot of money and time.
Choose your car to a professional seems to be the best solution. But remember that this "mechanical guarantee" has a cost. Feel free to compare prices, you might have a few surprises.
2. Check the value of the chosen car
You found the perfect car, but the asking price matches it to the vehicle's value? Before you rush, check the argus, ie the car rating. This is estimated based on market conditions, the model, the mileage, the date of introduction of the fuel, power and options whose car is equipped. To calculate free, see ouestfrance-auto.com .
3. What questions to ask the seller when buying a used car?
During your initial exchange, either on the phone or face to face, there are essential questions to avoid being cheated.
- What is the consumption of the car?
- What is the mileage?
- What was the use of this vehicle?
- Is it a first-hand?
- Are there any scratches or blows to the body?
- Are there any missing items on the car's equipment?
- Has it been Vehicle damaged?
- When were the last repairs?
- Why do you want to sell your car?
- Can we discuss the price of the vehicle?
- When can we try the car?
- What is the mileage?
- What was the use of this vehicle?
- Is it a first-hand?
- Are there any scratches or blows to the body?
- Are there any missing items on the car's equipment?
- Has it been Vehicle damaged?
- When were the last repairs?
- Why do you want to sell your car?
- Can we discuss the price of the vehicle?
- When can we try the car?
4. Examine the car in every detail
During your appointment with the seller, do not hesitate to pass the vehicle to comb! If you are accompanied by an expert, it's even better! More ausculterez you, the less you'll surprises after. Above all, agree to a time during the day. The day, the defects will be more visible.
Let's start with the outside. Stand a few meters of the vehicle to see the whole. Examine then closer, bodywork, tires, headlights, mirrors, roof, without forgetting the underside of the car.
Open the hood and check the oil level and ask the seller to start the engine, accelerate, honk, turning on the headlights, turn signals ... So do not overlook any detail! Remember to ask a little more technical to the seller. For example: when was the battery? When she has the belt was changed? (It must be changed between 80 000 and 160 000 km depending on the model, you will find this information on the internet or in the maintenance book), if the vehicle runs on diesel when filters were they replaced?
Finally, inside the car, try the mirrors, windshield wipers, windows, seat adjustment, lights, the radio, the lights, air conditioning, check the spare wheel ... Know that maintenance of "air conditioning" needs to be done every 2 years with changing the pollen filter and gas booster.
5. The documents that the seller must deliver
Among the necessary documents when selling a used car, one of the most important is probably the certificate of no pledge. It is a document ensuring that the vehicle is 100% and the seller was not stolen. Other necessary papers: technical check dated within 6 months, the vehicle registration, the maintenance book and bills of different repairs on the car. The seller must also be in possession of a registration certificate .
Once these documents in hand, you have to have before signing, check the accuracy still written and if they correspond with the model of the vehicle and its registration. Then you have the request of registration certificate of the vehicle.
6. Test the car on different types of roads
Before purchasing, test on the road qualities of your future car. To evaluate them, feel free to circulate in the city, on a four-lane, in the countryside ... The goal is to move up and down the gears, test the acceleration and braking of the car. Remember also to check if it responds well when it recedes.
Should the seller does not seem very enthusiastic that you try his vehicle, go your way!Better to miss a car, rather than investing in a nest of problems.
7. Make your car now!
Before signing the purchase of the vehicle, remember to inform your insurance from the date from which you will be the owner. Then you have one month after purchase, to provide the registration card, certificate of sale and to effect the change of owner name in the prefecture.
Concerning own vehicle insurance, it is not always wise to opt for comprehensive insurance for a used model. According to its mileage, date of release and its state, third party insurance may be sufficient. Feel free to compare .
8. Take time to reflect
When purchasing a vehicle, the biggest mistake is to rush. Take time to reflect on this vehicle, its condition and your first impressions of the seller. Recalculate well the argus of the car and think about resale. The goal is that you can easily separate if you wish.Beware of too pressing or pushy salespeople. You have all the time to make your choice, the decision is yours!
9. Buy a used car
Initially, the reservation of the vehicle. For this, two options are available: the earnest or down payment. If you choose to pay the earnest, the sale is blocked but the seller or yourself can cancel the sale at any time. If you opt for the down payment, the sale is blocked and this action is irreversible. In both cases, ask for a paper to justify this operation.
Secondly, payment. In a professional, you have little to fear. However, if you are dealing with a few special precautions are taken. Most will ask you a payment by check or cashier's check (a check provided by the bank which ensures that you can afford to spend the amount shown). If some prefer cash payment, be sure that the payment threshold is 3 000.
10. Possible remedies for hidden defects
Unpleasant surprises after the purchase of a used vehicle, it can unfortunately happen.This kind of situation usually occurs in the context of a sale by owners. If you ever find yourself in this case, re-contact the seller. If he is honest he will call an expert to determine whether the problem of the car predated the sale or not. If he refuses, you can appeal to justice. In this situation, it will be to you to advance the costs of expertise which can fly up to € 2,000. If you win your case, the seller will refund your fee and you buy the car.
Question time, Article 1648 of the Civil Code provides that: "The action resulting from latent defects must be brought by the purchaser, at short notice, depending on the nature of latent defects, and use of the place where the sale was made ". Everything depends on the severity of the found trouble.
