Used cars – cutting through the jungle
Used cars – cutting through the jungle
- Keep an eye on additional costs: do not look at the purchase price alone
- Worthwhile: take time to prepare and gather information
- Sensible: a thorough check including an extensive test drive – especially
when buying from private sellers
The selection is huge: dedicated used-car portals offer millions of cars of all classes, powertrains, model years and price categories. In this jungle, it is not easy to find the right car. GTUE Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung mbH provides some tips for buying a used car. They are aimed at those looking to buy their first car, as well as those who need one every few years. Before starting the search, prospective buyers should define how the vehicle will be used, plan the budget realistically and then compare vehicles. Buying from a dealer offers more security, but is generally a little more expensive than purchasing a daily driver from a private seller.
Where should the journey go? Whether you are highly enthusiastic about the car or not, the first step before buying should be to check how and where the new vehicle will be used. Mainly in city traffic, or is the commute to work more on country roads? Will the whole family sometimes travel with shopping or luggage for the annual holiday? Comparison tests in trade magazines provide good criteria for making an initial selection.
Budget planning: Before purchasing, you should take stock not only of the purchase price itself. How high are the follow-up costs such as tax, insurance and servicing? It is also sensible to set aside a small reserve for unexpected repairs or fixing a minor parking scrape. Major accident damage is covered by the motor insurance, provided that comprehensive cover (“fully comprehensive”) has been taken out. The calculation should also include average fuel or electricity consumption. The price jumps at the pumps in recent weeks have brought this aspect more sharply into focus. Energy costs can vary considerably from vehicle to vehicle. A large sedan may sometimes consume twice as much as a small car. In terms of costs from purchase through to energy expenses, electric cars have recently become significantly more attractive.
Comparing pays off: As confusing as online portals may seem with their seemingly inexhaustible range, they do offer some advantages: almost any listing can be compared with another. With just a few clicks, you can find out whether the car offered nearby is priced within a reasonable range. This knowledge strengthens your negotiating position with the seller. The wide selection also means that many preferences for colour or equipment can be met.
Technical check: It is obvious: the cheaper a vehicle is offered, the higher the mileage and the more intensively it has been used. For a layperson, it is not easy to make a reliable judgement. A current roadworthiness inspection passed “without defects”, as offered nationwide by GTUE, is always helpful. This should rule out defects, for example in the brakes, suspension components or lighting system. If documents in the glove compartment or invoices show that all services were carried out at the appropriate times, this also builds additional trust. For electric cars, a battery test is advisable to determine its condition (“State of Health”, SoH). Anyone who can call on an expert among family or friends to help with a thorough inspection is fortunate—someone who may even spot hidden defects such as accident damage. For other buyers with little experience, investing a few hundred euros in an expert appraisal can pay off.
Test drive: A test drive is strongly recommended despite the roadworthiness inspection and plenty of documentation. How does it start with a cold engine? Does it run smoothly straight away and without an “oil plume” from the exhaust? Does the handling feel flawless or “vague”? How does the candidate behave when accelerating, braking or steering? Do all gears engage easily and without grinding noises, especially when downshifting? Does the engine sound calm and confidence-inspiring even at higher revs? Do no warning lights indicate current faults? The air conditioning should also be tested.
Where to buy? Vehicles from private sellers are generally a little cheaper, but in most cases they exclude any warranty. The seller is liable at most if they deliberately conceal technical defects or accidents, or provide false information—for example due to a manipulated odometer. Car dealers have a statutory warranty obligation when selling to private customers. Large dealerships and authorised dealers tend to offer more reliable vehicles. However, particularly low-priced offers are rather rare with them because they shy away from the risks of older vehicles or those with heavy signs of wear. Independent master workshops that specialise in a particular brand or model can be interesting. They often fix minor defects before the sale and quickly address other issues afterwards as well. In the broad field between private sellers and brand-authorised dealers, there are also, of course, the “gravel-lot” or “flag” dealers, as they are casually called. A colourful range of vehicles is on offer here, mostly in the lower price segment, including some exotics. A thorough check including a test drive, as with a private seller, is also advisable here.
These tips significantly reduce the risk when buying a used car: anyone who takes their time, reviews offers critically and seeks professional advice when in doubt can find a suitable and reliable vehicle from the huge selection.
Author: Michael Teschke | Source and Photo: GTUE
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