By Bhadresh Bundela
SELLING YOUR OLD CAR?
Your sights may be set on the new model in the market, but don’t allow that to make you forget about your old car. It’s still worth something, whichever model or make it is. Here’s how you go about selling it: this may sound obvious, but clean your car. It’s amazing how many people forget to do this. A buyer will be more inclined to go in for a car that’s clean and tidy.
Find every scrap of paper related to your car. Besides the registration and the road tax papers pull out all bills, warranties and service records you can lay your hands on. This will prove to a potential buyer that you have cared for your car. What’s more the buyer can also conveniently glance through the car’s history.
Finally, remember to inquire about the prices of cars similar to the one you’re selling. Allow yourself a small margin of 10%, for negotiation.
WHICH AREAS NEED TO BE STUDIED WHILE BUYING A SECOND HAND CAR?
Buying a second hand car? Don’t forget to check on the following to ensure that the vehicle is in good shape.
• Speedometer: This is an easy area to tamper. A doctored speedometer will show queer readings so verify if the meter reading matches up with the overall condition of the vehicle as also other verbal information that has been passed on to you.
• Checking on the mileage of the car (kilometres per liter of fuel) is another indicator on condition of the car. Low mileage is an obvious indication on the poor upkeep and maintenance of the vehicle.
• If one is opting for a second hand Japanese car a point to be borne in mind is water damage. Smaller vehicles are most susceptible to damage by floodwater, so check up on this factor.
• Make sure that the `shut lines' in the vehicle are even. Shut lines are lines between surfaces that open and close, such as doors, the bonnet and the boot. These lines tend to get uneven in case of an accident.
Checking for rust is another point that must be borne in mind while buying a second hand vehicle. Check lower panels, windscreen base and under doors for rust.
MUST KNOWS BEFORE BUYING SECOND HAND CARS
Shopping for a second hand car? DON’T TRUST YOUR SENSES…they are bound to be ruled by emotions. It is very important to seek a second opinion while making a vehicle deal primarily because our own senses tend to be clouded by emotions and the feel good factor. A few areas that need to be considered before buying a second hand vehicle.
• Ensure that guarantees on the used car are valid and running. No sense buying an ancient vehicle (unless of course if you are looking for vintage ones) which is not covered for maintenance or whose spares have outlived their time. Fine tooth comb all details in the guarantee, it is better to be doubly sure than sorry.
• Do not be put off by cars that have been doing long runs. A longer time on road is not necessarily an indication of poor maintenance or greater wear and tear. Higher mileage is a sort of durability test for vehicles. Vehicles doing long runs also mean that it they have been well-oiled and maintained.
• Check, check and re-check with auto guides, on the Internet, with friends and auto dealers about the car’s auto parts, their availability, place you can get it from, etc. You would not want to be stuck with a vehicle that has been out of production over 50 years ago, leaving you with no spares.
Seek professional help before going in for a second hand car. An ideal person to contact could be the car company’s mechanic or
trained professional who can give accurate information on the current status of the vehicle.
WHAT CAR DO YOU WANT TO BUY
As far as technology goes, there’s not much which differentiates the variety of cars available in the market today. What one must however consider on priority basis is:
The manufacturer and its commitment to the Indian market
Whilst some manufacturers may be big names globally, chances are that they may decide to exit the country if demands don’t meet their expectations (example: Peugeot). Another case in point here is the Ford Ikon, which is more popular than the Opel Corsa not because the latter is a superior car but because consumers are more convinced about Ford’s commitment to the Indian market.
Your profile as a customer
If you are the adventurous type, who loves driving out of the city on weekends, maybe a utility vehicle will suit your needs (Tata Sumo, Mahindra Bolero, Toyota Qualis).
If you lifestyle requires you to drive long distances, then a diesel vehicle makes economic sense.
If you are a bachelor who needs a car to get to work, a small car (Maruti Alto, Zen, Santro, Matiz) will not only fit your needs but budget as well.
If married with kids, with a fairly secure job, you can go in for mid-size cars.
Don’t forget that in today’s market there is a car for every budget. You can even get used cars from reputed dealers. Not to forget attractive finance schemes which can be availed of, while buying a car (both new and second hand).
Large Vehicles Are Safer, But Not Heavy Ones
The larger your vehicle, the lower are the crash forces reaching the occupant compartment. This is because the energy in an impact has a larger area over which to spread.
One Warning
Don’t equate weight with size. A heavy vehicle might succeed in pushing a lighter one out of the way in crash. But remember that it also delivers more impact and therefore can inflict more harm.
Safety Comes First
When you go out to buy a car, don’t just look for snazzy features. Keep an eye out for the safety features on offer too. Here’s a quick reminder of what you should look out for when purchasing a new vehicle: rear view mirrors that reduce the headlight glare of the vehicles behind you. Daytime lights to help make your vehicle more visible to other drivers. Seat belts that are not only comfortable but effective too. Front (and side) air bags. Interior head protection and head restraints, which protect your head and neck. And, finally, anti-lock brake systems to prevent the vehicle from skidding.
GAUGE THE VEHICLE FROM THE TEST DRIVE
If you’re planning to purchase a new car, you need to know what car suits you best. You decide to take the vehicle of your choice out for a test drive, but how do you gauge the vehicle correctly after just one spin? Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your test drive.
Consider the following angles:
• You should be able to get in and out of the vehicle with ease.
• Check whether the driver’s seat goes back or moves up enough so that managing the pedals is comfortable.
• You should be able to handle the steering wheel with ease.
• You should be able to clearly read the fuel gauge, temperature gauge, speedometer and rpms. See that the steering wheel does not block them. The display should be properly illuminated.
• Check if the air conditioning is easy to reach, also the stereo system.
• The seatbelt should not cut into your neck, or hang too loosely.
• The cargo space should be assessed according to your personal cargo requirements depending on the size of your family and how much of luggage you need to carry.
• Check for visibility over the steering wheel and over the hood.
• Check if you can see the mirrors with ease.
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