Tips to stop the stress when buying a second-hand vehicle

NEW research has revealed 61 per cent of Queenslanders are planning on buying a second-hand car in the next two years, with nearly a third of state buyers anxious about the process.

The mycar Tyre and Auto research also unveiled 83 per cent of second-hand car buyers are concerned the car will have a mechanical fault – so what can consumers do to help put their mind at ease?

“Without proper knowledge of what to look for, inspecting a second-hand car can be a very daunting task for many Australians,” mycar managing director Adam Pay said.

“At mycar, we’re here to alleviate some of this anxiety by giving buyers confidence throughout the purchasing process, and guiding them through what to check for.”

The mycar Sense Check inspection guide has been designed to encourage Australians to use sight, touch, sound and smell to feel confident in their purchase.

“The anxiety of purchasing stems from an overall lack of knowledge of what to look for when inspecting a second-hand car,” Mr Pay said.

“Outside of a test drive, most people don’t check essential vehicle functions when inspecting and purchasing their secondhand vehicle, including 34 per cent who didn’t test the radio, 29 per cent who didn’t check the oil, and another 29 per cent who didn’t even check the child safety features.”

The inspection guide also includes the following tips:

• See the car in the daylight. Never inspect a car in the dark or in the rain.

• Feel for any bubbling in the paint, particularly around the edges of panels.

• Smell the air from the airconditioning once it’s turned on. The air should smell clean and not damp/ mouldy.

• Listen for any strange noises when the brakes are applied.