8 things you have to consider when buying a car

The prospect of buying a new or used car is always exciting especially when you think you can afford to do so.

The prospect of buying a new or used car is always exciting especially when you think you can afford to do so. Perhaps your car is giving you headache and you are tired of maintenance bills or you want some comfort, peace of mind, and maybe a little luxury. This is good, but it’s a task that requires caution.

Beyond the car manual, nice deals and proposed discounts, here are few tips that might help you in getting the best bargains and most suitable car.

Foreign or Nigerian used car

The first thing you would most likely consider at first is whether you are going for a foreign or Nigerian used car. Different factors beyond the fact that one is imported defines the reason people prefer one over the other.

According to car experts, foreign used cars are generally believed to be in good condition and more neatly used than local pre-owned ones. This is largely connected with the deplorable state of Nigerian roads among others. Whether or not they were purchased as brand new, it is the case that they have better usage life than what obtains in Nigeria.

Therefore, it is cheaper to fix up a foreign

used car than a Nigerian-used one after purchase. Moreover, you are more likely to find your choice for second-hand car as foreign used car than a Nigerian used car.

With foreign used car, chances are high that the car is in its first body, unlike Nigerian used cars that can be deceitfully be masked in a neat appearance.

However, getting a foreign used car for Nigerian roads and by the Nigerian regulations may be a somehow tedious than buying a Nigerian-used car. From changing to left-hand drive in some cases to port clearance to getting necessary licences& registration documents, is very cumbersome.

The advantage of Nigerian-used over foreign used is that it’s cheaper and you will spend less on registration.

But the major setback of the Nigerian used car market is the high likelihood that the cars’ original interior have faded, and masked in neat appearance, but dire need of serious repairs.

High or low mileage

Mileage matters because some vehicle components wear out at a given mileage no matter how well the vehicle has been looked after.

Generally, the mileage level of a car correlates with level of wear & test. However, some believed that a car with high mileage is a good buy, often been driven long distance on motorways, meaning brakes, clutch and gears.

The way a car is driven is probably more important than mileage but that is much harder to gauge and much harder to predict outcomes.

There are some indicators that may give you an insight into the condition of the car and the way it was driven. Paintwork - chips and fading, under body - dirt, oil and rust, engine bay - cleanliness, oil, rust, leaks and streaks, tyres - wear patterns, exhaust - colour, interior - driver seat condition, brake pedal rubber wear.

Inspection is non-negotiable

Unless you are a mechanic, the best way to determine the condition of a used car (before you buy) is to have it inspected by a professional mechanic who can give you a detailed report on which to decide on. You

You need to inspect every part of the car –engine, boot, seat, steering, brake, clutch, gear and door among others. You should also check under the car to see if there’s any fluid leakage.

Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Every car on the planet has a VIN stamped into the chassis of the car that serves as the car’s unique identity code. It is important because it’s given to that car on the production linen and is thus fixed to that car forever.

The first part of the VIN is the country and manufacturer identifier. For example, WAD indicates German Audi. The second section is the vehicle description, with the remaining the VIN being the identifier.

Checking a car’s VIN before buying is the safest way of establishing the true identity of the car.

Traditional or Online Dealer

Prospective car buyers seemingly have an array of options when they’re shopping for a used car, but one thing is seemingly consistent: a gruelling stressful car-buying process. Few dealerships provide an easygoing experience, and buyers feel burnt out by the end of the ordeal, even if they completed a transaction.

Car experts say online purchase is better than the traditional process as the former gives optimal convenience. After all, buyers have the opportunity to complete the majority of the purchase from the comfort of their homes.

To initiate the entire process, customers simply have to submit an inquiry to online car dealers like Cars45, Carmudi, etc. To initiate the entire process, you simply need to submit the specific car attributes you seek like such as model, year, mileage, price, transmission, etc.

Location

The road you ply most times is another factor you need to consider. If you reside in an area with bad road network, it is advisable you go for a rugged car with strong shock absorber. If you live in an environs prone to flood whenever there is downpour, a ‘high’ car might be your best bet to prevent water from damaging the car engine.

Your pocket matters

Be realistic about what you can afford. It’s a great step you are taking when you decide to purchase a car. It’s also nice to want finer things in life, however you have to select a car that is budget friendly.

That nice Jeep you like many not be what you can afford. There may be similar cars that you can purchase that are budget friendly.

You should work out a budget and plan. How much of your earnings will you allocate towards car payment? Will you have a surplus to sustain you and your family?

Fuel economy

Will the car you intend to purchase travel long distances with very little fuel? If yes this can be very advantageous to you. Fuel efficient cars will help you to save on premium motor spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol despite the size and your everyday driving needs.