Due to bad public transport, most of the people in India prefer to travel using their own vehicle. Travelling on bike or any other two wheelers is not as safe as it used to be till the end of last decade. So, buying car is the last and best option available for Indians. Thanks to the ample availability of used cars, almost everyone can afford car these days. The first step is to choose between petrol, diesel and CNG models. After that, choose your dealer.
Which is better, organized or unorganized dealer?
Auto makers who sell certified used automobile claim that they pass all the secondhand cars from several tests and checking stages before certifying them. It is because of these tests that certified used cars sold by auto companies are much more expensive compared to those sold by local dealers.
Some car makers also sell cars without certification, but still, these cars are expensive than those sold by local dealers.In-most cases, people prefer to buy second hand cars from local dealers/unorganized sector. As their deals are better compared to those offered by most of the car makers’ used car outlets.
All major brands operate their own used cars selling division
Records suggest that only around 18 percent of the second hand automobile market in India is organized. Even experts like Mahindra First Choice Wheels chief executive, Nagendra Palle agree that the market for used cars is under developed and most of the deals take place though road side dealers, friendship circles or within relatives.
Almost all major companies like Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Toyota, General Motors, Hyundai, and Maruti offer certified used cars. Even luxury car makers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi have their dedicated used cars division. There are many options available for people who are planning to buy used cars in Bangalore.
Trade analysts suggest that most of the used automobile buyers are below the age of 30. Thanks to used cars divisions, these young drivers can buy and drive luxury cars that are beyond their reach. On the other hand, second hand vehicles also help companies to retain customers and approach them for selling new models.
Here are some points that you can consider while buying used cars
- Safety features
Indian roads are considered as some of the most dangerous ones in the world, and the country witnesses millions of road accidental deaths each year.In developed countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, safety features are considered as “necessity.” Unfortunately, due to lack of proper laws, safety features are considered as just “luxury” in India.As per test results released by Global New Car Assessment Programme, most of the cars sold in India lack safety features.
To tackle this issue, the central government will start giving ratings to every car based on its safety features from October 2017.While opting for used cars, you can go for additional safety features, depending on the car model that you choose. Some of the most popular car safety systems available in India are- read assisted parking system, air bags, GPS, anti-lock braking system, advanced seat belts, reverse backup sensor, and rear view camera. Some of these systems are expensive, but they can help you to get better on-road experience, and can keep you safe.
- Test drive
Whenever you go for test driving before buying second hand car, make sure that you ask someone who knows in and out about cars to come with you.It is advisable to check car’s wiper, horn, windows, doors, headlamps, and tyres. Most importantly, check the functioning of steering, accelerator, brake, clutch, and gears before sealing the deal.
If you find anything unusual, make sure that you inform the concerned dealer about possible faults that you noticed.Taking your driver along with you for that test drive, might prove to be the best idea. Driver can easily recognize accident marks, changes in car’s paint and overall history of the vehicle with his experienced eyes.
- Paper work
The most important part of the deal is completing paper work for the concerned vehicle. Blindly trusting the dealer is not advisable if you are opting for road side dealer. Make sure that you take your expert friend with you, and avoid making cash payment.
Industry experts suggest customers to opt for silver and white colored automobile, as these colors are considered good for re-selling. Opt for cars that are popular, and are also fitted with CNG kit. Make sure that the concerned car’s spare parts are easily available.
