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BUYING
The
Key Things To Do
1.
Decide on your budget: Car price, monthly commitments,
road tax and insurance.
2.
Know the vehicle’s market value. Thumb through the
sections of Motor Trader and get a fairly good idea. Note extras or
equipment level. Values may vary accordingly.
3.
Ring up and determine the vehicle mileage, age,
conditions, service record and specification.
4.
Petrol or diesel? Although the new ranges of diesel are
getting better, the older range is noisier and slower in performance. The
advantage of a diesel is the cheaper fuel (76 sen a litter), almost half
that of petrol (135 sen), while it carries a higher road tax, double of
petrol.
5.
Bring along a fried to view vehicle. Always inspect
vehicle in daylight. Make sure you are comfortable driving it. Listen for
rattles and unusual sounds. Check exhaust for excessive smoke and see that
all electrical equipment works properly.
6.
Make sure that the vehicle engine and chassis
numbers are not tampered with. Or play it safe and authorize an inspection
of the vehicle by Puspakom or the AAM for a reasonable fee.
7.
Be safe: make sure the brakes work properly. Likewise
check the wipers and all the lights – headlights, rear lights,
indicators, hazard lights. In short, ensure that
the car you are buying is safe and roadworthy.
8.
Check vehicle documentation to establish the ownership.
A newer vehicle is likely to be owned by a finance company. For older cars,
make sure it is fully paid for and the seller is the registered owner.
9.
Be cool in negotiating for the best deal. Never be
pressured into closing the deal. If you are not happy with the price, there
is always another car around the corner.
10.
Newer cars may come with warranties. Check service
record to see that the vehicle is maintained at authorized outlets for
warranties to be effective.
Where
To Buy
1.
Established dealers offer the most convenient avenue.
They arrange your vehicle finance and insurance, and vehicles are in a
reasonable good condition.
2.
Buying privately may lead to cheaper prices.
Look for evidence of care or attention paid to the cars. Good value buys
may be available in ‘hard to sell’ cars, i.e. those that are
not popular in the market.
3.
Auctions are a good source for bargain buys
but vehicles are usually sold ‘as seen’. You also don’t
get an opportunity to test drive vehicle.
SELLING
1.
Always state vehicle features, whether
extras or standard. Impress buyers on the value for money factor.
2.
State vehicle price. Decide on a fair one by
looking through Motor Trader. Our photo agents can help you here in your
advertisement.
3.
Buyers will call at any time. Be obliging
and take down their names and contact numbers.
4.
Take precautions when arranging appointment
for the vehicle to be viewed at your house. Agree to a time when there is
more than one person in your house.
5.
Get proofs before you pay third parties
offering ready buyers in return for a fee.
6.
Prepare your vehicle. Good impressions will
help to sell the car.
7.
Keep the mood pleasant when negotiation
price. It is human nature for a buyer to bargain. If your have several
interested callers your can hold out for the best price.
8.
Be prepared to show document to establish
your as legal owner and service records to support good vehicle
maintenance. Proof of ownership is your responsibility.
9.
Interested buyers should come to you. Avoid
taking a vehicle to meet
them half way. If you have to do so, bring along a friend.
10.
Do not leave strangers alone in your house
while vehicle is being taken for a test drive. Keep hold of the keys at all
times. Make sure your are in the vehicle and the
car is insured top cover authorized drivers.
11.
Although a deposit is paid, you don’t
need to commit yourself until the payment is received in full. But keep
phone numbers of all callers in case this sale falls through.
12.
The best form of payment is cash. If your
take a cheque or bankers draft, have them verified before you hand over the
registration documents.
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