7 Things To Check Before Buying A Used Car

2020 brought with it many changes. The ability to move freely outdoors was one of them. There was a time when the government promoted public transport for the overall development and reducing pollution. However, with the coronavirus threat that lingers, the need for a private mode of transport is higher than ever. But buying a new car can be hard for some people. The cost of registration, car insurance, etc. can increase the price of a vehicle. This further adds to the financial burden caused by Covid-19 and the lockdowns.

Thankfully, there is a way around this problem. To ensure your safety and use your money prudently, you can consider buying a used car. The market for used cars is soaring in India, and many people today prefer buying second car vehicles than purchasing a brand new one. However, you must be careful and thoroughly check the car before paying for it.

Here are seven things you should check before buying a used car:

1. Get all the insurance papers in place
   Before you finalise any deal, make sure that you have the car’s documentation with you. Start with the car insurance policy and check the no claim bonus (NCB) history. The NCB of a four-wheeler insurance policy will show you if the car has been in any accidents in the past. This helps in assessing its condition and worth. You can also have the old insurance plan transferred to your name if you do not wish to purchase a new plan. Alternatively, if the old owner does not have a plan that you like or if the plan has expired, you can buy car insurance online yourself.
2. Transfer the registration certificate
   The next step is one of the most crucial steps while buying a used car. You will have to shift the registration certificate to your name. For this, you will be required to fill Form 29 and Form 30. These forms can be collected and submitted from the nearest RTO in your city and district. Make sure to get the previous owner of the car to sign them. You will receive the new registration certificate within 40 to 50 days from the date of submission of the forms. But a receipt will be sent to you within 15 to 20 days.
   However, if the used car was earlier registered in a different jurisdiction, you will have to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO in the other jurisdiction along with Form 29 and Form 30.
3. Look for the car’s documents
   Most people buy a car on loan. To ensure there are no pending loan payments for the car you are buying, you need to check Form 32 and 35. If there are any pre-existing loans, you should go another way and select a different car. Moreover, make sure to check the original bill of the car if you are purchasing the vehicle on credit. Check the car’s road tax receipts and verify the payments made so far. You should also have a look at the Pollution Under Control certificate (PUC), and a bi-fuel certificate in the case of a CNG or LPG enabled four-wheeler.
4. Get the car tested by a mechanic
   Conduct an in-depth evaluation of the car by a professional. Check the breaks, engine, filters, dents, damages, etc. If you are buying a used car from a verified online website, the website may do these checks beforehand. However, you may have to pay for the cost of inspection out of your own pocket in other cases. Make sure to discuss these factors with the owner of the car to avoid last-minute disagreements.
5. Go for a test drive
   Even if the mechanic gives the vehicle a thumbs up, you should take the car for a test drive. This will help you understand the comfort level of the car and whether or not you enjoy driving it. If the make and model do not seem as per your liking, you can look for another car. You will also get a better idea about the car’s interiors and ascertain the cost of any changes that you might want to do after purchasing it.
6. Consider the kilometres and year of the car’s make
   The kilometres and the year of make will help you understand how long the car can last for. Moreover, some cities like Delhi have a rule that forbids the use of diesel cars older than 10 years and petrol cars older than 15 years. Make sure you know of these rules in your area before completing the purchase.
7. Test the condition of tyres
   Tyres can significantly add to the cost of the car. If the old tyres have been worn out, you will have to pay for the new ones yourself. In some cases, the old owner may divide the cost with you.
   You should also look at the suspension and frame issues so that your car does not swing to one side while driving.

To sum it up

Buying a used car can help you avoid crowded public transport and keep yourself safe in the pandemic. But make sure to complete the steps given above to ensure a positive experience.