When you're looking for a new car, it's easy to succumb to anxiety and buy the first vehicle that fits your budget. Be patient.
First, determine what needs this new car will need to meet. Does it have to be four-door, automatic, have stability control? All this has to be defined beforehand.
With that defined, search on specialized websites for vehicles that meet your needs and fit your budget. Once you've filtered out potential candidates, look for proprietary forums, which can be on the internet or social media. In addition to helping you understand the possible chronic problems of the car you have chosen, such places usually have cars for sale as well.
In short, before going out to trade, know exactly which car you want and how much you want to spend. Also remember not to be in a hurry and don't buy the first one you see, look at as many models as you need until you find one the way you want.
2) Flee from temptation
It is very common to come to the conclusion that, for the price of a basic 0 km car today, you could be riding in a used or even new luxury car. However, it is not so. A car that was expensive when new may even have devalued to the point of being a bargain, but remember that it will always have a luxury car maintenance, that is, more expensive.
3) Watch out for ads
It is easy to find ads for cars for sale, but unfortunately there are those who apply scams. Be wary of ads without photos or with photos similar to other ads. Vehicles that do not have a more complete description or that do not talk about the vehicle are also grounds for suspicion.
Also keep an eye out for cars advertised for prices far below the market. In a scenario of greater demand than supply, cases where this happens are rare. Finally, under no circumstances pay any amount in advance before actually seeing the vehicle and checking its condition.
4) Also search outside your city
Most of the national fleet is concentrated in large capitals, but the greatest demand also resides in them. Thus, prices in large centers are usually higher. Extend your search to neighboring cities as well.
In addition to more options, you can also find cheaper prices for your next car.
5) Meet only in public place
Did you find the car? Talk to the advertiser to arrange to see the car live. In that case, avoid risks. You don't know the seller and vice versa.
Arrange to meet in a public place, such as market parking lots or malls, so you can safely inspect the vehicle.
6) Keep an eye on the can
With the car in view, look at the general state of conservation. Be wary of replaced parts, such as a newer headlight, a difference in paint tone or misaligned parts, for example. This could be a sign of a previous accident. Under the hood, check for parts that are obviously newer than the rest. At the rear, lift the trunk mat and look for signs of water seepage or any repairs as well.
7) Look for things that don't make sense
Unfortunately, it is also common to come across cars that have had their mileage tampered with. In that case look for inconsistencies. For example, a car with low mileage should not have a peeling steering wheel, ripped seats, or broken trim.
If the car shows signs of wear from prolonged use like these, it has probably run more than the odometer says. Strong smell inside the cabin, similar to mold, can also indicate a car that has been flooded.
8) Where there is smoke… there is maintenance
And the mechanics? Not everyone understands the subject. If you feel more comfortable, take a mechanic with you, or take the car to a repair shop you trust. If that's not possible, start by eliminating the most obvious things. For example: visible fluid leaks in the engine or shock absorbers. Exhaust smoke is also a sign of poor maintenance. In addition, a noisy engine, with difficulty starting or irregular idle speed also requires care.
When driving, maneuver and look for noises such as clicking or creaking when steering or passing through potholes, evidencing a defect in the steering and suspension.
In the case of manual cars, the clutch should not vibrate, and the couplings should not require much effort. In automatics, engage all positions and see if the car jerks in the exchanges. Automatic transmission must have a smooth operation.
9) Check if the documents are up to date
A secret for collectors who rescue rare cars, often in terrible condition: cans are fixed and mechanics are repaired, but documentation problems will be the biggest headache you can have when buying a car.
Currently, it is already possible to search the car's debts and status using its ID number, which can be found on the vehicle's document. With it, it is possible to know if there are unpaid fines, tax debts and, depending on the year, even if it has a pending recall. This can be seen through the websites or apps of the state.
If the car is not in the name of the person you are dealing with, be suspicious. Likewise, cars advertised as “double transfer” are certainly a problem, as it means that the current owner has not transferred the car to his name. When you make the transfer, you will have to pay the process twice, in addition to a fine.
On classifieds sites, there are several ads described as “only to run”. These you don't even need to open. This means that the car has debts of greater value than the vehicle or there is no transfer document. So the car will never be effectively in your name.
10) Pay attention to the procedures
Before closing the deal, it is advisable to take a car to a company that carries out transfer inspections. A quick internet search can point you to the closest locations. With the car approved for inspection, arrange a date and time to meet the seller at a notary's office. Don't forget to bring your original photo ID and recent proof of residency. With both present, transfer the combined amount.
When it is complete, proceed with the transfer process at the notary's office. The notary will give you instructions on what needs to be done and how much the service will cost.
With the transfer document signed, you can complete the process yourself with the Official department of your state or pay a broker to perform the service. From there, with the new document in hand, you can call your car yours. Remember that, today, documents, both for rotating and for transferring, are digital.
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