You’ve absolutely, unequivocally fallen in love with a car. You’ve saved all the pictures to your phone, looked over them in a daydream, and can’t get the car out of your head. The problem with love is that you start to ignore the fact that it has no exhaust, half an engine, and only three wheels. Ok, perhaps it’s not quite that bad. But it’s still easy to miss red flags… and you cannot afford to ignore red flags because they will only come back to bite you. Here are just five red flags that need to be clear, even after you’ve fallen for a car.
Lack of Records: When looking to purchase a used car in Newcastle, Australia, you must check for records of maintenance and repairs. The first red flag is if the seller can’t or won’t provide a record of what has been done to the car. How do you make a decision when you don’t know the condition of the car? It could have averaged a collision per year, for all you know.
Unrealistic Prices: Some cars are expensive, this is a fact of life. However, the old saying is that you should be concerned when something seems too good to be true. Always research a car fully, check its records, and don’t fall into scams and traps – we know this is easier said than done, but due diligence is usually your friend.
Excessive Rust: Excessive rust on a used car in Newcastle can be an indication of neglect. Before spending any money, thoroughly inspect all parts of the vehicle for signs of oxidation, as this may suggest that the car has not been well taken care of. Rust is sometimes repairable, but don’t bite off more than you can chew, as they say.
Damaged Components: From headlights to tires, look for damage. Rather than looking for all the good things, look for problems – not enough people are willing to do this. If you have a list as long as your arm, it’s probably best to walk away and keep looking. If you only find a couple, the seller might be willing to fix them before selling (you never know!).
Inaccurate Mileage: Last but not least, be aware that a used car in Newcastle may have an inaccurate odometer reading; don’t just trust every piece of information you’re given. Always ask the seller for proof of its true mileage and compare it with other sources. Thankfully, you have lots of resources at your disposal on the internet these days. Purchasing a vehicle with excessive miles on the clock can lead to costly repairs much sooner than you would have anticipated.
The car may be the prettiest car you’ve ever seen, but you should never purchase a used vehicle without considering all of these factors. When in doubt, trust your gut and walk away from any suspicious offers. With the right research and preparation, you can be sure to choose a reliable ride that will last for many years to come.
As a bonus tip, stick to Cars4Us in Newcastle and other reliable sellers because you’re more likely to get a guarantee and other after-sales support. Don’t just buy a car on social media from a person that hasn’t offered any useful information other than ‘blue Ford’ – make good decisions and be willing to spend more money for a reliable vehicle!
