8 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING THAT USED VEHICLE

Good day to all NaijaAutoManager's bloggers, 

In my last post, I shared about '8 Inspection Measures Before Buying That Used Vehicle'. Today, I'm going to share with you 'Questions you should ask before buying any used vehicle. Having a thorough inspection of a used car before buying it is necessary, but knowing the right question to ask the seller (about the vehicle history) is also important. The vehicle information you'll derive from the seller will help you determines the vehicle value, make the final decision before buying it and also saves you from unforeseen future occurrences or problems.

Below are 8 questions which I believe you should ask that seller if you are giving your hard-earned money in exchange for that used vehicle, I think you should be bold enough to ask the seller if not all
but most of the question outlined below either on phone or during vehicle inspection period;

What is the mileage of the vehicle?

This information can either be asked either via phone conversation with the seller or checked from the dashboard when the ignition is on. This information will help you to know the distance the vehicle has traveled from the manufacturing date. Also it will help to interpret the distance covered in relation with the engine, transmission and body of the vehicle.

Why are you selling the vehicle? 

This information is very vital and as a buyer you have to pay attention to the sellers response as it will help you to know some information about the vehicle. 

Most sellers response will be "I just bought another vehicle", "It's for my parent", "I have an official car", "I need money urgently to sort out....".e.t.c. But I'm sure none of the seller will open up to you whether the transmission is not selecting properly, the vehicle consumes much fuel or oil as their reason for disposing it. Be ready to ask the seller in case that information was not revealed.

What is the condition of the vehicle?

The medium at which you asked this question will determine the sellers response.

If this question is asked via phone conversation, I'm sure the seller will respond by saying "Excellent" and upon inspection if you noticed the condition is far from what the seller told you earlier, it shows that he/she  is not a honest person; walk away because he/she may be trying to get it over you.

If the sellers response is "Good" and upon inspection you discover the condition still fall within what you can categorize as good, you can go for it, but still have to be careful so that you're paying for the value.

If the sellers response is "Fair" and upon inspection the condition is much better than what he/she termed, it shows that the seller is honest and a person who is willing to bargain with you. 

Are you the FIRST/ORIGINAL owner of the Vehicle?

Depending on the condition of the vehicle, I mean the physical appearance of the vehicle always determines sellers response to this question. But as a buyer, this information is very crucial to you, you need to have a knowledge of the used vehicle users even if don't reside within your locality. This will help you to know how many users the vehicle has been transferred before buying it, it will help you decipher if the vehicle is a stolen or problematic one probably that's why the users are reselling it. If the sellers did not reveal this to you, the vehicles documents (i.e. ownership's certificates and original receipt of the vehicle) should reveal it to you.

How often do they service the vehicle?

This is another vital information you need to get from the seller as it will help you to know how well maintain the vehicle is and also to determine the maintenance culture to be adopted after buying it.

If the seller respond immediately, it shows that the seller do it by himself and vehicle is well maintained.

If the seller paused and think of what to tell you, this indicates that its probably been well maintained.

However, if the seller response is "I don't know" or gives incorrect answer, make sure your mechanic checks the engine out closely.

How long can I test drive the vehicle?

At this stage, no reputable seller will deny you a test drive but may limit it to a certain kilometer as he/she believes you're close to buying the vehicle. However, some buyer will be reluctant to do so, make sure you don't buy it if you did not test drive it.

When was the last time the 'Particular or Document renewed?
If you don't want spend any extra money renewing or applying for another vehicle papers, ensure the vehicle papers up to date. Even if they are expired, make sure the papers so as to help you renew it yourself. That is;

• Proof of ownership
• Vehicle Licence
• Allocation of Vehicle Plate Number
• Road Worthiness Permit
• CMR Police Report
• Insurance Certificate (At least a third party insurance)
• Custom Clearing Papers (This you don't leave inside the vehicle for security purpose)

What is the last price you're willing to sell the vehicle?

Asking this question will lets the seller know you’re not going to pay the asking price. 

Depending on how long the seller has been trying to sell the vehicle, he or she might come back with a pretty good discount. Always make sure the vehicle is not over priced and you're not been forced.

Ensure you have a good bargain and pay for the value of the vehicle.

Have a wonderful week!