Used Car Buying Guide

As we move towards the final months of 2022, Australia’s used car market remains increasingly strong. Once upon a time, the used car market offered monetary relief for customers looking to buy; however, with global shortages in the face of an ongoing pandemic, the price of used cars in Australia has skyrocketed. 

According to the latest figures from the Auto Trader Retail Price Index, 1 in 4 ‘nearly new’ cars (those less than 12 months old) are now selling for more than the list price of an equivalent brand new model. 

So how do customers best navigate the used car market in light of increasing prices? Luckily Mornington Ford is here to help. Follow our four simple tops below to find the right car, at the right price. 

Set Your Budget

Calculating how much you can afford to spend on a used car is the first step. Make sure you have a predetermined budget in mind before you go shopping. Make a list of the necessary features and accessories you require so when it comes time to shop you know exactly what you’re looking for. 

However, keep in mind purchase price is just the beginning. It’s important to factor in ongoing running costs like fuel, maintenance, insurance, plus the interest on any finance used for the purchase to consider.

To help you budget for your next used car purchase, have a chat with our team at Mornington Ford. If you have your budget in place already, search second hand cars Frankston and used car sales Frankston. If you’re looking for a little extra help in the Mornington area, you can also search for used cars Mornington Peninsula and Mornington Holden used cars. 

Do Your Research

After setting your budget, the team at Mornington Ford can help you get an idea of what vehicles are available within your price bracket. 

Search used car dealers Frankston and Hastings cheapest cars for a range of used car options. With over 145 used cars to choose from, Mornington Ford has you covered. Seek advice from our hundreds of reviews, including used car reviews to find out what our customers are saying. 

Check the Car’s History

No matter how genuine your seller is, it’s always important to check the car’s VIN (vehicle identification number) against databases in the relevant state. This will help to confirm the vehicle hasn’t been stolen, encumbered by an outstanding loan, or even a previous insurance write-off. 

Moreover, potential buyers must check the vehicle’s maintenance. AA Cars’ CEO James Fairclough makes note, “You should always check the car’s full-service history, these documents will reveal how well the car has been maintained.”

Inspect and Test Drive

Understanding what to look for when buying a used car can be one of the hardest parts of the buying process. According to Allianz, around a third of Australians assess how roadworthy a car is by looking at it, or simply by trusting the seller on their word. To help you understand what you should be looking at when inspecting a car, follow our guide below:

• Never schedule inspections late in the afternoon/night or during heavy rain, as these conditions could hide body dents, rust, and other flaws.
• Look for rust below the body, the bonnet, and the carpet or any indications that the car has been fixed after a collision.
• Check the oil level using the dipstick. If the level is low, the owner hasn’t been properly maintaining the vehicle.
• Make sure that there is enough tread on each tyre, including the spare, and ensure the tread is wearing evenly.
• Check the interior to make sure all the seatbelts work correctly and are undamaged.
• Try to start the engine when it’s cold so you can spot problems like poor starting or smoke.

Last but not least, always take the potential car for a test drive. This will allow you to get a feel for the car and uncover any hidden problems in action. When searching either used car sales Frankston or used cars Seaford, Mornington Ford resolves your every worry, making sure all the essential checks are ticked off.

Payment and Paperwork

Verify that the details match the seller and that the registration and service history documentation is in order. If you’re looking to finance your secondhand car, dealer finance may be a viable option. In this case, spend some time researching Frankston used car dealerships and second hand cars Frankston for a range of financial packages and assistance to ease buyer pressure. 

To safeguard your rights and interests as a car buyer, utilising an authorised dealer such as Mornington Ford is recommended. If you are looking for your next used car at a reasonable price, have a chat with our specialists today.