How to buy a car

Buying a used car can have possible downfalls - but it doesn't need to be a bad experience if you follow a simple set of rules and checks.

We bring you the essential guide to buy a car.

Identify your needs

There's a huge range of car models to choose from. So where should you start?

Consider all your requirements. Ask yourself:

1. What will you use it for?
2. How long you expect to own it?
3. Are you looking for reliability?
4. How many miles do you plan to do?
5. Are you buying it for practicality, for fun, or perhaps a bit of both?
6. Do you want something luxurious or economical?
7. How much are you willing to spend?
8. What type of model and manufacturer are you leaning towards?

Do your research

It's Important to do some research very well before buying a car. Search cars for sale in Sri Lanka online or in news papers and magazines to find out what your model's selling price is. This can save you paying too much - but also be careful if the price is too low.

It's also important to give yourself a budget, and include insurance and other running costs when you're doing your math.

If you're applying for a loan or planning to buy it on finance it's crucial you shop around for the best deals.

Find the correct car for you

You can use our advanced car search to find the exact make and model you're after. Simply select the specific features you want from the drop-down boxes and let the search do all the difficult work for you. It's completely free and easy to use.

Phoning the seller

Make a list of questions to ask the seller, and write down notes when speaking to them.

You should ask the seller these important questions:

1. How long have they had the car for?
2. What condition is the car in?
3. What's the reason for selling it?
4. Has the car been involved in any accidents?
5. What options does the car have?
6. Is it in complete working condition?

You should also ask for a landline number for the seller - not just their mobile.

Click here for more tips on phoning the seller

The visit

Always visit the seller at their home address. Don't arrange to meet them at a service station, car park or any other address aside from the one where they live. Check the address is the same as the one listed on the Registration Book.

It is wise to take a print out of the advert with you, plus the notes you made during your phone call with the seller. This will enable you to check details like mileage are the same as what you were told during the call.

Checking the car

It's vital that you check the car thoroughly for any faults or damages.

Follow these steps to make sure everything is checked and covered:

• Never check a car in the dark or in the rain. It will make it very difficult to spot dents, scratches, rust, and lot of other defects.
• If you can, look at the car before you ring the doorbell. This will give you an opportunity to look at it without being distracted by the owner.
• Always start the car with a cold engine. This will make it easier to spot starting problems or excessive smoke.
• Sit down in front of each front wheel and look along the length of the car. Both front wheels should be directly in front of the rear - if they're not, it could mean the car has been in a crash with a slightly twisted chassi.
• Check the gaps between the body panels are equal - if they're not, the car could have been repaired badly, or may have been in an accident.
• Take a look at the tyres. Check whether their in good condition.
• Check under the car, under the bonnet and the carpet for rust and signs which may suggest the car has been in a accident, such as welding marks.
• When you're inside the car, make sure the seatbelts function correctly; the steering wheel and dashboard are fitted correctly. Also make sure the front seats move correctly and all switches and options work.
• Under the bonnet, look for signs of oil leaks on top of the engine, and underneath. Use the dipstick to check the amount of oil. If the level is low, the owner hasn't been looking after the car properly.
• Look around the oil filler cap for a white butter -like substance - this is an indication of a damaged head gasket which can be very expensive to replace

Click here for more tips on Checking a Car

The test drive

You should never buy a car without test driving.

Make sure the car is insured to drive, and see evidence of this and carry it with you.

Before you start the test drive, turn the steering wheel from one lock to the other. There should be no screeching, banging, or knocking noises.

Test the handbrake. Pull it on and drive off gently. If it doesn't hold the car back, It could be faulty.

Drive on as many different roads conditions as possible. Use all the gears, and check the gear change is smooth. The clutch pedal should 'bite' between the top and middle of the pedal.

Listen for odd noises from the engine, and don't let the seller distract you by talking or turning the volume up on the radio.

Click here for More tips on Test Drive

The bargain

Take a moment to remind yourself of any car faults or work and repairs you think might need doing to the car. Use this to negotiate the price.

Ask the seller what they honestly expect to get. Make a lower offer for the car, then stay silent. This gives them two options - accept your offer, or make a counter offer.

When it looks like they're about to accept your offer, move to shake their hand and confirm the deal.

Click here for More tips on bargaining

The paperwork

Ensure you see all of the following:

1. The Registration Book.
2. The Vehicle Identity Card
3. The car's service history
4. The number in the registration book, VIC and the car number plate matches.

Everything must be present and correct, or you should not buy the car. Make sure all the documents are original - don't accept photocopies.

Examine the Registration Book carefully. Check the seller is the legal owner in the Registration Book. If not, they're not legally entitled to sell the car to you.

Agent maintained service history- it's likely the car is well looked after.

The payment

Make sure you ask for a receipt when making a payment, especially if it's cash. Get two copies signed - one for you and one for the seller. Make sure the seller's address, car details and your address are on both the copies.

Importantly verify the following before buying the car

1. Is the vehicle stolen
2. Is there outstanding finance
3. Is this an Insurance Write-off
4. Is there Mileage inconsistencies.
5. Check the Valuation of the vehicle
6. Check the Chassis number, Registration Number
7. Check all the options against the advert
8. Check the number of previous owners
9. Check the cost of insurance

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More on Phoning the Seller

As sellers are under no obligation to tell you the car's history, or proove any details, the responsibility is very much on the buyer to find out about the car.

The first stage of this process happens on the phone - and if you get it right, it can save a lot of trouble and time.

Questions you must ask:

• How long have they had the car? Have they had it from new? If not, how many previous owners are there?
• Whats the reason for selling the car?
• What is the mileage? What options does the car have?, what sort of condition is it in?
• Is there an outstanding finance?
• Are there any service records, bills? (Use them to check mileage).
• Has it been involved in any accidents, damages, and if so, which parts were damaged?
• Have they replaced any parts on it recently? Has the car been modified?
• Price has to be negotiable - are they willing to go for a reasonable and fair offers?

Things you should never do:

• Arranging to meet in a 'mutual' location, such as a car park or service station. Why doesn't the seller want to tell you their address? Are they making sure you dont comeback to them?

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More on How to Check a Car

One of the biggest worries car buyers have is the fear of being stuck with a potentially dodgy deal.

By taking your time to check the condition of the car; you can usually spot if something's wrong.

• The golden rule is - never view a car in the dark or in the rain, as weather can hide the actual look of the car. You'll never spot scratches, dents or rust in the rain, and a lack of light means many other potential problems will go unnoticed.
When you arrive at the owners address, take a look at the car before you ring the doorbell. This will give you the opportunity to look at it without being distracted by the owner.

Outside

• Firstly, take a walk around the car and put it all in your memory.
• Always start the car with a cold engine, as this is when it's easiest to spot starting problems or excessive smoke. Place a hand on the bonnet - if it's warm, it's been started recently, so let it cool down for a few hours. If needed, come back later.
• Allow the seller to show you the car, but don't let them distract you from doing your own checks.
• Sit down in front of each front wheel and look along the length of the car. Both front wheels should be directly in front of the rear - if they're not, it could mean the car has been in a crash with a slightly twisted chassi.
• The wheels need to sit neatly inside the wheel arches, equally on both sides.
• Check the gaps between the panels are equal. Run your finger along each to feel if the gap is bigger at one end than the other. Uneven panel gaps means the car has been in an accident, or if panels have been repaired badly.
• Look carefully at each panel for ripples or overspray - where excess paint has sprayed onto other trim, such as window seals or buffers.
• Look closely at each tyre - including the spare. Watch for uneven wear, which could mean suspension damage, Look for nicks and cuts. Tyres are expensive, so if they need replacing, use this as a bargaining point.
• Check under the car, particularly at the front and back, under the bonnet and under the carpet in the boot for signs of crash damage. Panels should be flat, and free from signs of welding or patching up - if they're not, it's probably had a crash.
• Most crashes are minor, low-speed crashes, but you should take extra steps to be sure there aren't any serious issues.
• Obviously rust is a bad sign, so keep your eye out all the time, especially around the wheel arches where moisture, grime and salt can increase the speed of deterioration.

Inside

There are lot of things to check inside, most of which can be a good indication of mileage and the amount of care and attention the car has been given.

• Look around the cabin - a 50,000 Km car shouldn't have a worn or ripped seat or a steering wheel, gear knob or pedal covers which have been worn by lots of use.
• Make sure all the seatbelts work - they could indicate a previous accident.
• Look closely at the dashboard binnacle (the bit which houses the speedometer and other dials). If the car has an older, mechanical-style milometer which turns as you drive, make sure all the barrels are aligned correctly - turning these back is the oldest trick in the book. If there are fingerprints in there, ask why - there could be an honest explanation.
• This is harder to check on more modern models which have electronic milometers - the mileage can be turned back simply by connecting a laptop and entering a new mileage.
• Either way, make sure the mileage tallies with the service history.
• Make sure all the dashboard and steering column panels are fitted properly - they could point to a clocked car (reduced mileage) , or one which has been stolen, particularly if there are glass fragments on the floor.
• Don't be too quick to reject a car - it can be tricky to fix a dash back together after changing a blown bulb in the instrument panel.
• Make sure all the switches work - including the heater or air-con - and check the front seats move about properly.
• Look at the chassis number (VIN - Vehicle Identification Number). You'll find this riveted in the engine bay. There are few reasons why this should have been removed, so be suspicious if there are signs of tampering, you could be looking at a clone (a stolen or a illegaly imported car given the identity of another car)
• The chassis number will also be stamped in the floor beside the driver or passenger seat. A clone will have another number welded on, and are usually quite easy to swap.
• Modern cars also have the chassis number recorded at the base of the windscreen.
• Check all the numbers match the Registration book and the Vehicle Identity Card - if they don't, Don't Buy the Car.

Under the bonnet

Next check under the bonnet - any problems you miss here could cost you a lot of money, so be thorough.

• Check for signs of oil leaks around the top of the engine, but don't forget to check underneath as this will be where it's most obvious. Dust and dirt can stick to oil, making it even more noticeable.
• Remove the dipstick, wipe it with a cloth and replace for a couple of seconds. Pull it out again and look at the amount of oil - it should be near the top; if not, the owner hasn't been looking after it.
• The oil should be a golden colour - sludgy black oil is a sign the engine could be damaged.
• Look around the oil filler cap for a white butter-like substance - this is an indication of a damaged head gasket which can be very expensive to repair.

And don't forget to carry out a check to find out whether it's stolen, an insurance write-off or subject to outstanding finance.

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More on Test Drives

Make sure the car is insured, and see evidence of this and carry it with you.

Start the car - preferably when the engine is cold. It should start straight away - if it takes too long, it could be trouble.

After you've started the car, check the exhaust for excessive noise. If there are holes in it, there will be lots of noise - this is known as a 'blow'.

Have a look at the exhaust smoke - white, steam-like smoke is OK, unless there's a lot. Dark smoke can indicate an internal oil leak, which can be expensive to rectify.

Once the engine has been running for a while, the temperature gauge should stay around the halfway mark.

Before you set off, turn the steering wheel from one lock to the other. There should be no screeching, banging or knocking. It should also be smooth.

Test the handbrake by pulling it on and trying to drive off gently. If it fails to hold the car back, it will need attention - although most handbrakes will still loose the battle with an engine.

On your test drive, you should drive on as many different kinds of roads and surfaces as possible. Use all the gears, and don't forget reverse.

On manual cars, the gear change should be slick and smooth, and the clutch pedal should 'bite' between the top and middle of the pedal's travel. If the clutch doesn't disengage until the pedal is on or near the floor, it needs adjusting or replacing - this is expensive.

If you're driving an automatic, there shouldn't be any slurring, whining or banging.

Accelerate hard, and watch for smoke from the exhaust, and after checking no one is behind, brake sharply. If you feel the car pulling to one side or hear noises, the brakes will need examining.

Throughout your test drive, listen out for unusual noises and don't let the seller distract you by talking or turning the volume up in the radio.

The seller will usually suggest a route, but if it's not long enough tell them. But remember, don't start abusing the car - you haven't bought it yet.

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More on Bargaining

Before the Bargain

• Check the vehicle
• Take it for a test drive
• Carry out a vehicle check
• Check the registration book, Vehicle Identity card, service history.
• Check the registration number and chassis number are correct

Know your limits

Have three prices in your mind before you arrange to meet the seller:

1. The price you'd love to get away with paying.
2. A good, fair deal.
3. The maximum amount you're willing to pay - never go over this.

If the seller is particularly awkward or difficult, remember this:

1. Try not to get too hung up over the haggle and lose your cool.
2. Reassure them. Say: "I'm not going to mess you about. I can pay by cash right away."
3. Don't let them make you feel guilty for haggling and pay the full price. Walking away with "buyer's remorse" is one of the worst things you can do.

Bargaining Method 1

1. Do your homework
Research every subject matter related to the car in trade magazines and on the Internet. Find out what you'd be happy with. If you're not confident, bring a friend.

2. Be courteous, not confrontational
Always be polite and courteous to the seller. You might have to put up with a grumpy person to a certain extent, but if they're consistently rude, walk away.

3. Follow your sixth sense
If something feels wrong, chances are there is. If the seller's not right, the car won't be. Follow your gut instinct when it kicks in.

4. Be jovial when haggling
Always put in an offer lower than what you're happy to pay. Shock the seller but don't become an enemy. Think of it as a game! Don't feel embarrassed to insult them - they won't tell you to go away, they'll make you an offer instead.

5. Turn the tables
Don't accept a weak offer, but ask a question back instead. Say: "Well, if you can knock the price down to Rs.2.1 Million, then maybe we'll have a deal." Stay in control.

6. Push the deal
"That's the best price I can do."
When you hear this, ignore it and change the subject. Ask them for their best price again. If it's not lower, tell them you're not sure and might look elsewhere first.
Before you leave, ask them to give you a better price and say you can pay right away and take the car off them today. By the third objection, you'll usually seal the deal.

DO:

• Be confident. Use strong statements like: "how much are you going to knock off for me then?" and appear to know what you're talking about
• Be persistent
• Stay relaxed
• Be friendly
• Act straightforwardly and businesslike
• Stay in control. You can do this by mentally picturing you own their car.

DON'T:

• Get carried away or emotional
• Argue or make the seller angry
• Offer the full asking price
• Complain about a low price
• Lose your cool
• Lose control by using weak statements like "could you knock off more?"

Bargaining Method 2

1. Get along with the seller
It sounds simple, but people don't like selling cars to people they don't get along with. Many buyers and sellers can be hard nosed and fall out with each other. If you can get the seller to like you, you're more likely to do a better deal.

2. Set up the haggle
Negotiation starts on the initial phone call. Ask the seller if they're open for sensible offers. If they say no, tell them you want to look at the car anyway. This sets them up to expect a haggle when you meet.

3. Check for problems
When checking the car or taking it for a test drive, make a mental note of any faults, defects or other problems, but don't mention them to the seller. Run your hands over the tyres and check the windows are working for example.
Pointing out the vehicle's disadvantages puts you in more control of the situation.

4. Summarise
Give a round up of the vehicle to the seller - this re-caps your position and helps you decide how much to offer. Give both criticism and compliments about the car.
This lets them know you're interested but puts some doubt in their mind.

5. The haggle
Never make an offer first, but ask the seller how much they realistically expect to get for the car. When they reply, ask again, pointing out one of the car's faults. As soon as they give you a lower price, look them in the eye, make an offer and shut up.
It's hard to do but you must keep quiet at this point. The seller now has two choices:

• • They'll accept your offer, which means you've offered too much
• • Or they'll make another offer

If their counter offer is too high, stand your ground and bargain further.

6. Sealing the deal
When it looks as if they're thinking about accepting your offer, offer them your hand. It's difficult for the seller to refuse a handshake, since it's a natural instinct to shake someone's hand back.

7. Remember to have fun
Buying a used car should be fun. You never lose money on the car you never bought and can always walk away. Use the skills we've mentioned and have a bit of fun!

Know the seller

Everyone is different, so the amount you can save will depend on how lenient the seller is.
Buyers must look out for sellers who hide scratches, exaggerate the car's performance and don't mention previous accidents the car may have been involved in. It pays to take note of this, so bring along someone more experienced with you and use any negative or hidden details about the car to bargain effectively. But don't over-criticise the seller or their car, or they will look to sell elsewhere. "Nice people generally sell nice cars."

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