Shopping For Used Cars Online

 

Surfing the internet for a used car is becoming more and more popular in Australia, and the whole world. This emerging consumer trend can be attributed to the ever-growing power of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Today, unlike before when buyers have to visit the nooks and crannies of the country for car dealers, thousands of car dealers and private sellers that advertise their used cars online are just a few clicks apart. With the aid of classified ads websites or dealers' e-commerce stores, you’re a few clicks away from checking out thousands of used cars. Used car buy & sale online in Australia.

When you are done trimming down your search to the cars that meet your criteria, you need to approach the sale just like other online purchases. Below are steps to be taken before making an online buying decision for used cars.

The first thing you should do is to look for any available feedbacks or reviews left by other customers that have transacted with the seller. Reviewing the seller will enable you to catch a glimpse of how transactions with him or her in the past fared.

Once you find a good prospective car that meets your taste online, don’t just rush to click the “buy now” button. Establish a solid relationship with the seller and request for information about the car. You can ask private sellers the reasons why they are parting with their car, or whether the car has a mechanical fault. And if you are buying from an authorized dealer, a text or email is necessary to ensure that your choice car is still in stock.

The next thing to do after establishing a relationship with the seller is to request for the car VIN. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is used to conduct REVS CHECK on a car. The report generated on the car history through revs check can provide some vital information such as insurance loss records, whether it has been subject to recall, detailed information about its lifespan, and accident records.

If after conducting revs check, you are satisfied with the car history, arrange to meet the seller for physical inspection and test-drive. It is also a good idea to ask the seller if he is comfortable with having an independent mechanic inspect the car especially if you are not dealing with an authorized car dealer.

If you are satisfied with the revs check and physical inspection, then negotiate with the seller on the selling price, and any cost of repairs it may require. Negotiating price is the most important aspect, for it ensures that you get a good bargain for the car and not ripped off by dealers.

If you are still not comfortable with the deal even after you have thoroughly reviewed and established a relationship with the seller; ran revs check for the car history report; inspected and test-drove the car, then you should listen to your gut and walk away. Although you might not get the exact car, but there is always another car somewhere else that will meet your need.