The Indian automotive market is growing at a breakneck speed, and where cars were once considered a luxury, they have grown to become ubiquitous nowadays. The second-hand and pre-owned car markets have developed immensely as well, and if you are looking to buy or sell used cars in Delhi, the options are truly immense.
Delhi is the capital of the country and one of the cities with the highest per-capita car ownership rates. A quick stroll down CP is enough to give you a solid idea regarding the craze that cars enjoy over here, and one can witness everything from peppy city run-arounds like Altos to opulent land barges like Bentleys and S-Classes over here, and this burgeoning car culture has given rise to a robust pre-owned car industry in the region. If you happen to be looking for second hand cars in Delhi, you’d be left spoilt for choice with the number of cars and options on offer here.
But all these options raise the question regarding the factors that one much look out for while buying second hand cars in Delhi, and those are exactly the ones we will be addressing here. So, let’s fire up the engine and start.
- What is a Pre-Owned Car?
When it comes to cars, there are a few types of vehicles that you can choose from, and no, we aren’t referring to the body and engine types of the cars on offer. Brand-new cars are the ones that can be purchased fresh off the showroom floor, and they do not have a prior owner in the past, and you’d be the first one to get your hands on the car. On the contrary, a pre-owned car is one that has had at least one owner in the past, and the registration would be transferred to your name if you buy such a car, but since they have been used for quite some time, there are a few technical and formal factors that you must watch out for.
- The Source
One of the main factors that you must consider while going to buy a second hand car in Delhi is the source from where you are purchasing the car. Now, there are a couple of different methods that you can opt for while doing this, for one, there are individual sellers who would be selling their own personal vehicles to you. In most cases, you can find such listings on classified platforms or through mutual contacts. Then comes the dealers who would be selling a third-party car to you, and would be transferring the registration in your name when you buy from them. The best part is that you can browse through a large range of vehicles while purchasing from them, and certain dealers offer credit facilities as well. You must make sure that you approach a reputed and trusted dealer if you are considering to buy second hand cars in Delhi.
- Choosing the Right Car
Once you have zeroed in on which car you want to purchase, the next logical step would be to shortlist the exact car that you want for yourself. As a rule of thumb, try to buy a car that is not more than 3 years old, and if you are going to purchase a diesel car, then the newer the better. When you are going through the shortlisting process, try to avoid discontinued models as sourcing parts for the same may be a chore. We won’t mention an exact kilometer figure here, as it may vary widely from model to model, but as a rough estimate, anything below 40,000 kilometers would be a good buy. Also, select a model that you’d love to own and drive as that would help you enjoy a good ownership experience.
- Check the Documents
Now, coming to one of the most important factors on this list, which is applicable while buying as well as when you sell used cars online. Make sure that the documents are in order. Now, this boils down to checking the tax duration, the CF validity, the insurance papers, pollution papers, and as an additional security measure, checking whether the car has any litigation or cases pending against it. Sure, an overshot signal won’t matter for much, but if the offences are serious, it is best to turn away.
- Check the Physical Condition
Now, coming to the technical bits, the first thing that you must take a look at is the physical shape that the car is in, and this includes the exterior, as well as the interior. Check for dents and re-paints, and enquire about the same. Check the conditions of the tyres, and the manufacturing date as well. If you find an old tire to be in top-notch shape, and the seller doesn’t mention the same, being skeptical is well within your rights. Once these are done, check the drivetrain, and keep an ear out for any noises that may be emanating from the car that shouldn’t be there. Things like the fan belt and the cylinder heads are prone to squeaking noises if not maintained well, and these should serve as instant red flags. The air-conditioning unit should be next on your checklist. If you are someone who isn’t familiar with cars, it is advisable that you have a knowledgeable accomplice or a mechanic on hand who would be able to guide you.
- Take a Test Drive
Once you are satisfied with the physical condition of the car, the next thing that you should do is take it out for a test drive. During this drive, check whether the car is firing up properly, whether the braking performance is satisfactory, whether the engine performance is adequate, and whether the transmission is functioning properly. Ensure that the test drive is a pretty long one since this would expose any heating or endurance-related issues. If you happen to encounter any issues whatsoever on these test drives, do enquire about them, and go ahead with the deal only if you are satisfied with the same.
Final Take:
Buying a car is a major commitment in itself, and if you are looking to buy second hand cars in Delhi, you just cannot afford to overlook the aforementioned pointers. A quick search online should yield the best results, and you’d be united with your dream car soon enough.
