Tips for Buying A Used Car in Chennai

1. Introduction

As more people become aware of the advantages of purchasing old cars, the market for used cars is expanding in India. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.10% from 2024 to 2029, the size of the Indian used car market has been forecast to be USD 31.62 billion in 2024 and expand to USD 63.87 billion by 2029 as per the statistics of Mordorintelligence.

However, it is essential to buy your dream car from a trustworthy dealer. For example, there are several cars for sale in Chennai on CARS24 which is a reliable digital platform for used cars for sale in Chennai. You can choose your car from this kind of dealer for the best buying experience­.

One of the key benefits of buying a used car is that they are quite affordable; you can get about any kind of car you want in good condition on the market. There are several important procedures to consider before finalizing a deal while purchasing used cars in Chennai. This comprehensive guide will assist you in buying a perfect used car.

2. Things to Check Before Buying A Used Car in India

Due to the difficulties involved, doing a thorough inspection of the car becomes even more crucial when buying a used one. Here are some crucial pointers to help you purchase a secondhand car while staying within your price range.

1)Car’s Condition:

Before making a choice, you must conduct a firsthand examination of the car’s condition with the help of a skilled mechanic. Be careful not to render a decision based solely on appearance. Sometimes, you think you should buy a fancy car, but after giving it a thorough inspection, you might change your mind.

The biggest concern for many of us when inspecting a used vehicle at a dealership or the seller’s place is making sure we are not being duped into buying a car that isn’t right. Before purchasing a secondhand automobile in India, make sure you inspect the items on the list below:

Interior 

Examine the interior of the used car for a while before making a purchase. After checking for tears or stains in the upholstery, damages to the plastic and metal components, the air conditioner, and the odometer reading, turn on the ignition and look for any warning lights on the dashboard. If the car contains any technological devices, such as a music system, monitor, or other gadgets, try using them to observe how they operate.

Exterior

On the outside of the car, you should check for rust, dents, and scratches. Chipped paint is a sign of subpar repairs. Before making a purchase, a careful superficial check is essential due to the potential for rust. Examine the car carefully from every angle. At first sight, everything could appear good, but a closer examination could show a different image.

Frame

The structural integrity of a car is affected when damage occurs to its frame, which is comparable to the foundation of a house. Make sure the car lies evenly and that nothing is loose in the area close to the underside.

Tyre

Examine the tires before purchasing a used car to save money on future repairs. Dealers will rarely make up for tyre problems after a sale. Inspecting the tyres beforehand gives you information about the vehicle’s maintenance and enables you to bargain for replacement costs before completing the transaction. Older date stamps or mismatched tyres could be signs of worn-out components or financial sacrifices.

Engine

It is advisable to perform a comprehensive engine inspection. Inspect for rust, leaks, and fractured pipes. Use a dipstick to examine the transmission fluid and oil as well. Oil for engines should be black or dark brown, not grainy. If the color of the oil is honey, it was recently changed. Water drops on the dipstick or grey or frothy oil could be signs of an engine block crack or a burst head gasket.

Mileage 

When purchasing a used car, mileage is a crucial consideration. When a high-mileage car serves the purpose of a long interstate commute, it might not wear out as much as a car that runs regularly for short trips or in stop-and-go traffic. Still, low mileage is good, but it’s not a guarantee of tender maintenance.

Age of the vehicle

As a general rule, cars up to five years old are dependable as long as they receive regular maintenance and you won’t need to worry about costly repairs for some time. Purchasing a car approximately five years old is a common tactic to reduce depreciation and repair expenses while obtaining a reasonably new vehicle with (ideally) a low mileage.

2) Maintenance Records:

A used car’s maintenance records can tell you important information about its previous maintenance and have a big impact on your decision to buy. It offers proof that routine maintenance practices, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and planned inspections, have been strictly adhered to. It acts as a supporting documentation for the car’s ownership and mileage. It creates a record of the car’s service and maintenance in chronological order, so you can verify if the stated mileage matches the vehicle’s real condition.

3) Registration Certificate:

Check the registration certificate for the car to make sure it is authentic. Along with the car’s specifics, including the engine and chassis numbers, it will include the name of the owner. The certification needs to be legit. 

It will be identified as DRC if it is a copy. In that scenario, find out the state the car has a registration and ask the seller about the DRC’s current status. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) of the new state must receive the vehicle’s registration before it may be transferred there. Your name must appear on the vehicle’s registration certificate after the purchase. Also, you have to check the original purchase invoice, insurance, road tax receipt, and pollution certificate.

4) Car Insurance:

It is best to start the process well in advance of the sale if the buyer wants to have the current insurance policy of a used car transferred into their name. The buyer must verify the expiration date of the policy, check the seller’s claim history, and confirm whether the premium was paid regularly during the transfer of insurance. The policy documentation’s terms and conditions, especially the exclusions, should be understandable to the customer as well. 

Ideally, the buyer should complete the procedure for obtaining a new policy for the used car before the sale to ensure no interruption in insurance coverage. Note that the buyer would encounter challenges obtaining insurance on a used vehicle that is more than 15 years old. In India, it is illegal to drive without a legitimate auto insurance policy, so make sure you have the minimum required Third-party coverage. The alternative is to purchase a comprehensive policy offering extensive damage coverage.

Transfer of No Claim Bonus

It is an automobile insurance-related point. When you renew your car’s comprehensive insurance, this bonus may result in savings. As payment for not making any claims during the policy year, the insurance holder gets the No Claim Bonus. 

The NCB provides 20% to 50% off discounts. Depending on how long the policyholder did not submit a claim, the discount amount varies. Since the NCB is in connection with the insured and not the covered vehicle, it cannot be transferred to your name as the insurance policy can.

5) Finance:

Financing is a vital factor after car selection. Whether you purchase a new car or a used one, it is an expense. This also needs to be planned, just like any significant expense. Considerations such as loans, interest rates, and the used car’s exchange value are essential before purchasing one.

3. Why Should You Transfer Car Ownership?

The new owner’s details should be on the vehicle’s registration certificate. The RC transfer, or transfer of vehicle ownership, is an essential legal procedure that ensures the buyer will acquire the vehicle along with all related legal duties. 

Applying with the appropriate regional transport office (RTO) is all that is necessary to transfer ownership of a vehicle. When dealing with a broker or used-car company, the broker or company also handles the ownership transfer procedure.

4. Conclusion

Buying a used car could seem like a difficult undertaking. But today more than ever, purchasing a secondhand automobile is simple provided you adhere to these simple rules. It helps you choose the best used car for your money while also fitting your demands.