Over the past decade, used cars have become very popular in India. In fact, this shift in preference is to such an extent that the ratio of new cars to used cars is now at 1:2.2. To put it simply, for every new car sold in India, more than 2 used cars are sold. There can be multiple reasons that have brought about this change – higher inventory of used cars, affordability, more value for money, low running cost and more.

Whatever be your reason, if you too are in the market looking to buy a used cars, then we have prepared the perfect guide to help you with your purchase. Stick to this guide to find your ideal used cars in no time!

1. Do Your Due Diligence

One of the most important steps while buying used cars is doing the homework before heading out to see the car. Find out about the average market rates of used cars across different makes and models in your city, read car reviews, and look for ownership experiences online to get an estimate of the monthly running costs. Be sure to assess what the user and market sentiment is for the car models you are shortlisting.

2. Set a Budget

Before venturing out to find the best used cars for yourself, it is always recommended that you have a pre-decided budget in mind, as well as the room for stretching it. A common ballpark is between 40%-50% of your annual income with around 5%-10% over and above it. While exploring used cars, you are bound to come across those which are out of your budget range but have remarkable features. In such instances, it is easy to give in and overspend; stay vigilant and grounded while sticking to your budget.

Used cars prices prices should also be decided considering factors such as the duration for which you plan to keep the vehicle, overhead finance costs, monthly usage, maintenance and insurance costs and more. If the price feels higher than what the used car warrants, make it a point to visit multiple used car dealers for a better deal.

3. Choose the right car

It is imperative that you know what you are looking for when it comes to features, specifications and the kind of used cars you wish to buy. It’s always recommended to choose newer and current models with decent resale value and after-sales services.

While a simple selection among hatchback, sedan, crossover and SUV body types might come in handy for some people, others might feel more comfortable choosing on the basis of, say, ground clearance, year of make, cargo space, how roomy the cabin is, features on offer, and other such aspects. Choosing the right car is highly subjective and will almost entirely depend on the buyer’s choice and requirements.

4. Explore Sellers

After narrowing down on a used car of your liking, you need to choose from the different sellers in your city that deal in used cars. You can buy used cars from service providers, individual sellers, dealerships and virtual outlets too. Prices for used cars will vary depending on the kind of seller you buy from.

When you buy used cars through OEM used car dealerships such as Maruti Suzuki True Value, you get a lot more with your car. From a seamless buying experience and 376 quality checks to value-added services for insurance, warranty and maintenance, Maruti Suzuki True Value offers a car buying experience that’s par excellence.

5. Check the Condition

When it comes to used cars, the vehicle’s condition plays a big role. A simple yet thorough check can help you find out if the car you are considering has been maintained and taken care of by its previous owner(s) and if it requires much attention from you. At the end of the day, you want your car to be a convenience, not a hassle.

It’s always a good idea to bring along your own trusted mechanic when going for a test drive as they have a good eye when it comes to detecting even the smallest of issues. Check for vehicle systems like the brake, emission, lighting, engine cooling, steering and suspension, electricals and wiring, painting and spots for rusting, tyre quality (if not changed) as well as the condition of the interior. Used cars evaluation can save you from a potentially bad purchase and save tons of money.

6. Documents

Another bit of Used cars evaluation includes making sure that the car’s paperwork is in order. Important documents, including the registration certificate, vehicle insurance papers, original purchase invoice, road tax receipt, pollution certificate and more, need to be legally transferred to your name, with any and all changes made to the car by the original owner updated in those documents.

If the stated documents are not transferred to your name correctly, it can have serious implications. Additionally, any further documentation from the RTO will also be sent to the previous owner as the address wouldn’t have been updated.

You must keep all these things in mind so that your experience of buying a used car is convenient and pleasant. Do your due research and pay attention to every little aspect - you are sure to get a great used car as per your budget and preferences.