23/05/2019

How to take (less of) a risk on a used car

For most people, buying a used car comes with a fair amount of risk. There's a reason why car manufacturers rarely offer warranties beyond three years – a car's complexity means that regardless of manufacturing quality, or care taken by the driver, things can and

will go wrong after a while. How wrong they'll go is the question. Many drivers find their cars last for years, with only minor repairs required, while others face huge bills after catastrophic mechanic or electrical failure, even when all signs pointed to the cars being reliable.

There is much of this that is simply unpredictable, it's the reality of owning a used car, But there are a few things you can do to help you avoid choosing a lemon.

1. AVOID BUYING A CAR PRIVATELY

Unless you're a mechanic with the skills to inspect (and repair) cars, it's wise to avoid buying your used car from a private seller. While most private sellers aren't trying to rip you off, it's simply that they are not Registered Motor Vehicle Traders (RMVT). This means you have very few legal protections.

Buy privately, and you have no recourse if you discover you were misled. In short, the risk is entirely yours.

2. LOOK FOR A RMVT

When you buy a used car from a Registered Motor Vehicle Trader, you're protected under the Consumer Guarantees Act. These laws are there to minimise your risk. That means you can have confidence you're being told the truth about the car you're buying. If the car isn't performing the way you expected, you can take it back to the seller to be fixed or to get a refund.

3. LOOK FOR DEALERS WHO LOWER THE RISK EVEN MORE

In the new era of online car buying some dealers go the extra mile to reduce risk. At Autoport, for example, their structure means they're essentially a go-between – they're not trying to sell you any particular car like a traditional car dealer has to. Rather they offer a vast platform which minimises risk to users. That includes all the protections you'd usually expect from an RMVT and you know Autoport cars have all passed AA Safety Compliance standards.

Their cars also come with an 12 month mechanical warranty (for non modified and non performance cars), and the option of extending the warranty up to 48 months. That way, if anything goes wrong with your new car, it will get seen to immediately without question.

4. 5 DAY TEST DRIVE

All used-car sellers will let you test drive a car before buying, but a 15 minute drive isn't the test you might think it is. It's not long enough to really assess if the car is right for you, but it's a perfect time for the seller to get you alone and tell you what you want to hear. Customers are actually encouraged to test-drive for that very reason – it's a good time to give you the hard sell.

Some dealers will let you take the car for longer. For example, Autoport gives you a 5 day money back guarantee. That is, in essence is a 5 day test drive. Take it anywhere –up to 500km– to be sure the car you bought is right for you. Wrong colour or a weird smell – whatever the reason you're not happy, send the car back in the same condition as you bought it, and you'll get a full refund.

"We understand that there is risk associated with any car purchase. At Autoport we recognise this and want to give the public total confidence in their purchase. We achieve this by offering our 5 day money back guarantee and 12 month mechanical warranty" David Paviour, Autoport co-founder went on to say.

5. JUST THE RIGHT CAR FOR LESS RISK

Cars are big-ticket items, and consumers need to know that their money is well spent. You won't be able to avoid risk completely, but if you buy from a registered dealer you're getting at least the protection of the Consumer Guarantees Act. Buy privately and you're on your own.

Even less risky in the new era of car buying is dealing with an online car dealer like Autoport. Quite apart from the huge number of cars to choose from, you'll also save 10-20 per cent off normal retail prices plus get a 12 month mechanical warranty. You also have a chance to test drive your new vehicle not just for 15 minutes, but for 5 days. That way, you know it's the car for you.

For more information about Autoport visit www.autoport.co.nz.

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