The view of vehicles paraded in a car yard, or a showroom gives an aura selling elegance and quality to a person interested in buying a car.
For most car dealers, the aesthetics of car yards are now part of marketing with most keen to enhance the designs of their yards.
But you should be keen to take note of a vehicle’s finer details before committing to buy one.
In a market largely defined as capitalistic and profit-oriented, chances of landing an accident car cannot be ruled out.
Not even a consumer report detailing a car’s pros and cons should give you the assurance that a specific car perfectly suits your needs.
The process of finding your perfect car calls for meticulous attention to detail as explained in the following guidelines.
Research and Budget Before Buying a Car
For starters, knowing the budget to be incurred in buying and maintaining the car is crucial.
According to the The Kenya Auto Bazaar Association (K.A.B.A.), a buyer should first conduct research to know the specific type of car suiting him or her and thereafter set realistic budget, including maintenance costs.
This will help a buyer to comfortably purchase and maintain a car afterwards.
Inspection
Secondly, conduct a quick inspection to check for wear, tear and assess any visible damage.
While still in the inspection stage, verify the vehicle’s mileage and service history, preferably with the help of a mechanic.
Also Read: Govt to Stop Importation of Select Used Vehicles
This will help to ascertain some aspects of the car including whether or not it had been involved in any accident, its age and overall fitness.
Additionally, request a vehicle history report which you can as well verify by searching its chassis number.
Importance of a Test Drive When Buying a Car
To be certain about the car’s performance, handling and functionality, conduct a test drive. This stage will offer you an opportunity to assess the way different parts of the vehicle function and a finer look into its details.
Aspects to monitor during the test drive include the functioning of sensors, lights, brakes and other parts of the vehicle.
All these aspects are important to note since buying a car will see you incur a significant amount of money.
Negotiation
Upon conviction that a car ticks all your boxes, proceed to negotiate with the dealership. At this point, you will be able to negotiate the price based on your knowledge of the car from the analysis and also the existing market value.
Also Read: NTSA New System Rollout Hits Car Sellers Countrywide
After agreeing on the price, proceed to Verify all necessary documents and choose a secure payment method.
Other important steps in the post-purchase stage include ensuring timely transfer of the vehicle’s registration and updating the insurance cover for the new vehicle.