So I have been thinking about buying a used car. I must say --- I am bloody confused.
I have an idea about the car I want --- a small one, hatchback, automatic transmission, with rego of at least 4-6 months, costs around 5000 and preferably, a Toyota. I have been looking at websites such as www.carsales.com.au and www.tradingpost.com and looking specifically at private sales. That's the easy part.
I'm more concerned about the actual going and looking at the cars. Why, you ask? Because I don't know a goddam thing about them. The last two days I managed to get some information from a colleague about what questions to ask and what to look for when going to look at a private car. But then, I have also been scouring the internet and coming up with a zillion things --- take a mechanic, book it in with a mechanic before buying, don't sign anything, go with someone, go with someone who's an expert, haggle,....argghhhh!!!!
Now I don't know a single person who is an expert on cars. So while I have a mate accompanying me (and one who drives), I don't have a mechanical genius. And so, being the anxious individual I am, I'm worried about getting ripped off!!! Plus it doesn't help that I have to depend on someone (who is not family) to take me to these places to check out different cars. (Read: They may lose patience after the first two)
Anyway, I have made about 4 phone calls so far and I've deicded to have a lookie this Saturday. But it's obviously making me nervous --- last night, I dreamt about sums of money and cars!
Anyway, just wanted to have a little rant.
'Tis the last day of the school term for me!
Until next time,
Cheers!!!
I have an idea about the car I want --- a small one, hatchback, automatic transmission, with rego of at least 4-6 months, costs around 5000 and preferably, a Toyota. I have been looking at websites such as www.carsales.com.au and www.tradingpost.com and looking specifically at private sales. That's the easy part.
I'm more concerned about the actual going and looking at the cars. Why, you ask? Because I don't know a goddam thing about them. The last two days I managed to get some information from a colleague about what questions to ask and what to look for when going to look at a private car. But then, I have also been scouring the internet and coming up with a zillion things --- take a mechanic, book it in with a mechanic before buying, don't sign anything, go with someone, go with someone who's an expert, haggle,....argghhhh!!!!
Now I don't know a single person who is an expert on cars. So while I have a mate accompanying me (and one who drives), I don't have a mechanical genius. And so, being the anxious individual I am, I'm worried about getting ripped off!!! Plus it doesn't help that I have to depend on someone (who is not family) to take me to these places to check out different cars. (Read: They may lose patience after the first two)
Anyway, I have made about 4 phone calls so far and I've deicded to have a lookie this Saturday. But it's obviously making me nervous --- last night, I dreamt about sums of money and cars!
Anyway, just wanted to have a little rant.
'Tis the last day of the school term for me!
Until next time,
Cheers!!!
You can actually pay people to look at cars for you before you buy. There are services where a fully qualified mechanic will take a full check of the vehicle you intend to purchase. I wish I had more details but I don't. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteThankfully I had a mechanic friend with me when I purchased my car. And still there are after purchase prices that have arisen. I'd shoot for a four thousand dollar car and put aside a thousand for parts and repair.
Hope that helps. Good luck.
hey dont worry ... even the best people get ripped off .. its just normal to be anxious .. then again .. u already know all this .. urs the psychologist between the 2 of us :P .. u dont really have to be a mechanical genius either .. as long as the engine sounds good .. it drives well .. and a few standard checks check out .. u should be fine .. im sure the fellow you are going with will have some insight into it as he/she has been driving .. dont worry u wont be ripped off :) and gud luck with the 'finding the right car for u' ... always remember A driver don't pick the cars. Mmm-mm. Cars pick the driver. It's a mystical bond between 'woman' and machine. Bobby Bolivia - Transformers(film) 2007
ReplyDelete@ Orhan: I checked out the NRMA website but couldn't reach anyone when I called. Wanted some things clarified but hit a dead end. I guess the 4000 range sounds like a good idea...I suck at haggling but I'm going to go for it!
ReplyDelete@ Joel: Thanks for the wishes and the 'saying'. I'm trying to reassure myself with what my colleague told me to check out and hoping all that will be enough.
There must be many forums on buying cars and what to look for while doing it. Use internet power :)
ReplyDeleteBest thing is to take 2 friends who know a lot about cars. Ask them to pick one each. They will have two different selections - go with a third!
ReplyDeleteGood luck for the new car ;) that is my knowledge about cars ;-)
ReplyDeleteBuy an electric car!
ReplyDeleteAnd hey,
just read over your previous posts...
your template is good! I like the black background.
As for 'Bollywood' actors manufacturing fairness... it's well known. Fairness sells. I read recently that it is a 'middle class mentality'. I guess more money does not mean more education.
And are you an Australian citizen as well?
@ Reema: Yep, I've looked up some websites and sort of have an idea what to be looking for...
ReplyDelete@ Roshan: Unfortunately, none of my friends are good at cars...so that rules out the option of taking 2 and listening to the third!
@ Smita: Thank you...I need it as I may be going with my gut feeling in the end!
@ Kartikey: Aren't electric cars expensive? :P And no, I am not an Australian citizen yet... need to be a resident for at least 4 years before I can apply for citizenship.