Buying a used car in India can be an advantageous option for those who want to save money. With an ever-growing automotive market, there are a variety of options available to buyers.
In this article, we provide a complete guide on how and where to buy vehicles, helping you make a safe choice.
used car dealerships
One of the most traditional ways to buy a used car in India is through specialist used car dealerships. These dealerships offer a variety of used car options of different makes and models. Visit trusted and reputable dealerships, check available vehicles in their inventory and schedule a test drive to assess the car's performance.
Also, talk to sellers to get detailed information about maintenance history, mileage, and any known issues with the vehicle. Remember to negotiate the price and ensure all documents are in order before finalizing your purchase.
online classifieds sites
With technology, buying used cars in India has become even more accessible through online classifieds sites.
There are several trusted platforms such as OLX, CarWale, Quikr, CarTrade, TrueBil, Cartoq, Cars24, CarSangrah, Cartoq and CarBazzar where you can find a wide selection of pre-owned vehicles in your area. On these sites, you can filter your search based on make, model, price range and location.
Carefully review the information provided by the advertisers, check the photos of the vehicle and contact them directly for more details and to schedule a visit to see the car in person. Remember to take proper precautions when trading online and meeting in public places for personal safety.
used car auctions
Used car auctions are another interesting option to find quality vehicles in India. These auctions are often organized by financial institutions, leasing companies and even the government.
In them, you can find a wide range of used cars, many of which are in good condition.
Keep an eye out for auction ads in local newspapers, specialized websites and on social media. Before participating in an auction, familiarize yourself with the rules and procedures specific to each event.
It is essential to carry out a thorough inspection of the vehicle before placing a bid and be aware that most auctions require immediate payment of the full amount of the winning bid.
Bank auctions are good places to buy a used vehicle because, in addition to reliability, prices are well below and the banks themselves provide all the necessary documentation, as they are vehicles confiscated by bank branches for non-payment and thus be sold for a more affordable price.
Below is a list of banks that carry out this type of auction:
National Housing Bank (NHB) Residex: https://www.nhb.org.in/Residex.aspx
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Auction: https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_ViewRTGS.aspx
State Bank of India (SBI) Auctions: https://www.sbi.co.in/portal/web/home/auctions
Bank of Baroda Auctions (BOB): https://www.bankofbaroda.in/bank-auction
Union Bank of India (UBI) Auctions: https://www.unionbankofindia.co.in/English/Foreclosure.aspx
Model choice and vehicle analysis
Choose a model that you like best and that meets your needs, for example, is it a family car? A model that will take long trips? A passenger car? Economic? The possibilities are many. Remember to choose a newer model as the price tends to lose resale value after a few years. Avoid purchasing vehicles that are no longer in production.
Another important issue is to check the condition of the car before finalizing your purchase. Examine the external and internal conditions, do tests, drive for a few minutes at different speeds, analyze the engine, tires, lighting, mirrors, everything you need to avoid future problems with repairs. If possible, take a trusted mechanic to help you with this issue.
Documentation
It is crucial to ensure that all documents are in order. Ask the seller to provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Vehicle Registration Certificate (CRV), Pollution Control Certificate (PUC).
Check that the information on the CRV matches that of the vehicle and that there are no legal issues, such as traffic fines or problems with documentation. Also, ask for the vehicle's service history, which details all previous maintenance and repairs, as well as whether the vehicle has valid insurance and the seller has all transfer of ownership documents. All documents must be transferred to the name of the new owner.
It is recommended to get the help of a vehicle documentation specialist to ensure that all legal formalities are completed correctly.
Buying a used car is an excellent opportunity to save money. By following this comprehensive guide, you will be able to find quality pre-owned cars and make a safe purchase.
Explore used car dealerships, search online classifieds sites and stay tuned for auctions specializing in this type of vehicle. Remember to carry out thorough checks and ensure that all documents are in order before finalizing your purchase.