Our used car market is still rife with mistrust and misleading information
In the last 5 to 6 years the Malaysian used car industry has been reworked with online classifieds that promise detailed reports and honest evaluations of every vehicle sold.
These online platforms ‘PROMISE’ total transparency and a detailed inspection of the used vehicle.
However, we at www.dsf.my have seen many ‘sub-standard’ used vehicles being transacted and it is mostly women buyers who have been duped.
Why? Well, with strong advertising promising honesty and credibility from their used car platforms (with words like ‘Certified’, 100% Checked and ‘Value Checked’ included in the adverts), women used car buyers believe they are being given the whole truth about their used car purchase and only some time after they find out the truth when they visit their regular mechanic, or tire alignment shop and even car detailer.
(Car detailers and tire shops with experienced staff can point out issues and even accident or flood damage of any vehicle).
HOW SOME MEN INSPECT USED CARS
Meanwhile, a common scene at a used car dealership. Men looking at the engine bay. What are they looking at?
Do they even know what to look for? T
he used car dealer would have done a through cleaning of the engine and lacquered all the black bits in the engine to impress you.
Here below are five reasons why we keep receiving complaints about the Malaysian used car industry.
ONLINE RESEARCH
Today, research may be easy as you can check your smartphone for reviews on the used car dealer. However, is the information truthful or was it ‘planted’ by the used car dealers ‘technology’ person?
An online search can offer a wealth of information from seller reviews to common mechanical problems associated with the vehicle you are considering.
Dealers who consistently sell poor quality vehicles and provide poor customer service cannot easily be uncovered through simple research. You can however determine average prices for which can give you knowledge and negotiating leverage.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE HISTORY REPORT
When purchasing a used vehicle, you should always ask for a vehicle history report. Even the most trustworthy appearing seller might be trying to hide an accident, flood damage, or an odometer roll-back.
If you are not particularly concerned about these things, you can be sure that other buyers will be, and that will hinder your ability to re-sell the vehicle at a later date.
MECHANICAL & MAINTENANCE INSPECTION
Modern vehicles are incredibly complex. Multiple systems such as the air conditioning, headlights, on board computer, electric seats, auto wipers and other accessories, as well as countless engine and body components, must all function properly while simultaneously moving you safely and comfortably down the road.
With so many systems and components, a mechanical and maintenance inspection is a necessity and should not be considered optional. The inspection should be thorough, and should be completed by a mechanic you know and trust and NOT a mechanic employed or associated with the used vehicle seller or used car dealer.
The used car dealer or seller might have an inspection report which is most often not very complete or even honest and you cannot be sure the inspection is unbiased.
THOROUGH TEST DRIVE
Some drivers may know instantly that they like a vehicle. However, a test drive is absolutely necessary to discover certain issues and potential problems. Unusual noises in the suspension, alignment issues, engine and transmission performance issues, brake problems and more, can all be discovered during a test drive. Always take a thorough test drive before signing any document to purchase.
The test drive should include various speeds, road conditions, and braking conditions. The driver should inspect the gauges, operate the windshield wipers/washers, and air conditioning systems, and get a general feel for the overall operation and performance of the vehicle while it is being driven.
IN LOVE WITH THE USED VEHICLE
Used car sales representatives, no matter how nice and friendly they may be, are trained to do one thing: sell you a used vehicle.
If you fall in love with a vehicle before you purchase it, and if you show the seller you have fallen in love with the vehicle, you are unlikely to get the best possible deal. Keeping your emotions under control will help you when the time comes to negotiate and seal the deal.
While it might be hard, try to contain your excitement until you have reached an agreement on the price, or preferably until you are safely driving away in your new ‘used’ vehicle.
Then you can be as joyful as you would like. While risk can never be completely eliminated from a used vehicle purchase, there are things you can do to reduce the chance of getting stuck with a vehicle with hidden problems.
