Choosing to buy a used car is not an easy matter, there are many things to consider besides the budget. This is what often makes you hesitate and end up not going through with it. It is undeniable that buying a used car is much different than buying a new car.

The thing that makes you hesitate is generally related to the prospective buyer's ability to check the condition of the car whether it is still okay or there are damaged parts, especially when the purchase is made individually.

Not only that, another problem is the number of cases that eventually lead to criminal acts or fraud. In order for you to feel safe and comfortable when deciding to buy a used car, understand the following tips for buying a used car:

1. Ask to Meet in Person

Buying and selling used cars is prone to fraud. Make sure the seller is willing to meet in person for the transaction and meet at a safe location and time. Whatever the reason, do not pay a down payment (DP) if there is no direct agreement.

2. Complete and Original Vehicle Documents

Make sure the official vehicle documents, namely STNK and BPKB, are complete and original. Check the frame number and engine number on both documents and make sure they are the same as on the vehicle.

3. Check the Car's Service History

You must ask about the car's maintenance history in detail so that you don't regret it later. Cars that are regularly serviced at Auto2000 workshops allow AutoFamily to check the service history easily because the service record is complete.

4. Physical Inspection of Vehicle

There is always a possibility of problems with the physical vehicle due to daily use. Pay attention to differences in paint color between panels or untidy meetings between panels. If it is too clean and tidy, or using non-original products, there is a risk that it has been repaired due to an accident.

Around the vehicle frame, there are welding marks made during the vehicle production process. If these welding spots have disappeared, it means that major repairs have been carried out. Check underneath the car, which is most prone to rust due to flooding, including any crash marks that may be visible.

 Check for traces of melted oil or sludge, as well as damaged or replaced cables in the engine compartment. Replacement of engine components that are not in time should be cautioned. Also check the condition of the engine oil and radiator fluid. If the engine sounds rough or strange, there's a problem.

 Pay attention if there is mud residue on the bolts binding the car seats and floor. Or the color difference in the upholstery of the inner car doors. Lift the carpets and make sure there are no rust marks.

5. Mandatory Test Drive

A test drive provides an opportunity to get a first-hand feel of the car's condition and potential repairs needed. Ex-accident cars are usually unstable, even if the vehicle frame has been hit, it cannot run straight ahead.

Indonesia

Memilih untuk membeli mobil bekas bukan perkara mudah, perlu banyak yang harus dipertimbangkan selain soal budget. Ini yang akhirnya kerap membuat Anda ragu dan berujung tidak jadi. Tak dipungkiri membeli mobil bekas jauh berbeda dibanding mobil baru.

Hal yang bikin ragu umumnya terkait dengan kemampuan calon pembeli dalam mengecek kondisi mobil apakah masih oke atau ada bagian-bagian yang rusak, terlebih pembelian dilakukan secara perseorangan.

Tak hanya itu, persoalan lainnya adalah banyaknya kasus yang akhirnya berujung tindak kriminal atau penipuan. Supaya Anda merasa aman dan nyaman ketika memutuskan membeli mobil bekas, pahami tips membeli mobil bekas berikut ini:

1. Minta Bertemu Langsung

Jual-beli mobil bekas rawan penipuan. Pastikan penjual mau bertemu langsung untuk transaksi dan bertemu di lokasi dan waktu yang aman. Apapun alasannya, jangan mau membayar down payment (DP) jika belum ada kesepakatan langsung.

2. Surat-Surat Kendaraan Lengkap dan Asli

Pastikan surat-surat resmi kendaraan yaitu STNK dan BPKB, dalam kondisi lengkap dan asli. Cek nomor rangka dan nomor mesin di kedua dokumen tersebut dan pastikan sama dengan di kendaraan.

3. Periksa Riwayat Servis Mobil

Anda harus menanyakan riwayat perawatan mobil secara detail supaya tidak menyesal kemudian. Mobil yang rutin servis berkala di bengkel Auto2000 membuat AutoFamily dapat memeriksa riwayat servis dengan mudah karena service record-nya lengkap.

4. Inspeksi Fisik Kendaraan

Selalu ada kemungkinan masalah pada fisik kendaraan akibat pemakaian setiap hari. Perhatikan perbedaan warna cat antar panel atau pertemuan antar panel yang tidak rapi. Kalau terlalu bersih dan rapi, atau menggunakan produk non orisinal, ada risiko pernah diperbaiki akibat kecelakaan.

Di sekitar rangka kendaraan kendaraan terdapat bekas pengelasan yang dilakukan saat proses produksi kendaraan. Jika titik-titik las ini sudah lenyap, artinya pernah dilakukan perbaikan besar. Cek kolong mobil yang paling rawan karat akibat banjir, termasuk bekas tabrakan yang mungkin terlihat.

Periksa bekas lelehan oli atau lumpur, serta kabel yang rusak atau pernah diganti baru di dalam ruang mesin. Penggantian komponen mesin yang belum saatnya patut diwaspadai. Periksa pula kondisi oli mesin dan cairan radiator. Kalau suara mesin kasar atau aneh, berarti ada masalah di dalamnya.

Perhatikan jika ada sisa lumpur di baut pengikat jok dan lantai mobil. Atau perbedaan warna di pelapis pintu mobil bagian dalam. Angkat karpet mobil dan pastikan tidak ada bekas karat.

5. Wajib Test Drive

Test drive memberikan kesempatan untuk merasakan langsung kondisi mobil dan potensi perbaikan yang dibutuhkan. Mobil bekas kecelakaan biasanya tidak stabil, bahkan jika rangka kendaraannya sudah kena tidak dapat berjalan lurus ke depan.