Top 10 Used Car Buying Tips in the Philippines

Buying a brand-new car is expensive. But for those who still want to own a car without having to shell out a high down payment amount and substantial monthly car loan payments, buying a used car suffices.

Still, there's no denying it that buying a used car has its pitfalls and caveats that car buyers must carefully take into account. As such, scrutinizing the overall condition and history of a used car must be done. In this article, we'll help you come up with strategies in order to buy a used car that is still worth the purchase.

Second-hand Car Buying Tips From a Dealer or Private Owner

Buying a secondhand car remains worthwhile if you are careful in choosing the best car model with the best condition. Whether you're an experienced or a new driver, refer to our used car shopping tips below to help you make a smart choice.

1. Research, Research, Research

This is a no-brainer, but still worth noting. There are a ton of reliable references online to check the fair prices of used cars corresponding their brand and models. Check vehicle-focused websites such as Carmudi, Philkotse, Autodeal, and Philmotors, among others.

In addition, read reviews from fellow used-car owners about their experiences using a secondhand car. You can also participate and join forums on your preferred social media platform and become a part of a giant community that will give you valuable advice about what you should be checking on your entire car-buying journey.

2. Make Vehicle Price Comparisons

Whether it's buying a car or a house and lot in the Philippines, pricing is critical to the purchase. As such, do not just focus on one brand or one car model. Instead, scrutinize multiple used cars from different car dealers and private sellers. If you're targeting the lowest-price unit, make sure to check the specifications, not just the car prices. From what you found during your vehicle inspection, make an informed decision whether you're really saving money for a low-price unit or you may wind up spending more than necessary in the future because of its faulty specs.

3. Decide on Your Budget

After checking the prices, set a reasonable budget based on your current financial circumstances. Aside from the purchase price of the vehicle itself, it's wise to allocate funds for future replacement and repair costs. Vehicle experts suggest to set aside money that's 20 percent of the used car's price. For example, for a used car worth ₱700,000, you should ideally save ₱140,000 for future repairs and component replacements. This may seem financially challenging, but this is actually a cost-effective approach that will help you save money in the long run.

4. Factor in Mileage

Mileage in cars refers to the number of kilometers or miles that a vehicle has covered in its lifetime. With that being said, the higher the mileage, the older the car is. This can mean that there are more potentially damaged parts or components that necessitate replacement. In so saying, you might want to consider choosing the used car with the least mileage among your options.

5. Have the Car Inspected Thoroughly

Check for "red flags" during visual inspection that will make you turn to another used car dealer or seller. Check for signs of fillers on the engine bay, paint quality (or lack of it), interior discoloration, and rust, among many others. Also ask for the car's service history. The used car that you will buy will certainly not equate to the quality of a brand-new car, but it doesn't mean you should settle for anything less. There are a ton of used cars that are still in great condition. Until you find one, do not buy a used car just yet.

6. Make Sure to Test Drive

After inquiring online or over the phone, high time to inspect the car in person. Looks good so far? Wait until you drive it yourself to test it firsthand. Your seller should allow you to conduct test driving. Otherwise, don't buy the car you haven't even driven, or weren't allowed to prior to sealing the car purchase.

7. Haggle on a Reasonably Lower Price

Since it's a used vehicle, it's not unreasonable to haggle for a better deal. Many sellers initially set a higher selling price as they expect potential buyers to negotiate prices. To do this, make sure to project yourself as an informed buyer who knows how to spot red flags in a car. During your test drive, tell the seller what you think are red flags that should make it reasonable to still obtain the used car at a lower price.

8. Ask for all the used car's documents

The following documents are necessary to ensure that the secondhand vehicle you'll buy has no bad or illegal records:

• Car's Certificate of Vehicle registration (original copy)

• Official Receipt of Registration (original copy)

• Notarized Deed of Sale

• Original LTO Plate Number

You can also tap the PNP Highway Patrol Group to consult if by any chance the vehicle might have been carnapped or used in criminal activities.

9. Look into the Car's History

In addition to asking for the necessary car papers, look into its vehicle history report to be informed about any prior accidents, the number of previous owners of the vehicle, as well as any underlying problems with the car. You can verify all of these with the Land Transportation Office. To do so, refer to the quick guide below.

Text LTO [space] VEHICLE [space] PLATE NUMBER and send to 2600 (example: LTO VEHICLE XYZ789)

With this text service by LTO, it will send you relevant vehicle details, such as year, make and model, date of registration, as well as minor and major LTO violations, if any.

10. Don't Forget Car Insurance

It's great if your secondhand car comes in with a car insurance plan. If not, make sure to buy a new car insurance to financially protect yourself from the prospect of any unforeseen incidents. It is a cost-effective way to grapple with unanticipated events involving damage to your car and yourself.

After buying a used car, make sure your house and lot in the Philippines are equipped with a parking space and garage as mandated by law.

Lumina Homes, Vista Land's modest housing segment, makes car ownership fulfilling in a safe, secure, and generally peaceful neighborhood. Our affordable house and lot provisions come complete with a carport to ensure that you are fully abiding by vehicle ownership rules in the Philippines. If you need to run an errand but don't want to use your car to save fuel, Lumina Homes also provides free shuttle services with pick-up points within each community.

On top of quality perks and amenities such as a multipurpose hall and a multifunctional community center, Lumina Homes projects from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are also in proximity to essential institutions and establishments for homeownership convenience. This includes supermarkets, elementary, secondary, and higher education schools, hospitals, local tourist spots, and accessible modes of transportation for commuting homeowners, among others.

Just like buying a used car, you shouldn't have to shell out all your life savings to get to own a home. Purchase an affordable house and lot for sale with Lumina Homes and enjoy your real estate investment in a relaxing neighborhood. Get in touch to a Lumina seller today!