9 Important Steps When Buying Used Cars In India

These key principles apply to every region in the world and maximize your chances of being satisfied with your used car purchase

Buying used cars in India can be a hassle. There are a plethora of variables, obstacles, and unknowns when choosing a used car in India. The vehicle market in the country is vast. As of 2022, there are 354 million vehicles registered in India. Data from the same year suggests India is the fourth-largest market in terms of production, and the third-largest in terms of sales. The numbers are only growing with the local automotive industry kicking into high gear and many Chinese companies also establishing a strong foothold on the market.

While the variety of new cars you can buy is more plentiful than ever before, many car buyers still opt for used cars instead. Should you choose a used car over a new one is a topic for another time. For now, we have compiled a list of principles worth adhering to when buying used cars in India. It is worth noting that buying a used car, even after following the below-mentioned principles, cannot completely ensure that you will be satisfied with your car (or any vehicle) purchase. Nevertheless, here they are.

Make sure you have at least a rough idea of what the car’s true value is

Although the used car market is regulated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), car sellers could still attempt a number of unethical practices, such as listing the car/ vehicle for an unrealistically high price. Make sure you check with other analogues and/or specialized websites or evaluation platforms (if possible).

Research the car of your choice

Every car has its specifics. The good thing about used cars is that there is more information about them. Owners and mechanics are familiar with their weak points, so it is much easier to determine what the common issues are. This applies not just to cars, but to motorcycles, trucks, and every other vehicle. A good idea would be to check for service recalls. If the car isn’t imported, it is much easier to do so, through the dealership or various online platforms.

If possible, do a longer test drive

Oftentimes, when selling a used car, people or dealerships are trying to get rid of a problem. It is safe to assume that most used cars for sale in India, or any other region for that matter, can have some sort of issue. Aside from listening to weird noises and checking all the fluids, make sure to go on a thorough test drive. This is how to check a used car’s condition before buying. Try to test the car in as many driving scenarios as possible – acceleration, braking, stopping and going, low-speed manoeuvring, etc. Some problems manifest themselves after a time.

A bad flywheel, for example, would start vibrating violently when depressing the clutch on take-off, but only after driving for some time. This is especially important when buying older, luxury cars. A good case in point is these 2000s luxury sports cars that could become future classics, but can also bankrupt you if you are not careful. In India, people are not used to keeping maintenance records. If the car you are looking at has service records, it is typically a good sign. Just keep in mind that even service records can be falsified or made up, in order to make a car look more appealing to potential buyers.

Research the seller if possible

If you are buying used cars from a dealership, look for data about the seller – ratings, comments, etc. Those might be a good indication of what you might be getting yourself into. Naturally, a good rating and good impressions from previous buyers point to the car trader being ethically correct. Things are more complicated if the car seller is a private party. There are a lot more unknowns and variables, potentially making your used car purchase more risky.

Set aside additional budget for maintenance and potential repairs

When buying used cars in India, you have to assume the vehicle of your choice needs maintenance. Changing the oil and filters should be first on your list. If no service records are present, assume the car also needs a new timing belt/ chain, spark plugs, and a variety of other engine periphery that may fail with time. Then, there are potential hidden issues, which cannot be detected until after you start driving the car.

Even if a used car looks good, you may find out it needs a complete engine overhaul after 1,000 kilometres of driving it or less. Always assume you are buying someone’s problem. The wisest course of action is to always shop for a vehicle, under your budget, so you can have a financial safety net. Never spend everything you have on a depreciating asset like a car or a motorcycle.

Be especially careful when buying used sports cars

The general concensus is that sports cars are built to handle more punishment than regular automobiles. While usually true, sports cars are typically driven harder. This leads to more wear and tear on certain components, in addition to the common issues a vehicke may have. Spirited driving puts more stress on the engine, drivetrain components, and the chassis, so look for premature wear on those.

Bushings, transmission synchro-mesh, various mounts, and other components may give out a lot sooner as a result of hard driving. Some examples of that include dumping the clutch from a traffic light, drifting, (attempting) power-shifting, burnouts, and other types of “hooning”.

When shopping for new or used vehicle, make sure you have all the necessary supporting equipment, if necessary

This is more applicable to motorcycles than any other type of vehicle. Buying a motorcycle, whether new or used, has to be accompanied with purchasing the necessary safety equipment. These include a special outfit that will protect you if you fall, a proper helmet, which you shouldn’t save on, as well as other must-have accessories for motorcycle riders.

Get acquainted with the vehicle ownership transfer process in India

If you are interested in how to buy used cars in India, an important part is to familiarise yourself with the process of how to transfer car ownership in India. It is a multi-step process that involves a sequence of different procedures, depending on circumstances. Some steps may differ depending on whether a vehicle is being transferred under normal conditions, following the death of an owner, or being inherited.

Know what vehicle you need and what you are getting

Buying a used car (or any vehicle for that matter) can be as much an emotional purchase as it is one born out of necessity. That said, knowing what type of car you need is key. If you need a family car then researching safety ratings, interior space, and practicality should be your priority. If you are looking for a fast sports car, acceleration, lap times, and handling data are some of the metrics you would be interested in. Reliability and fuel economy are always worth considering when purchasing your next vehicle. For example, these sports cars are the most fuel-efficient you can currently buy.