subject: 6 Essential Decision Points When Buying a Used Car in Melbourne :Narrowing a choice of hundreds down to just one [print this page] 6 Essential Decision Points When Buying a Used Car in Melbourne :Narrowing a choice of hundreds down to just one
There are literally hundreds of different makes, models and years of used cars to choose from, and hundreds of thousands of individual used cars for sale in Melbourne, each with their own driving and repair history and other quirks. So if you're looking to purchase a used car in Melbourne, how do you narrow your choice down to just one? We generally make our choice along the lines of six decision points - we check out how we decide which car to buy, and the benefits and drawbacks contained within each point.
Price
Each of us has a set budget that we can work within for buying a used car in Melbourne. For some, the budget is narrower than for others.
However, cheaper is not always better when buying a used car in Melbourne. For example, buying through private sale costs less than buying through a dealer, but you also get fewer protections and may actually be burnt quite badly if you don't protect yourself. If a used car for sale in Melbourne has a significantly higher price tag, you can be confident that it offers more value than a much cheaper model.
Safety ratings
Every model of new car that is released in Australia gets an ANCAP safety rating. This is assigned based on some pretty impressive crash testing, and you can also discover ratings for many models of used car for sale in Melbourne.
You can also use real life crash statistics to help you decide which models are safer than others - but be aware that figures can be manipulated, or may be less clear than they seem. For example, there are many Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores on the road, so they will naturally be represented at a higher level in crash statistics that Renault Lagunas.
Security
How easy is it to steal the car? How easy is it to steal from the car (not counting the smash and grab method, which carries its own risks for the perpetrator)? NRMA Insurance offers theft ratings [ nrma.com.au/keeping-safe-secure/car-safety/car-theft-ratings/index.shtml ] for many common models of used cars for sale in Melbourne.
Environmental Credentials
A used car in Melbourne's environmental credentials also play into its running costs - a more environmentally friendly used car uses less fuel, which costs you less. However, you should also consider its emissions rating.
Insurance Costs
Different models of car cost more or less to insure - depending on both their crash ratings and theft ratings.
Buying Method
There are three main methods of buying used cars for sale in Melbourne - through a Melbourne used car dealer, at private sale, or at auction. While you'll find some great bargains if you spend enough time checking out auctions and private sales, these cars also come with far fewer protections and entitlements than those sold by Melbourne used car dealers.
