India now has a massive used car market, and a newspaper based in the country has issued tips that might be a little different than you would expect for the UK. Firstly, the publication recommends that wherever possible, drivers should buy from an individual rather than a dealer. This is not the normal advice you would receive in the UK when looking to buy a used car. The difference stems from the fact that Indian car dealers have a lot of mark-up on their prices. If you do use a dealer, than it should only be a certified dealer. This will ensure that the quality of the vehicle is as it should be, and you will normally get a warranty of no less than 6 months.

It is also common practice in India to buy a used car only after it has been inspected by a mechanic of your choice. Indian customers are also recommended to ensure that they meet the genuine owner of the car face-to-face. Dealers in India might falsely present a member of staff as the genuine owner, so buyers should also insist on identification. Indian-based dealers might also put up prices if they think a buyer is interested in a car. This is in contrast to the UK, where a dealer will negotiate down in order to ensure the sale.

Buying a used car is thankfully a much simpler process in the UK, although buyers are still advised to consider everything carefully before they make the purchase. Visitcars can offer guidance on what to look for in a used car, to make the process simpler.

published: 03/12/2010