R I G H T L A N E

Freedom, personally, is defined as the ability to move about without any sort of impediment or hassle.  Based on this, there’s no better indication of it than driving your own car.  It removes you from the hassles of taking public transportation or having to rely on your family chauffer.

However, be that as it may, first time car buyers, especially students, may find shouldering the price for a brand-new car just too painful for the wallet, even with the revised excise tax scheme and all.  This puts the spotlight on the value of second-hand vehicles.

Admittedly, there’s a danger in buying a used car.  With all the imported rigmarole rolling out of Subic everyday, picking just the right car is like picking a dandelion among the mine field—it’s one tough job.  But, it’s not impossible.  Here are five tips on how you can bypass the salesman’s pitch and learn to fend yourself.

Tip # 1: Paperwork is important

Like any choice breed of canine, a car’s lineage is important.  Though they’re assembled from a line, each and every car can tell a different story on how they’re taken care of.  First, make a preliminary scan of classified ads on the car you’d like to buy.  Check out magazines and websites to learn as much as you can about the pros and cons such as fuel economy, reliability, overall comfort and so forth.  Once you’ve decided on the car of your choice, make sure you approach someone who’s reputable.  Ask around from family and friends or post questions on message boards and chat rooms about second-hand dealers in your neighborhood.

Approach the person selling the car with frankness and ask about the car’s history. Queries about who drives the car and where it’s being driven everyday can tell a lot.  For example, cars owned by single or old women are commonly taken cared of.  On the other hand, cars handled by the twenty-something may have been trashed one time or another during its ownership.

When in doubt, always ask for a detailed service history.  Read the warranty booklet if it’s been stamped during each scheduled periodic maintenance.  If the owner keeps detailed receipts, check if it has gone through tire changes, rust proofing and so forth.  There are some items such as timing belt replacement (for older cars) and brake pads, which could be fairly expensive.  Check if the owner has done those already to save you hassle of having to do it yourself.

Lastly, ask if the car has insurance, and if it’s transferable.  Read the insurance policy carefully because this can save you a bundle in the long run.

Certified pre-owned units such as those from BMW can save you the hassle, since they’ve been put through a rigorous inspection process—they come with a 12-month warranty as a bonus.  However, be prepared to shell out more, as going this route could be pricey.

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