There was a time when you would go to a used-car showroom with your Dad or Uncle and a salesman magically appeared to assist you. The salesman would hover around every car you looked at and he would list out its features, price, etc. flawlessly. He was the one point of information for you. If you believed him, you bought the car, if notthen you went to the next showroom, where the same thing would repeat itself.
The salesmen would throw you a high-pressure sales pitch which would make you think that you were losing out on a deal of the century. But the narrative has changed over the last decade considerably. The pre-owned car buying industry has evolved with it making things much easier and affordable, too.
Let us have a look at how car buying changed over the last ten years in the used car market.
ALSO READ: Essential Guide for Buying a Used Car
Choosing the make of the car
Earlier: There were fewer options to choose which car you wanted to buy. Most people would buy only those cars that they were familiar with. Buying an unknown car model based on little information was a risk people did not choose to take back then. The lack of information meant they had to rely on the words of the car salesman. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry.
Today: You punch a few words into your phone and it gives you all the informationyou need about used car buying options. You can check out different models, and the internet will give you answers to the ones that fit your requirements best. People are not afraid to experiment in this era with information at the top of their fingers.
Checking the car’s condition
Earlier: The only way to check if the car was in good condition was to call a mechanic and have him check it out. It was difficult to gauge much with a test drive unless you were an expert in all things about cars.
Today: Most pre-owned car buying outlets provide a full report of the car along with safety and quality information. If they refuse to offer it, you know something is wrong.
ALSO READ: Buying a Used Car Here is How You Can Get a Good Deal
Purchasing from reputed showroom
Earlier: You would have to go to the showroom to see if it was a reliable place to buy a car or not. If you still had doubts, then you would have to ask people whom you trusted to give the right information.
Today: The digital age has revolutionised buying. You can check out reviews of a showroom to see if it is reliable or not. If the showroom has received any awards then it adds to their credibility.
Getting the right price
Earlier: For someone who has bought many cars through the decades would know thetrouble you could get into if you did not know what it is like to argue with the salesman over the price. Even if you get a good price, deep down you feel like you should have tried to bargain for a lower price.
Today: Trying to get a good price when you are at the showroom is tougher than getting a price on email. The pressure is off and you can take your time to frame your response and get the deal you want.
ALSO READ: How to Get the Best Price for Used Cars Online
Easy car loans
Earlier: The process for getting a loan back then was a tedious process. You had to physically run from every post to pillar and make the payment happen.
Today: You can apply for a used car loan and get it approved in less than half an hour with minimal documentation. The car can be yours on the same day.
Gone are the days when you had to rely on that one salesman for information you needed. Today, the customer already knows what they want. There is no pressure. You can take your time to decide whether you wish to purchase the car or not. The internet is full of pre-owned car buying owners who leave reviews that can help you make the right decision.
