Our used car market is still filled with mistrust and misleading information even from large online used car portals
In the last 5 to 6 years the Malaysian used car industry has been reworked with online classifieds that promise detailed reports and honest evaluations of every vehicle sold.
These online platforms ‘PROMISE’ total transparency and a detailed inspection of the vehicle.
However, we at www.dsf.my have seen many ‘sub-standard’ used vehicles being transacted and it is mostly women buyers who have been duped.
Why? Well, with strong advertising promising honesty, women used car buyers believe they are being given the whole truth about their purchase and only some time after the purchase do they find out the truth when they visit their mechanic, tire alignment shop and even car detailer.
(Car detailers and tire shops with experience staff can point out issues and even accident or flood damage of any vehicle).
HOW SOME MEN INSPECT USED CARS
Meanwhile, a common scene at a used car dealership. Men looking at the engine bay. What are they looking at? Do they even know what to look for? The used car dealer would have done a through cleaning of the engine and lacquered all the black bits in the engine to impress you.
Here below are reasons why we keep receiving complaints about the Malaysian used car industry.
ONLINE RESEARCH
Today, research may be easy as you can check your smartphone for reviews on the used car dealer. However, is the information truthful or was it ‘planted’ by the used car dealers ‘technology’ person?
An online search can offer a wealth of information from seller reviews to common mechanical problems associated with the vehicle you are considering.
Dealers who consistently sell poor quality vehicles and provide poor customer service cannot easily be uncovered through simple research. You can however determine average prices for which can give you knowledge and negotiating leverage.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE HISTORY REPORT
When purchasing a used vehicle, you should always ask for a vehicle history report. Even the most trustworthy appearing seller might be trying to hide an accident, flood damage, or an odometer roll-back.
If you are not particularly concerned about these things, you can be sure that other buyers will be, and that will hinder your ability to re-sell the vehicle when the time comes.
MECHANICAL & MAINTENANCE INSPECTION
Modern vehicles are incredibly complex. Multiple systems such as the air conditioning, lights, on board computer, electric seats, wipers and other accessories, as well as countless engine and body components, must all function properly while simultaneously moving you safely and comfortably down the road.
With so many systems and components, a mechanical and maintenance inspection is a necessity and should not be considered optional. The inspection should be thorough, and should be completed by a mechanic you know and trust and NOT a mechanic employed or associated with the used vehicle seller or used car dealer.
The used car dealer or seller might have an inspection report which is most often not very complete or even honest and you cannot be sure the inspection is unbiased.
