{"id":803,"date":"2019-07-22T22:38:21","date_gmt":"2019-07-22T10:38:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/signetmotors.co.nz\/?page_id=803"},"modified":"2021-04-29T23:30:44","modified_gmt":"2021-04-29T11:30:44","slug":"used-car-buying-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/signetmotors.co.nz\/used-car-buying-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Used car buying guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Used car <\/br> buying <\/br> guide<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"signet-motors_icons_user-car-buying-guide\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Buy smart for a great deal.<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Buying a vehicle is a significant yet essential purchase for most New Zealanders.<\/span><\/p>

Choosing a quality used car over a new car is a great way to get the most bang for your buck.<\/span><\/p>

Knowing what to look for (and avoid) is essential.<\/span><\/p>

We’ve created this comprehensive used car buying guide covering everything you need to know to choose wisely – and steer clear of any costly lemons!<\/span><\/p>

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop savvy<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The benefits of buying a used car<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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So why do so many people in New Zealand choose to buy a used car instead of a new car? Because buying used comes with many benefits compared to buying new, which we\u2019ve outlined below!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Lower cost\n<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Easily the biggest advantage of buying a used car is the cost. You\u2019ll save a massive amount of money buying a used car rather than a new model. Car values depreciate as soon as the leave the dealership, lowering an average of 20% in value after the first year and 15% after the second year.<\/p>

Additional costs like taxes, insurance, registration fees, dealer fees, and maintenance fees are all typically higher for new cars than for used cars, so savings are made across the board.<\/p>

Therefore, you can save big bucks by choosing second-hand \u2013 even used cars that are only a year or two old are much cheaper to buy! Yes, used cars also depreciate but because your initial outlay is much lower, you\u2019re losing less money over time.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Built to last\n<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Buying a used car is no longer a case of purchasing a very old model that has limited life left, so it is less of a risk for the buyer. Modern cars are all built to last more than ten years, so buying a used car that a just a few years old means that you can expect it to last.<\/p>

This gives the modern buyer the peace of mind that buying second hand is no longer the risk it once was. Yes, if you buy a very old used car then it may not last, but most vehicles made in the last 5 years will have plenty of kilometres left in the engine.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Options to suit<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Used cars are big business here in New Zealand, with thousands of models available from all the top vehicle manufacturers. For instance, our proximity to Japan means we have an abundance of high-quality used cars from Japanese manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda etc.<\/p>

Whether you want a petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric car, the used car market has an abundance of makes and models to suit all preferences and budgets.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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FAQs asked by used car shoppers<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPeople are uncertain about many things when buying a used car, so here a some of the most frequently asked questions we receive!\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Easily the biggest concern when buying a used car, you are responsible for issues that arise after buying, but there are ways to minimise the risk of any problems. Always get the car tested and do your homework on what models are susceptible to faults to avoid problematic models.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan I get a newer model while still paying less?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Yes! There are many newer models that are available for much less money due to kilometres on the odometer. For instance, models made from 2010-2013 are around six to eight years old with an average mileage of 50,000km, allowing you to get a recent model in good condition for a great price.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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It\u2019s mostly down to personal preferences. Used manual cars are more common and affordable here in New Zealand, while most enjoy the engagement they offer when driving. Others prefer the fuel efficiency of automatics while they\u2019re also easier to sell again.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShould I purchase an extended warranty?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

It depends on your situation. Doing so will increase the running costs of the car but also offer protection should a fault arise in the future. Given that used cars are more susceptible to problems, extended warranties are a good investment for most, otherwise expensive repairs that occur are going to cost a lot to fix.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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You should always shop around for insurance before you buy anything to get an idea of prices for makes and models. Insurance will be cheaper and there are many great deals available, so be sure to shop around for the best offer.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat should I do with my current car?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

There are two options, you can either sell privately or trade-in with the dealership to put towards your purchase. Selling private requires more time and effort but will net you the most money for your car. Dealerships remove much of the hassle of attempting to sell the car but might not get you as much cash as you hoped.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Best places to buy a used car in New Zealand<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are currently two main places you can buy a used car from in New Zealand \u2013 private sellers or a used dealership. Each have their pros and cons so be sure to think about what benefits are most suitable for your situation!\u00a0\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Used car dealer <\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUsed car dealers are found throughout New Zealand. These businesses are fully regulated, requiring registration with the Motor Vehicles Trading Registrar, typically having dozens of different makes and models available While buying a used car from a dealership is more expensive than a private seller, there are certain guarantees in place that make safer for buyers.\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pros<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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