10 popular mistakes when buying a used car in Cyprus

A second-hand car in Cyprus is cheaper than a new one from a showroom, but there is a risk of buying a poor quality vehicle. In order not to save money at a loss, but to buy a really good car, you should take the issue seriously.

We suggest you consider the 10 most common mistakes made by local buyers:

Mistake #1: Take them at their word

A classic of the genre: the car has its original paintwork, has only been driven to the shops by the wife or to school by the child, only seasonal mileage, has been stored responsibly, blah, blah, blah. Every word of the description in the ad must be questioned, divided into three parts, double-checked with every means available. This is the psychology not only of a salesman, but of human beings in general: you have to talk about the good things, but you have to keep quiet about the bad things.

Mistake #2: Falling for the looks

First the big players, and then the smaller ones, have become adept at high-quality studio photography with good lighting. And today's average smartphone takes a better picture than the professional cameras of the past, running the image through 'enhancers' and filters on the fly. So the reality may not match the expectations. And not just might, but definitely will.

Mistake #3: Not paying enough attention to the car's history

Checking a car's history will tell you if it has been in an accident, stolen or repaired after serious damage. Neglecting this step can lead to buying a car with a dark past.

Mistake #4: Chasing cheapness

This is a good place to remember all those annoying truisms about free cheese, mousetraps and so on. There are, of course, all sorts of force majeure situations where the price really does have to be reduced (e.g. someone urgently needs money for an operation), but these are exceptions to the rule.

And the rule is that they reduce the price dramatically when they want to get rid of the car. And they want to get rid of it not for nothing, but because they are tired of investing in endless repairs, for example. Therefore, it is better not to even consider variants with a price below the average for this model (or in general - below the lowest limit).

Mistake #5: Buying from friends

This mistake leads to the same problems as giving/borrowing from close friends. You can easily lose a friendship. Somehow, in passing, a close friend 'forgets' to mention some serious shortcoming - and now he is no longer your friend. You often hear the story of someone who loves their car so much that they are reluctant to give it to a stranger and will only sell it if it is in good hands.

This does happen, but it is incredibly rare. In most cases, the phrase 'from the heart' means nothing. Such sellers want to get rid of a car with problems at a high price. But they will not tell the new owner. So never trust the words of relatives, and always check the car you are buying.

Mistake #6: Refusing a test drive

A test drive is an essential part of buying a used car. It allows you to understand how the car behaves on the road, feel how the engine, brakes and suspension work. Neglecting this stage can lead to problems being discovered after the purchase.

Mistake #7: Blind faith in odometer readings

One of the most popular tricks is to fudge the odometer. Don't just rely on the odometer - look at the condition of the interior, steering wheel and pedals to see how much the car has been used.

Mistake #8: Ignoring a professional vehicle inspection

Many buyers rely only on a visual inspection and a short test drive, forgetting about detailed diagnostics. A technical inspection at a specialist garage can help to uncover hidden problems such as engine, gearbox or suspension faults. The same problems with geometry after a serious accident are often only visible on a lift with good lighting.

And a well-lit lift is only available from a specialist garage, preferably one that specialises in that particular make of car. Such specialists have a special experience, they know where to look from hearsay. They are the ones to look for.

Mistake #9: Rushing and giving in to the hype

This mistake is a sign of every crisis. Uncertain about the future, people run to save their remaining savings and invest them in long-term consumption products. Cars, for example.

Speculative demand means buying at triple the price, and a hasty decision can turn out to be wrong - you will definitely miss something or fail to see it. So no matter what the world is doing around you, keep a cool head - you are less likely to make a mistake when buying a car.

Mistake #10: Buying from unreliable sellers

Buying a car from private individuals or on unfamiliar websites can increase the risk of buying a car with legal problems or hidden defects. It is better to choose reputable sellers or car dealers who offer guarantees and legal support for the transaction.

Buying a used car can be a great way to save money, but only if you avoid the most common mistakes. Care and a competent approach will help you avoid problems and choose a quality car that will serve you for many years to come.

For a wide selection of cars visit the DomCar website