Part 5 - Protecting Yourself

Story by Ming Jie
18 Apr 2010
 

Self Protection

We understand that the volume of cars that moves in and out of pre-owned car dealers inventory affects their profit margin. Although most companies can be trusted, some do employ unscrupulous ways to get you to sign on the dotted line just so that they can earn that extra few dollars.


Odometer tampering
"Low Mileage", "Family's second car, seldom used". Heard of such claims before? Browse through a used car classifieds and these phrases will probably appear once in every 4 to 5 car. Think logically. Will there be so many families capable of owning second car? With such high car prices, will someone buy a car and leave it at home most of the time?

It is all too common to see a pre-owned car at "34,000km" being driven over again into workshop for repairs typically seen in a high mileage car.

Odometer tampering is something that is very real and present in current pre-owned dealerships. Therefore, it is always advised to buy pre-owned cars that comes with full service records that will not only tell you if the car has been properly maintained but also to ascertain the true mileage of the car.

If such records are not available, your next best bet would be to judge from the age of the car. Taking the average mileage of 20,000km that Singaporeans clock yearly, multiply that by the age and you get a rough estimate of what the mileage should be.

Check the mileage against your inspection of the bodywork and interiors. A worn out interior inadvertently points to high usage. If the claimed mileage was said to be "27,000km" for a 3-year-old car, do you think this is an honest claim?

Next Page - Tips & tricks of the trade
Sell Fast With Ease - SwiftQuote

With SwiftQuote, you get:
  Best value for your car    A peace of mind when selling    Fast sale from start to end

HIGHEST PRICE FOR YOUR CAR

Best offer with no obligations.
Start Now!

I agree to the collection, use and disclosure of my personal data by Carousell and/or such other third party (as may be necessary) and to be contacted (via email, phone call and/or text message) for any purposes in connection with the application of and transaction of the vehicle, in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 and Carousell's Privacy Policy.

Fast and professional service.

Lim Boon Seng - 1 day ago

SwiftQuote was very prompt to reply and the staff attending was also very swift and friendly. I recommend to anyone to approach SwiftQuote for fast and efficient service. Thank you SwiftQuote!

Suhaimi Moktar - 2 days ago

Satisfactory!!!

Ng Siang Long - 3 days ago

Hi, Quite an impressive experience. SwiftQuote response was fast and effective. Thanks for arranging a deal. I will recommend it to my friend.

Min Aung - 4 days ago

Quick in providing the quotes. Professional customer service.

Ken Lim Tien Khim - 4 days ago

Was sceptical initially. However it turns out to be a very smooth transaction Reliable dealer with very high price quoted for my vehicle was found within 1 day! Impressive service from Swiftquote!

Tan Kian Siong - 4 days ago

Follow up is good and the buyer is genuine. Great offer too!

Yong Shao Horng - 1 week ago

Great link between buyer and seller. Smooth transaction!

Lee - 1 week ago

Very quick and prompt response for best dealer offer. Easy transaction and truly recommended.

Mohammad Yusoff Bin Ponang - 1 week ago

Swiftquote helped me in selling my car very swiftly. Very much appreciated.

Emani Satyanarayana - 1 week ago

CAR REVIEWS BY BRAND

All Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin Audi
Austin Bentley
BMW Chana
Chery Chevrolet
Chrysler Citroën
Daihatsu Daimler
Dennis Dodge
Dongfeng Ferrari
Fiat Ford
Foton Geely
Golden Hafei
Higer Hino
Honda Hummer
Hyundai Infiniti
Isuzu Iveco
JAC Jaguar
Jeep Jinbei
Joylong Kia
King Long Lamborghini
Land Rover Lexus
Lifan Lotus
Man Maserati
Mazda McLaren
Mercedes-Benz MG Rover
Mini Mitsubishi
Morgan Morris
Naza Nissan
Opel Panther
Perodua Peugeot
Porsche Proton
Renault Rolls-Royce
Saab Scania
SEAT Skoda
Smart Ssangyong
Subaru Sunbeam
Suzuki Toyota
Triumph Volkswagen
Volvo Wuling
Youngman Yutong
Zotye