Buying a Used Volvo - Don't Make These Five Mistakes

Comfortable, safe with a luxurious feel; Volvo is unarguably a premium global brand for commercial vehicles. With the coronavirus pandemic is heading in the direction of endemic thanks to the ongoing vaccination drive, the tourism industry business is expected to get a big boost in the coming months.

So, now is the right time to invest in buying used Volvo cars as the demands are anticipated to surge. A recent study by TransUnion reveals that many customers who qualify for a new vehicle loan still opted for more affordable "nearly new" second-hand cars and trucks instead.

But, buying a used commercial vehicle is baffling. Whether you’re sifting through portals that put out used commercial vehicles for sale or through an automobile broker, the experience can be staggering, especially for first-time buyers. Plus, second-hand vehicles usually don’t come with warranties and other perks.

With that in mind, today, we’ve compiled a list of five common old Volvo car buying mistakes to avoid.

Mistake #1 Not Doing the Homework

Some people skip doing the research work when searching for a secondhand vehicle, mainly because they feel that this is not as big an investment compared to when buying a new Volvo straight from the showroom.

In this age of the Internet, the process of buying a used commercial car has become more democratized than ever. We have access to every minute fact and figure about a specific vehicle brand or model. This includes mileage, body, engine type, and safety features like airbags, ABS traction, etc.

So, there’s no reason you need to step into a local used commercial vehicle mall or contact sellers without having first researched the vehicle online.

Mistake #2 Not Checking the Vehicle’s History Report

Most buyers understand the importance of flipping through the vehicle’s history report for its self-evaluation. However, some still overlook the importance of this report, and they trust the words of the agent or the seller. But, this can lead to problems later on—hefty repair bills now and then.

Vehicle history is a detailed outline that tells everything that the vehicle has gone through, such as massive repairs and minor or major accidents. Was it used as a rental vehicle? What are the exact kilometers covered?

Thus, the history report provides all the necessary details for a transparent secondhand buying experience.

While most used vehicle dealers have this report available for their customers to go through and finalize, private sellers might not have it. So, you also need to prepare a quick checklist related to technical specifications.

Mistake #3: Not Considering Fuel Efficiency

Ignoring fuel consumption is another common mistake that buyers make when searching for pre-owned vehicles.

Ask yourself, would you go with a low mileage returning car that will burn a hole in your pocket every day or a good fuel-efficient commercial vehicle to improve your business bottom line?

Whatever you do, don’t overlook the vehicle’s mileage rating when fuel prices are soaring. Additionally, with used vehicles, we can expect frequent repairs and regular maintenance compared to brand new ones.

So, in a nutshell, opting for fuel-efficient economic Volvo models is better for having an overall economical commercial vehicle ownership experience.

Mistake #4 Skipping a Full Inspection

Second-Hand buyers often ignore full inspection to save some dollars from not having to hire a vehicle specialist from a local Volvo service center. They prefer doing it all by themselves.

Because we can know a little about the commercial vehicle just by having a glance, never finalize the deal without conducting a full professional inspection. It is advised to have a qualified mechanic look for the fluid leaks as well as the engine check-up.

At the same time, Volvo service Adelaide mechanics will analyze the brake pads and tires, and tell you if replacements are needed soon.

Before you fret over a few dollars that you’ll be spending on this service, remember that you can use their advice to your advantage in negotiating the price and bringing it down. So, it's always worth the money spent.

Mistake #5 Not Taking a Test Drive

Buyers feel timid asking the agent or the seller for a test drive to better understand the performance of their prospective vehicle.

Whether you are considering a second-hand Volvo or a brand new one, get in the car and drive it before you ink the deal. It will tell you a lot about whether or not it's the right commercial vehicle for you.

Conclusion

Settle into the driver’s seat and have a look around before you turn on the ignition, check how the visibility is via the rear windscreen? What do the interiors feel like? Does the vehicle give a satisfying clunk? Are there any rattles?

The test drive will help you make the final call based on the overall performance.

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