Buying guide
Your used car budget: look beyond the asking price
By CarTrak · · 2 min read
Before you shortlist a car, decide what you can comfortably spend on buying it and running it. A clear budget makes conversations easier and helps you compare cars that suit your everyday life.
1.Start with your daily use
Think about your usual journeys, parking space, passengers and luggage. Write down what matters most, such as an automatic gearbox for city traffic or space for family trips. Keep those needs separate from features that would simply be nice to have.
2.Leave room after the purchase
Keep part of your budget aside for ownership expenses. Ask about the car’s service history, tyre condition and any work recommended after purchase. Find out which charges are included in the quoted amount and ask for a clear breakdown before agreeing to anything.
3.Compare like with like
When comparing two listings, note the year, variant, fuel, transmission, kilometres, ownership history and disclosed condition. A model name alone does not tell the whole story. Ask why the cars differ in price and use the answers to decide which one to view.
4.Share a comfortable range
Tell CarTrak your preferred budget and the features you need. If a car is outside that range, ask what alternatives are available rather than stretching before you have seen and driven it.