Over the past couple of years, Pune has been the epicenter for the Indian youth as it boasts more than a handful of top standard educational institutions as well as a number of career developing employment options. With this increase in popularity, the city has also seen a massive increase in vehicles. As of 2019, the RTO of Pune has listed 3.62 million registered vehicles and in comparison to the 3.5 million population in the city, those numbers are huge. But, Pune is a city that encourages selling of pre-owned cars and bike which is a good thing for young adults who are just starting their careers. So, if you’re on the lookout for a used car, here are some tips you need to know before taking home your new toy.
Inspect the Car with a Professional
One of the biggest mistakes we make when buying a second hand car is that we fail to thoroughly check it before taking it home. This is where a professional mechanic comes in handy. Get a mechanic to check the car’s insides and outsides before you can take ownership of it. Check the engine for leaks, damages, rust, or dents and bring it to the owner’s notice. The brakes should also be checked while test driving the car to ensure that it doesn’t produce a squealing noise or causes vibrations when pressed. Next, check the tyres as they are the first parts of a car that are prone to wear and tear. Finally, match the number on the engine and chassis to the number mentioned on its registration papers to see that it is the same. Although it might seem like a lot of work, these processes are extremely important when it comes to pre-owned vehicles.
Transfer of Registration Certificate
Another vital step when buying a used car is the Registration Certificate or RC transfer from the previous owner’s name to yours. Both, the previous owner and you have to sign a couple of forms and submit them to the local Regional Traffic Office. If the car is under the same jurisdiction as your residence, there shouldn’t be a problem with the transfer. A NOC or No Objection Certificate is required in case the jurisdiction does not match. This process takes about 45 days before the new RC with the changed name is delivered. Apart from the RC, the previous owner should also transfer the insurance policy on the vehicle. If there is no valid policy available, a new policy must be made for the vehicle.
Repairs and Touch-Ups
When all the paperwork is completed and the car is finally handed over, you might want to wait a bit before using it. This is where you need to take the car to a mechanic and get it cleaned, fixed, and examined again before you drive around in your new car. Change the oil, fluids, and other damaged components in the car as well as on the exteriors. If you are not happy with the paintwork, you can get the car painted as well or add a few custom touch-ups that make the car your own.
Here are some of the most popular used cars in Pune and what makes them so popular.
Renault Kwid: Quite obviously, the Kwid is extremely affordable and quite versatile. It is the perfect option for people looking for budget-friendly cars in the market.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class A200: On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Mercedes-Benz A200 is quite an expensive option when it comes to pre-owned cars, but it is a lot cheaper than what it would cost out of the dealership. The car offers a lot and is often used by corporate officials, businessmen, and maybe even successful YouTubers.
Honda Amaze: You can’t really go wrong with a Honda car and Amaze is, as the name describes, amazing. The car is quite affordable as a second-hand option and is quite technologically advanced.
Volkswagen Polo: This is a car for the youth of India. The quick and sporty VW Polo is not only reasonable, but it is built to last. What’s more, is that the car is made to take on Indian roads like a hot knife through butter.
Toyota Corolla Altis: The Toyota brand name has a certain sophistication to it and the Corolla Altis displays that sophistication on every level. It is made for all types of people including businessmen, families, and working adults thanks to its plethora of features.
There you have it, some of the most important points to remember while buying a second-hand car as well as the most popular ones that rock the Pune streets. So, next time you are in the market for a used car, come back to this list and refresh your purchasing prowess.
