How Not to Buy a Used Car

Date Posted:Fri, 25th Apr 2025

How Not to Buy a Used Car

I just received an inheritance from my uncle when I was 18 and was itching to spend it.

 

I had always wanted a nice sports car and thought I knew everything from reading magazines and  talking to my friends. Of course I was an “expert”. I saw the ad for the lime green Triumph stag and fell in love. I got the money in the morning and went to see the car in the afternoon.

  • Did I check the kms? Not important because the car looked good
  • Did ask for service records? Nope, why would I need those?
  • Did I test drive the car? Nope because they said I was too young to drive the car
  • Did I negotiate on the price? No because I was too nervous that the seller would be insulted and sell it someone else
  • Did I event compare the price or look at other cars? Didn’t need to because I was sooooo smart 😊
  • Did I ask for a warranty? Of course not because I knew everything and the car looked good to me……

Two days later I became the proud owner of this amazing car. 

One week later I had my first visit to the mechanic to fix the roof that didn’t close properly… He and I became great friends because I ended up visiting him so often.

Where do I start? The roof, exhaust, radio, engine (twice), tyres and suspension all had to be repaired.  Yes – I had bought a lemon. 

It took me another 3 months to sell the car when I found someone else who was an “expert” that fell in love with the car. I bought the car for $9,000, spent $3,000 fixing it and then sold it for $7,000. 

It was a hard lesson to learn. 

Thankfully that was a long time ago and I have since had a very rewarding career in the automotive industry.

The message is clear for buying a used car. Take your time and do the opposite of what I did.

If you ever need any advice about buying or selling cars, feel free to contact me.

Ralph Howie 052 104 9357  

Managing Partner at the Car Buying People