10 Things to Check When Buying a Second Hand Car

Before, we've blogged about basic things to check when buying a second hand car. Today, we are going to give you more tips and things to be aware of to make sure you are not going to regret your purchase afterwards. As a summary on our other post, basic things to check are:
-If the car was flooded
-Registrations papers
-Cross checking papers with the car dealer where it was bought
-Reason for selling
-Physical appearance
-Test drive

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9 Mistakes that Pre-owned Car Buyers Make

Walking in a car lot or showroom could be a battle and the result is either walking away with your dream car or getting ripped off by the car dealer. Its best be prepared and know some of the mistakes that car buyers often commit that car dealers are also eyeing for. Below are the nine common errors most car buyers fail to realize when buying a used or brand new car.

Not researching about important specs

Some car buyers simply trust the words of their car dealer or the information given by the car manufacturer regarding some of the important data such as gas mileage, crash rating and horsepower. Check at least two credible sources confirming these data before buying a specific car model. Car forums also serve as a good research center, especially that previously owned a similar unit.

Window sticker is the “final price”

The window sticker in front of a brand new car is what you call the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Dealer discounts and manufacturer’s rebates can be slashed from these MSRPs and should not be the negotiating price of the unit. Check beforehand if the brand of the car has promos, to ensure you don’t get ripped off.

Getting caught on the “buy today” bait

You often hear it: promo, discount or rebate ends today. Don’t get sucked in simply because you want to get that price off, if you buy today syndrome. You came to the dealer lot or showroom to purchase a competitive car that can accommodate your needs. Fact is, only one out of five customers return to a showroom after they left, and this is all just to increase their conversions.

Other types of this bait are the “freebies” from an umbrella to oil changes, you name it. There is also a good chance that discount may increase tomorrow, especially if they simply are forced to grab more sales.

Getting emotionally attached to a car

You walked in a used car lot to check out, say, fully researched Toyota Vios you personally researched and you have your budget set. But when you saw the stylish Mazda 3- you get so emotionally attached and bought the latter only to find out you spend more. The lesson, you buy a car because of its function and how it fits into your life, before form (unless of course you have wads to show).

Not getting a mechanic check the car

Some car owners feel that owning their first car have made them a car guru; and thus, neglecting to bring a professional or at least a knowledgeable friend to have a second opinion. Bringing a mechanic in the shop of a used car dealer could make him vulnerable and a little bit honest. Plus, your mechanic friend may spot problems that the naked eye may find difficulty finding, which is worth his service, especially when you are buying a high-end car.

Paying on a monthly basis (and looking the part)

If there is any customer that car dealers prey into, it’s the guy who wants to pay via a financing option (especially loans). Whether you are buying brand new or used cars, dealers would always first approach you with “easy payment terms.” If you could buy it for a whole price, then go. If not, the worst you could do is look the part for someone willing to pay monthly and not having the opportunity to haggle (in case of buying a used car).

Bowing to the “finance man”

There are three types of dealers in a car lot or showroom. The dealer (sells you a car), the delivery coordinator (adds dealer options) and the highest paid, most skillful of them all- the finance manager. Just be wary of this guy and scrutinize every word he says.

Also, read the fine print of every document he hands to you. Often, these guys rip you off by offering things like extended warranties, theft protection, etc. in the promise that you will get a “better rate.”

Buying all the dealer options

Tire covers, mags, dual climate air conditioning, leather upholsteries, headrests DVD player, and more are just some of the equipments your dealers (a.k.a. Delivery Coordinator) would try to get you hooked. There is nothing wrong in getting some of these nifty add-ons, you must be warned that this would also cost you a few ten thousand of pesos or more. Choose only what you really need, not because the dealer said your car is incomplete without any of these.

Not performing a test drive

Either the car buyer was so enticed by the chit-chat with the dealer or he has completely forgotten to do so. Often, a car buyer would simply assume that he has driven this type of car (say a sedan) and knows how they perform on the streets. A test drive gives you a chance to fully assess the car’s handling and how it performs on curves. This is the last phase of your review before signing those papers and should never be skipped.

About Carmudi Philippines

Carmudi Philippines is a comprehensive online car portal that displays the listings of brand new and used cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles from trusted vehicle dealers across the country. The website also has a journal page, which contains useful tips and resources covering the automotive industry.

Cheftonio
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Generic Car DVR (Dual Cam) w/ Remote Review

Late last year, I purchased a car DVR made by Thinkware, a Korean company but has a local distributor here in Manila (Uncharted Corp). I have no complains about it and up to this day, I am currently happy with my investment. Well, it doesn't earn you back money literally but since it's more pricier than others, I just consider it as an investment and consider the footage I can possible collect as content for my blog (or as evidence).

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Preparing for a Rainy Day: Which Car to get? [Ground Clearance/ Fording Depth Comparison]

In a tropical country like the Philippines, we either get wet or a dry season. We do not experience summer here nor do we have a fixed month for these seasons. Instead, we have 4 climate types (Type I to Type IV) to best describe what we are experiencing. Before I get technical about the weather, let me share with you a research I made as to the best vehicle you can get to weather through the wet season (no pun intended).

I've been eyeing on a specific pick-up truck for some time now. Given the current choices, I decided to just wait a year more so I can purchase the updated and possibly an all brand new model and not just a face-lifted version. In this post, I'm comparing "ground clearance" data. In layman's term, it simply means ride height. Let the diagram below explain it visually. (I'll explain fording depth later)

For me, it's safe to assume that whatever your ground clearance is, that is the safest possible water level your vehicle can go through because more or less, manufacturers won't put anything that can be water damaged below that level because more often than not, there is nothing below that level. It's the best basis to consider if you live in an area that easily floods with a few drops of rain.

Take note though that ground clearance is different from fording depth (see Hummer in the image above). By definition, fording depth means maximum depth at which a particular vehicle can operate in water. Not a lot of manufacturers give this data but we have searched for a few vehicles with this available data. Goal is to provide you an overview of the ground clearance and fording depth of vehicles with the said available data since it is not easy to look for those in an instant. This will be my personal guide and might be of help to you as well in deciding what vehicle to purchase to be used in the flood-y streets of Manila. Accuracy of data should be double checked. 

Vehicles and their ground clearance + fording depth (In order of ground clearance, highest to lowest)
Format of data: Ground Clearance in mm / Fording Depth in mm (if available)
(I won't be including sedans here for obvious reasons. If in any case I get anything wrong, feel free to comment below. Also, If I have missed a vehicle or two that you have available data of, let me know as well. Additional vehicles not mentioned will be added as I get information about them.)

200mm Ground Clearance and Up

Ground Clearance

Wading Depth

LandRover Discovery4	310mm	700mm
LandRover RangeRover	302mm	900mm
Range Rover Sport	285mm	850mm
Toyota FJ Cruiser	245mm	762mm
Nissan Navara	230mm	450mm
Isuzu Dmax	225mm
Ford Ranger	223mm	800mm
Toyota Fortuner	220mm	700mm
Subaru XV	220mm	450mm*
Subaru Forester	220mm	500mm
Landcruiser Prado	220mm	700mm
Mitsubishi Montero	215mm	500mm
Toyota Hilux	212mm	700mm
Ford Everest	210mm	750mm
Mercedes Benz G500	210mm	600mm
Chevrolet Colorado	210mm	800mm
BMW X5	208mm	500mm
BMW X3	208mm	500mm
Mitsubishi Strada	205mm	500mm
Ford EcoSport	200mm	550mm
Grand Vitara	200mm	500mm
VW Touareg	200mm	580mm

199mm Ground Clearance and Below

Suzuki Jimny 190mm 650mm Kia Sorento 190mm 500mm Hyundai Santa Fe 185mm 500mm BMW X1 178mm 304mm Toyota Innova 176mm 500mm Hyundai Tucson 170mm 400mm Honda CRV 2013 170mm Toyota Rav4 2014 160mm

Given the data above, I wouldn't still be very confident on the wading/fording depth rating. A lot of things need to be considered and the numbers should just be used as data for comparison. What I would rely on more is the ground clearance data. Most of the vehicles mentioned above are the latest models as of publishing time.

In the Philippines, the most famous pick-up would be the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux. For SUV, it's the Mitsubishi Montero Sport and Toyota Fortuner. For the budget conscious, the more visible vehicles are the Hyundai Tucson, Ford Ecosport and Toyota Innova. Here's a close comparison of the mentioned vehicles:

SUV
Toyota Fortuner	220mm	700mm
Mitsubishi Montero	215mm	500mm
Pick-up
Ford Ranger	223mm	800mm
Toyota Hilux	212mm	700mm
Economy Pick
Ford EcoSport	200mm	550mm
Toyota Innova	176mm	500mm
Hyundai Tucson	170mm	400mm

Pick up trucks are best for utilitarian purposes because it can carry a more flexible sized cargo, looks good even if you do a "lift" to increase ground clearance and wading depth and doesn't compromise much on style. Some of the best people carrier mentioned above are the Toyota Innova, Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Montero. Cheapest of all would be the Toyota Innova but it has only 176mm of ground clearance. As for the 2 SUVs, Montero would be the sportier yet cheaper one and the Fortuner would be the classier yet more expensive one. The Ecosport is unique because although it is one of the cheapest in terms of price, the ground clearance and wading depth rating is great for its class. Price-wise, the high end model costs less than 1 million pesos.

My only misgiving would be the after sales service. In the Philippines, I know that Honda and Toyota (dealership dependent at times) has the greatest after sales service and overall vehicle reliability plus affordability of spare parts. For Ford and Hyundai, I cannot vouch for the reliability of the vehicle as having owned both presented a lot of problems with some being very expensive.

As for fuel consumption, Toyota's have proven that it is very fuel efficient, specially the Toyota Innova that can reach 12km~15km per liter based on personal experience.

*Thanks for commenters/readers helping me update this info sheet. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are info coming from readers as seen in the comment section below.
In case you know other cars info on their ground clearance and their wading depths, please comment below.

Thanks again!

Cheftonio
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Brand Used: Thinkware FXD700 Car DVR (After 6 months)

"Brand Used" is a series I created reviewing devices after they have been used after some time as some devices stop working the way they should after a period of time. You can also read about aesthetic wear and tears or maybe even more flaws that a buyer like you should be aware of. The essence of this series is to show you the quality of the product so you'd more or less know if the company creates sh*tty stuff or not.

After a lot of inquiries and comments from readers and friends, I'm happy to have recommended this car DVR to them. A bit pricey than most alternatives, I can so far confirm that the quality of this product is superb! Imagine, baking the car under summer heat, this car DVR is considered the first in line to receive the scorching heat after the windshield itself. I have subjected this device (not intentionally) to the heat for very long hours that sometimes, I cannot even hold the device itself -- and it still works! Nothing warped, no fades, camera quality still clear as day!

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All New 2014 / 2015 Toyota Hilux (Photos)

Unlike before, pick-up trucks nowadays are regarded as lifestyle-like vehicles. Gone are the days when pick-up trucks are mostly used for business. Now, their design appeals to a wider market, specifically the guys. When the Ford Ranger was released, I really liked how the Wildtrak looked like. It was then my most favorite pick-up truck and if I were just in the market for one, I would've considered getting it. After remembering ALL the problems I encountered with my current non-Japanese sedan, it reminded me to stick with Japanese brands.

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Credit Cards with Fuel Rebates in the Philippines

Since fuel prices are highly volatile, there’s no way to control your budget but to rely on credit card rebates and promos. If you’re qualified to have your first credit card you may opt for the specific products with gas rewards. If you’re a credit cardholder but you’re still not getting fuel rebates, it’s probably time for you to make the switch.

Here’s a shortlist of some of the specialty credit cards that offer great fuel rebates, discounts, and exclusive offers.

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8 Things You Need to Know about 'The Beast' - US Presidential Limousine

First, let me welcome Mr. Barack Obama! Although I doubt he'll have time to read this, let me share you 8 awesome things you will find VERY interesting in the Presidential Limousine called 'The Beast'.

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Hot Import Nights 3 Manila [Photos]

It was an awesome weekend and attending the car show made it even awesome-r! Other than getting to see rare muscle cars, I also saw some of the most tuned vehicles I've seen in my entire life! I must admit though that my age is kicking in because my ear drums almost blew from all the loud speakers from the car displays! Clarity, bass and what-not, they got it all as long as it is car and tuning related!

I hope you paid them a visit because it'll definitely be worth your money! Hot Import Nights 3 Manila runs from April  26 and 27, 2014 at the Metrowalk, Metrotent. If not, check out some of the photos I took.

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Hot Import Nights 3 Manila - Presented by Total

 I attended a press conference earlier for one of the most anticipated car shows, not only locally but  internationally -- Hot Import Nights 3, Manila Leg!

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5 Tips for the Upcoming Mega Traffic in Metro Manila

Honestly, I don't know if the traffic can get any worst in Metro Manila. Skyway Stage 3 construction officialy started last night but we won't really feel the chaos until all projects simultaneously coincide with each other. Amidst all the hype and armageddon-like description from the media of the upcoming traffic that will be caused by the Skyway Stage 3 infrastructure project, here are some tips to get you all lock and loaded for the supposedly traffic-ggedon:

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Toyota Corolla Altis 2014 Colors, Photos, and Price

Toyota recently launched their newest Altis last January 2014. It's a real head turner and it was so nice that I took the time to visit a Toyota dealership to check it out. Like many others, I'm sure that if you share the same excitement as mine or if you plan to buy this vehicle anytime soon, you'd love to see a lot of photos of it. Like what most sites are lacking, I took the liberty to take photos of all the colors of the new Toyota Corolla Altis 2014. Not all colors were available when I visited but this would more or less cover majority of the available colors.
(Toyota Corolla Altis 2014 Colors above: Attitude black, Freedom White, Thermalyte, Dark Gray)

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The Hidden Value of Old Economy Cars

(Photo taken in Rome where congestion is sometimes just as bad as Manila.)

Unless you are part of the percentage that buys a car and sells it after 3 or 4 years, you'll never have problems similar to those who drive a car older than 5 years old. Depending on the brand, people usually experience problems when their car reaches 5 years. Some minor, some major but one thing is for sure -- the moment ANY car steps out of the dealership, the value depreciates. This is why an automobile purchase is never considered an asset but a liability in the books but if it will ease your everyday living or help you in your business, you can somewhat consider it as an asset in your life.

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Toyota Altis 2014 (Photos and Crash Test Video)

Even prior to the launch here in the Philippines, I've been very excited for the launch of the new Altis and at the same time, hoping that we get the European version and not the American version. Well, prayers answered! A few days ago, Toyota Motor Philippines officially launched the new Altis 2014.

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Difference Between the 2012 Japan and Thailand Honda CRV

At first glance, would you know the difference between a Japan made Honda CRV and one that's made in Thailand? Let's take a look.

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6 Truths to the show Don't Drive Here: Manila [Video]

I was watching an episode of Don't Drive here by Discovery Channel featuring Manila and I can't help but laugh at the funny comments the guy is giving. Before anyone get's angry (*cough-cough* Dan Brown's book), remember that it's supposed to be a light show and what he mentioned in the show are problems which we experience daily.

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Things to Take Note when Purchasing 2nd Hand Vehicles

Buying second hand cars is not as easy as it seems. There are a lot of things to be considered before a decision is made whether or not to purchase a vehicle. Here are a few things you might need to look at to make sure that you hard earned money will not go down the drain because you purchased the "wrong vehicle"

1. Ask and check if the vehicle was flooded - since Typhoon "Ondoy" and weather disturbance "Habagat" had strike not only houses but also vehicles, it is always better to have the vehicle checked by experts to see if there are traces of it being flooded.

2. Have the registration papers thoroughly checked - this is one of the most important steps that one should take note is to prove the authenticity of the documents that are being presented to avoid purchasing cars that are carjacked or car-napped.

3. Using the registration papers, you can double check it with the vehicle's casa to ensure that the car is clear from any obligations or encumbrance with any financial institutions. This is especially true for vehicles that are semi-brand new because possible in-house loans/bank loans may not be fully-paid yet.

4. Ask their reason of selling - others actually find this helpful (in some cases). But there are sellers who are actually honest to tell you their reasons as to why they want to dispose the vehicle.

5. More than the physical appearance, one should also check the engine and the interiors to make sure that the vehicle you are about to purchase actually passes you standards. You might want to ask someone who is more experienced with checking engines to ensure that they are still in good condition.

6. Test drive the vehicle - to make sure that the engine works well, performance of the vehicle is still good and the defects that the vehicle may have. 

If you've had your good and not-so-good experiences on purchasing a second-hand vehicle, share them with us, we'd want to learn from your experience too!

LaNnA
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So, What's Inside a Toyota Alphard? [Photos]

Other than Toyota Previa, the Toyota Alphard is another premium van from Toyota. It is primarily made for the Japanese market but also sold in Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Oman, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

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Toyota 86 Photos and Video

The Toyota 86 is developed by Toyota and Subaru. With a boxer engine, front-engine and RWD layout and first 2+2. It's sold under different brands.
-Toyota 86 in Japan, South Africa and Australia
-Toyota GT86 in Europe
-Toyota 86 and Toyota GT86 in New Zealand
-Subaru BRZ
-Scion FR-S in the US and Canada

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Have You Seen the All New 2013 Toyota Vios? [Photos]

One of the most popular vehicles in the Philippines is the Toyota Vios. Because of the price (pricelist at the bottom of this post), it attracted a wide market. The new design is way better than the previous ones. The rear part is my favorite as it looks like a Camry. The front part looks a bit like Rav 4. I'm assuming that the upcoming new Toyota Altis 2013 is somewhat similar to the front part of the Toyota Vios. Check out the photos below.

Toyota Vios 2013 Exterior

Red Toyota Vios 2013 - Looks good!

Toyota Vios 2013 G (Highend) has a chrome trunk garnish 

Carbon fiber-like plastic design

Headlights

Looks like a Honda Civic 2012 in this angle

Sexy angle from the front

Toyota Vios 2013 Interior Photos

Looks like leather but it's plastic - still nice though

Same here, it might look like leather but it's plastic.

Overall, it looks good and the interior looks better compared to previous versions as well! The leather-like plastic design also adds up a lot of elegance to an economy compact car. Check out the price below.

Pricelist (Updated July 16, 2013)

VIOS	1.3 Base M/T	Php592,000.00
VIOS	1.3 E A/T	Php762,000.00
VIOS	1.3 E M/T	Php727,000.00
VIOS	1.3 G A/T	Php747,000.00
VIOS	1.3 G M/T	Php712,000.00
VIOS	1.3 J Limited M/T	Php631,000.00
VIOS	1.3 J M/T	Php630,000.00
VIOS	1.5 G A/T	Php847,000.00
VIOS	1.5 G M/T	Php812,000.00
VIOS	1.5 TRD A/T	Php869,000.00
VIOS	1.5 TRD A/T WP	Php884,000.00

    Toyota Commonwealth
Maria Elena Tabisora (Customer Relations Head)
Trunk Line: 952-1021 to 27
Local: 116, 133
Direct Line: 952-0764
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Address: Commonwealth Avenue Quezon City

Cheftonio
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