In the know: When to consider buying a second-hand car, motorcycle

Ideally, the best option is to go for a brand-new ride. However, there may be some circumstances when we must decide between buying a new car from the dealership or looking for options in the second-hand car market.

Today, we take a look at instances when you should consider checking out listings for used cars.

When buying an old model

While most car buyers want the latest models, some — be it for the sake of nostalgia or out of pure passion — go for classics released in the 90s with a select few even looking to hunt down cars produced from way back when.

Understandably, you won’t find any of these vehicles in today’s brand-new automobile market as some of these nameplates might have already been discontinued or are now only offered in select regions.

A good example of the former is the popular Mitsubishi Lancer nameplate, which was popularized by the “assembolution” culture here in the Philippines. A stock fourth-generation Lancer “itlog” can be dressed up to look like a Lancer Evo II or Evo III with aftermarket parts that came straight from a donor Evo car, or by means of fabricated body kits.

For the latter, a good example is the Hyundai i10, which was already discontinued here in the Philippines but is still going strong in other regions, like Europe.

The same goes for motorcycles.

The first-generation Yamaha Mio and Fino, as well as the old-school Honda Dio, are just some of the nameplates you can buy exclusively on the second-hand market. These bikes are popular among restorers and builders.

When looking to build a project car or bike

Field stripping a brand-spanking-new Honda Civic to use as a weekend track car might not be the most cost-effective idea.

That said, it would be more practical to buy an early 1990 model Honda Civic EG or a late 90s Civic SiR on the used car market. These models still receive a lot of support from third-party aftermarket parts manufacturers and offer a great platform for those who want a tuned machine for casual racing.

Similarly, those who want to try out building motorcycles for shows might want to consider purchasing units in the used motorcycle section. Second-hand motorbikes — although they might have racked up a few kilometers in the odometer — will be cheaper than buying a new one.

Further, builders will most likely replace its parts so fairings with dents and components affected by wear and tear would probably be not an issue.

When saving is priority

Let’s face it, no one can say no to saving a few Pesos right? We, whether you like it or not, are hardwired to get the best possible deal out of any transaction we make — and that includes big-ticket purchases like a car or a motorcycle.

So, when pinching pennies — as the Westerners say — it is best to consider buying a second-hand car.

Should you decide to take your chances on the used car market, make sure to go to reliable places so you won’t get scammed. Also, prices that are too good to be true are some things you want to be wary of and deals that give you too much bang for your buck will probably be a headache waiting to happen.

To eliminate the risk of buying second-hand cars, do visit reliable sources like Carmudi Philippines. Here, you will find cars that are vetted by professionals who make sure that the description matches the actual unit.

And while we’re on the topic of prices, did you know that Carmudi Philippines offers car financing? So, be sure to contact one of our experts to know more.

Conclusion

Buying second-hand cars and motorcycles can sometimes be the best option in certain situations. Yes, they will come with history but it also means that you’re getting the best price for your preferred ride.

When buying used cars, make sure to head on to Carmudi Philippines where you can get the right car, right now.

Photos from Zigwheels, Juan Paulo Papa, and Hyundai 

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