The hierarchy of needs that will be met by the car that we are going to buy is very important.
The basic rule has to do with determining the transportation needs of the prospective buyer.
The interested party should have chosen the use for which his future car is intended and accordingly proceed to his selection.
For example if you need large spaces, performance, four-wheel drive system capabilities (4×4). Accordingly, he must choose the right type of car.
The next step has to do with the class and the displacement, as the large displacement cars have more expensive maintenance, use and acquisition costs.
Also with your accountant you should see the issue of items so as not to fall into their trap.
This way you will have already eliminated a significant number of cars.
From the remaining list, focus on specific models and search for their features by googling, going through the dealerships or even asking the opinion of the owners, who you probably know, what their opinion is.

The calculations must be done with paper, pencil, computer and the help of an expert.
Financing may once have been a major factor in the car market boom, but today things have changed, as lending to the car market is extremely difficult.
Once you have made your final decision, consider with mature thought the amount you are interested in disbursing and what you will be asked to borrow.
Keep in mind that the smaller the loan and the shorter the repayment period, the lower the interest, and therefore the more advantageous the purchase.
Also, pay close attention to the terms of the retention of the marketing authorization in case of financing.

If you are looking to buy a car and intend to keep it for a very long time, resale value is a concept that should not bother you.

But if the new car has an “expiration date” for you, ie you intend to change it after 4-5 years, then before you buy it, think carefully:

Will you be able to sell it fast?

Will you be able to sell it at a good price?

In summary, some factors that affect the resale value of a car are:

1. The commerciality of the model
2. The body type
3. The kilometers of the car
4. The color
5. The fuel it uses

The test drive is required to see if the car we are interested in is within our… likings.

Once you have located the cars you are interested in, visit the dealerships. Insist on being shown what you will ask for and avoid any suggestions for models that are different from your needs. You must also specify the delivery time. Especially now with the new WLTP regulation there are serious delays.

Ask for a test drive and in this short time, make sure that the model you are driving is not praised, but that you judge it as much as you need to.

Test the driving position, handling, engine performance and the immediacy of the gearbox and steering wheel.

Thoroughly inspect the interior and trunk to see if they really fit your needs.

A good deal means clear terms and a relationship of mutual respect between the two parties.

Once you have finally settled down, the next step is to secure the best deal either on offer or from an exchange you may have.

You should be aware that the exchange offer will be much lower than if you sell your used car to a private individual.

What is agreed should be clearly stated in the contract, as well as the individual promises (eg extra accessories, free service).

Today most dealerships have clear prices, but the competition works. Especially in the case of exchange. Anyway, here too the help from an expert before you sign (terms and conditions), we consider useful.

An import car that the dealer buys for € 8,000 in France, must sell it for at least € 11,000 in Greece to cover customs clearance costs, shipping from France, and make a good profit on his investment.

So if the average prices on foreign ad sites are the same as the Greek ones, then something is wrong.

The reality is that the car was bought with many more kilometers at a very low price, the kilometers were distorted and the car was “pulled” to look in good condition in relation to its kilometers.

This is the classic “opportunity” car problem.

In this way, the dealer wins and the consumer loses, as he pays a lower value car but expensive. The problems that will appear in the next months of the life of the car, put the consumer in an even more difficult position.

The service book is proof that a car has been properly maintained and can give you many interesting facts.

If there is no service book or the answers are not clear, you had better avoid buying this car.

By reading the service book, you can confirm, in a way, that the kilometers listed on the counter are real and finally, you can calculate what costs may arise after its purchase.

The tires should have “fresh” rubber and deep grooves, not “stretch marks”, tears and other wear. A good way to draw a quick conclusion about tires is to check the date of manufacture. If they are over three years old, calculate the cost of replacing them.

The first KTEO inspection is carried out 4 years after the 1st registration of the vehicle and then the frequency of inspections is reduced to 2 years.

Check if the date and the listed kilometers of the last KTEO match the records of the service book and the kilometers of the car.

All the papers you will see must be authentic!

Request the latest KTEO ticket and check the dates and kilometers that the car had during the inspections. The KTEO bulletins of the last two years obligatorily list at the bottom right the checks that have been made in Greece with dates and corresponding kilometers. If they are missing then the ticket is suspicious.

Rust is usually a normal wear and tear that should not scare you if it does not appear in a wide range.

But if you look at the camera and see rusty canopies or beaks, if you find rusty parts on the outside or see severe rust on the floor, then it is better to find someone else. Extensive rust destroys the sheets, the mechanical parts, the suspension accessories and even the “brain” of the car.

Do yourself a favor and check the car for rust, especially if you are looking for an old model.

Until a few decades ago, warranty was only available on new cars.

Market professionals now offer second-hand guarantees as a sign of quality assurance. This results in the consumer feeling that he has made the right choice.

The purpose of the warranty on a used car is to assure the buyer that in case of serious mechanical, electrical or electronic failures, it will be fully covered for the agreed period of time.

Its content, ie what it includes and what it does not, the conditions and restrictions for its validity should be clearly defined.

The wise and experienced agree that a driver should change the oil every 10,000 to 15,000 KILOMETERS. However, you can always refer to your manual that covers the recommended oil change interval for your particular make and model. Almost all newer vehicles today will really alert you when they need to be repaired. Remember: the oil change is necessary because it acts as a lubricant for the internal gears. Without change, the oil can turn to mud and prevent your vehicle from operating properly.

In addition to engine oil, there are many other fluids that are vital to the health of your vehicle. Some examples include transmission fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant and power steering fluid. Their levels are not only affected by how often you drive but also by extreme temperatures. Therefore, experts advise you to check them at the same time as your oil change or every one or two months.

Usually, there are two filters in a vehicle. One is for the engine and the other for the cabin. A dirty filter can block air flow, limiting the engine’s ability to consume hot air and blocking the passage of fresh air. How often you need to change it varies, although the conventional time frame is about 30,000 miles, so the best way to determine if it needs to be replaced is to check it periodically. Fortunately, replacing a filter is a quick and easy process.

On average, brake pads begin to reach the 20,000 to 30,000-mile mark, but there are many factors that can affect this percentage. Knowing which points to look out for will be crucial in determining when brake pads need to be replaced. If you feel that your vehicle is taking longer to stop or notice high noise or friction when braking, scheduling a test is essential. Driving with worn pads will eventually affect the discs, which can be a costly repair, so a precautionary approach will not only keep you safe but also save you money.

A standard battery is expected to last three to five years, but variables such as hot and cold weather can affect its life, so it is best to watch for signs of weakening of your battery. If your headlights and dashboard lights start to go out or if your vehicle is having a hard time starting, these are signs that the battery needs to be replaced.

As the main point of contact with the pavement, the tires are subject to the greatest wear. This is especially true if you use your vehicle off-road or have a two-wheel drive system that places most of the work on a specific set of wheels. When this happens, turning your tires every six months or about 6,000 to 8,000 miles is a good rule of thumb. This will ensure even wear of your tires.

Below is a list of the basic bulbs of every modern car display board.

The engine light indicates that there is a problem with the car’s mechanical system, which can only be diagnosed by special equipment. With this indicator on you can drive the car but you should visit your garage as soon as possible.

The ABS (Anti-locking Braking System) is a safety system that does not allow the brakes to lock the wheels, so that the driver can maintain control of the car at high braking. If the ABS light comes on, it means that there is a problem that the engineer should check. You can drive the car but the ABS may not work and the simple brake system has been activated.

When the key light comes on, it is a reminder that your car needs service. This service should be reset after service so that it only lights up when you need to have it serviced again.

The brake warning indicator may be due to insufficient fluid in the brake system or worn brake pads. Brake fluid should be checked immediately and replenished, if necessary (sealed container only). Caution, low brake fluid level may indicate a leak. You should check the entire brake system as soon as possible. Make sure the parking brake is off, because when it is active, the same indicator lights up.

The electronic stabilization system detects, prevents and corrects the car from derailment. Helps the driver not to lose control on slippery roads. The indicator will light up when the system is turned on. If the indicator remains lit, then it means that there is a fault and special equipment is needed to diagnose it.

The battery light comes on when you put the key in the starter and goes out when the engine starts. If the indicator stays on while the machine is running, this indicates that there is a problem with the battery supply system, which may drain for a short time and thus shut down the machine. In addition, if the battery indicator does not light up when you put the key in the starter, it means that there is a fault in the battery.

If the overheating light comes on while driving, switch off the engine immediately. Check the water level as soon as the machine cools down. The mechanic should inspect the car’s cooling system for possible leaks or damage that may be responsible for the engine overheating. If you continue to drive with an overheated engine, you may cause serious damage to the mechanical part of your car.

The oil light indicates a low oil pressure and can cause serious damage if the engine continues to run with the light on. The oil level should be checked and if necessary replenished. Do not add more oil than needed! Make sure the oil level is between min and max.

The airbag indicator indicates a fault in the Supplementary Restraint System, which can only be diagnosed with special equipment. You can drive your car with this indicator on, but the airbag safety system will not work.