How to Handle Used Car Transactions?
3 Answers
The used vehicle market implements an agency system through operating companies for vehicle title transfers, where the transfer window does not directly handle transactions for consumers. Drive the vehicle to the market, and a used vehicle operating company will act as an agent to complete the transfer procedures: evaluation — vehicle inspection — ticket issuance. Both the buyer and seller need to sign the "Used Vehicle Purchase and Sale Contract," which comes in triplicate. The contract must be filed with the industrial and commercial department before the transfer procedures can proceed. Once the evaluation report is issued, the title transfer process can begin. The completed transfer certificate should be retained by the buyer, and the seller is advised to keep a copy as well.
When it comes to buying and selling used cars, the first thing I need to decide is whether I want to buy or sell. If I'm buying, nowadays with just a few taps on my phone, I can browse various platforms for available cars. It's best to shortlist three to five models first. Remember to bring a car-savvy friend along when checking out the car. Walk around the car twice to see if the paint color is even and check the gaps between panels. When opening the hood, focus on whether the screws show signs of being turned, as these areas often reveal accident repairs. Don't forget to sit inside and take a whiff—flood-damaged cars can retain that musty smell for years. During the test drive, make sure to hit the fast lane and let go of the steering wheel at 80 km/h to check for alignment issues. As for bargaining, dealers' prices are often inflated, so starting at 20% off is a safe bet—just mention how much a friend recently paid for the same model. Finally, checking the insurance records is crucial; spending a few dozen yuan on a mini-program can reveal if the car has been in any major accidents.
Dealing in used cars requires both boldness and meticulousness. I usually start by checking how many times the car has changed hands—if it's more than three, I walk away. Those glossy photos posted online are all part of the game; you must inspect the actual car in person. Pay close attention to the base of the seat belts for any signs of mud, and lift the rear seat cushions to check for rust. Don’t just look for a clean engine bay—use your hands to feel for any wrinkles at the frame connections. During the test drive, deliberately go over some speed bumps to listen for creaks from the chassis. While online listed prices are a good reference, keep in mind that dealers typically buy cars at about 70% of the selling price, so don’t fall for smooth talk. When signing the contract, add a supplementary clause clearly stating the car has no history of accidents or water damage, or you’ll have no evidence if disputes arise later. Before transferring ownership, clear any traffic violations to avoid being held responsible.
