Be very weary of aftermarket used car dealers

Average Dealership. I read previous reviews so knew what I was getting into. Based on my experience I can believe all the other negative reviews. In general the aftermarket (not agents) used car market is dangerous territory. You cannot be too careful and even if you think you are, then you are still not.

I wanted a particular car for a particular purpose so I was prepared to take a calculated risk. Sharing this because very few people enter into a purchase prepared for losses in the process.

I was also present when another customer returned a car with a mechanical fault. I heard him saying that car cut out on the freeway. My issue is a leaking shock absorber. The amount of leaking is a sign that the problem existed before I bought. I even showed them pics and went to the roadworthy centre who said it was clean when inspected. Owner insisted it was ‘wear and tear’ and they hide behind ‘it passed roadworthy’. I almost laughed in his face because I was expecting exactly that reply after reading other reviews.

My advice: If you find something that you simply have to buy then insist on the Automobile Association doing a full inspection and the roadworthy. Rather pay the differnce for it . You have to drive the car yourself for at least 50km’s and straight into the roadworthy. You even need to check that the valet was done properly.

Salespeople at the dealership are ok. In the end they are doing a job but ultimately the onus of doing the right thing rests on the owner which unfortunately as the customer you cannot be assured of.

In the end I am not that disappointed because I did not expect any better but if you read this and still transact with them then don’t say you haven’t been warned. Rather go get burned somewhere else.