What's a Good Used Car and How Can You Spot One?

Looking for a used car in Brisbane? As new cars command higher prices and household budgets tighten, the popularity of second-hand vehicles is booming. Brisbane is an excellent city to go shopping for new cars in with a wide variety of dealerships, caryards, auctions and local sellers using online platforms. So what’s a good used car look and feel like and how do you know when you see one?

Brisbane’s largest car dealership, Aspley Mazda offers a vast range of used cars as well as every new Mazda model released. Our Used Car Super Centre includes not just Mazdas but used and ex-demo vehicles of all makes and models including some of the best used cars under $25,000 available. 

There are important decisions to be made whenever you purchase any car, new or used. You have to consider your budget (including ongoing costs) and fuel type and make sure your seller is trustworthy, among other things. If you’re wondering where to start, here’s the Aspley Mazda guide to what makes a good used car. 

The benefits of buying a used car

Used cars aren’t surging in popularity for no reason. The reasons buying a second-hand car is a sensible choice include:

Significant cost savings

Used cars often cost up to 30-40% less than new ones, making them substantially more budget-friendly. 

Slower depreciation

While new cars lose up to 20% of their value within the first year, used cars have already passed this period of sharp decline and maintain a more stable value. 

Reduced carbon emissions

Buying a used vehicle is an environmentally-friendly choice that promotes sustainability and (in a small way) reduces demand for new car production.

Lower insurance and registration costs

It’s not just the initial price. When you buy used, many of the other expenses involved in running a car go down too. One example is insurance premiums. Because these are based on the value of the vehicle, they tend to be a lot less pricey for used models. 

How do you find a good used car?

What’s a good used car involve and with so many options out there, how do you make sure you choose one with a high standard of quality? Here are some tips for finding the best used car you can:

Check the body and paintwork

Inspect the exterior of the car closely for scratches, rust, dents, ripples or chips in the paint. Watch out for mismatched paint or body panels or rust (especially on the frame), which are both warning signs. Make sure you look under the car as well for any oil leaks. 

Inspect the interior

Thoroughly check the inside of the car for stains, damage and wear and tear. Make sure you check the upholstery, test the electrical components and assess the overall cleanliness. 

Check the engine and brakes

A few basic mechanical checks can quickly help you figure out what’s a good used car and what’s a lemon. Check the engine for corrosion and leaks, listen to the brakes for potential squeaking and grinding noises and watch out for rust on the undercarriage. 

Inspect the paperwork

Check that the car’s Vehicle Inspection Number (VIN) matches the one on the registration papers and check the history of the car including the record of accidents and repairs. 

Take it for a test drive

When you test drive the car, make sure all the lights and electrical components are functioning and test the brakes, steering etc. for any unexpected noises. Check that the car accelerates and brakes properly and doesn’t pull to one side, indicating misalignment. 

The best used cars under $25,000

Aspley Mazda has a range of affordable, high-quality used cars that include (but aren’t limited to) Mazda models. Some of the best used cars under $25,000 we offer in Brisbane include:

• Mazda CX-5
• Mazda CX-3
• Mazda 3
• Kia Sportage
• Mitsubishi Mirage
• Toyota RAV4
• Hyundai Santa Fe

… and more. 

Find the used car for you at Aspley Mazda

Based on the northside of Brisbane, Aspley Mazda can make the process of buying the perfect used car much easier for you. We’ve been serving the people of Brisbane’s northside for over 50 years and our Used Car Super Centre has many different makes and models for budgets of all kinds. 

If you’re wondering what’s a good used car and how to choose one, Aspley Mazda can give you our expert advice and answer any questions you may have. All of our used cars have passed 120-point inspections to make sure they meet high standards of quality and come with 15% off servicing for life, one year’s roadside assistance and warranty and fast and affordable finance options. 

To find out more, drop into Aspley Mazda’s Used Car Super Centre at 1441 Gympie Road, Aspley or get in touch with our team online.