Sep 07th, 2023
3 Tips For Finding The Best Ute
So you are thinking of purchasing a ute?
Well 2018 is still young, which means it’s a great time for a fresh start, kicking new goals and making positive changes to your life. So with that being said, it makes sense to have a fresh set of wheels to match the new you (in other words, permission to purchase that new ute – granted).
But like any major purchase, there are many things to consider when buying a ute.
Inevitably you will weigh up the costs, practicality, aesthetic preference, and of course the safety rating of the vehicle (don’t forget that last one). But what about all the other important elements you need to think about?
“What other elements?” I hear you say.
When buying a new vehicle, there are a few common (yet important) criteria that people frequently skim over, or forget to inspect altogether. Today, we are going to outline the top three tips for finding the best vehicle for you, so when the time comes to buying that perfect ute, you know exactly what to look for.
#1 Do your research
It’s very easy to get sucked in the spell of an attractive vehicle. However, doing your research on the make, model and background of the car (particularly if it is pre-owned) is extremely important.
Become an expert on the vehicle you are interested in by examining official reports, having a detailed vehicle history report carried out and by doing your research online. At Rostron Finance, we perform a PPSR search, which will reveal if a used vehicle is stolen, written off, or carries any unpaid debts to other finance companies.
Thoroughly look into the model of the vehicle to find common defaults and be prepared to ask the seller any relevant questions. You can also get a good idea of the fair market price of the vehicle simply by researching the specific model and year.
Sure some motors are bought purely for pleasure (the vast range of sexy utes on the market labels them not just a workers’ vehicle). However, a majority of pre-owned utes have been used for some type of laborious work in the past.
Any small issue you find with the vehicle now could be the potential for a greater issue down the line. To ensure you know exactly what you are getting yourself into, don’t be afraid to get underneath the vehicle and check for any signs of damage, leaks or rust before leaving a deposit.
You should also check under the bonnet for leaks, the condition of the coolant and the oil. If you are unsure exactly what to look for, it is a good idea to take someone with a sound knowledge of motor mechanics to check over the ute for you or have an RACQ inspection done on the vehicle.
Once you are sure you have found the right vehicle, it is time to think about finances. Paying with cash isn’t always the best option as there are usually tax advantages if the ute is being bought for a commercial purpose. Therefore borrowing via a loan may be the best way forward.
With such a wide range of lenders and repayment options to sieve through (and let’s not forget the crafty sales techniques of the seller), it can be difficult to know which is the right option for you. If you are unclear on how much money should you put down initially, whether you can negotiate on the interest rate of the loan, or if there are any hidden fees in your arrangement, you may find it beneficial to read our blog 6 Things To Consider Before Applying For A Car Loan, before signing that dotted line.
Alternatively, you can receive a free motor finance quote on our website, or speak to one of our professionals on 1300 70 70 39 who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
