Lately, I’ve been very busy with my work online as well as searching for a cheap yet quality second hand car in Cebu. Just recently my family moved to Compostela Cebu which is approximately 23 kilometers from the apartment we rented in Lahug or around an hour if you travel by any known public transportation. It’s quite far I know but that’s really what you can expect when you purchase a home here in Cebu since most of the properties located near the city cost an extravagant amount of money. We’re basically talking around 5 to 15 million pesos, which is absolutely absurd if you ask me, unless your some rich tycoon or drug lord you can probably afford those luxurious properties.

Now, I guess you would understand why we needed a car. Not to mention those teenagers who sort of force you to give them change every time you ride a jeepney or bus while assuring you that they are not trying to rob you but just merely asking for a small amount of money. Maybe if I were single then I wouldn’t really worry much about what would happen to me but marriage and a child makes everything different. It makes you want to avoid danger and make you do everything just to keep your loved ones safe. That was the main reason why I wanted a car and the convenience it offers of course.

First thing you need to consider before you even attempt to look at the cars available is to set your budget. How much is the maximum amount of money you are willing to spend for a second hand or used car? This can be very confusing sometimes especially when you start looking. Just make sure not to spend beyond your means. Nowadays, it’s important to be practical. You may even consider financing your car. Perhaps you can pay a reasonable downpayment then get your auto financing loan approved. However, do take note that financing usually takes time. There could be a number of reasons but most of the time it’s when they check your place but you’re not around. Typically, the interest rate starts at 2% by most companies who do auto financing. The term can run from 2 to 5 years.

After you have considered your budget try to check out popular websites online advertise second hand cars in Cebu. I would suggest CebuClassifieds.com, Ayosdito.com, and Istorya.net. I’ve noticed that most Cebuanos go to these websites in order to post or check out used cars.  It’s also best to decide on what characteristics you’re looking for in a car such as the make, model, upgrades, etc. Try to set which ones are your top priorities like in our case; we opted for a Suzuki Alto since it’s very economical in terms of gasoline. It’s just 660cc! How cool is that? Of course, you also need to consider the car’s condition. If you doubt the seller then it’s best to hire a good mechanic, one who can determine if there’s anything that needs to be repaired. This will also help you decide whether the car is a good choice or not.

Next time is to contact the seller. Make sure to ask all the questions you want answered before you view the unit. The last thing anyone wants is to purchase a stolen car. So, it is important to ask if the owner has the original CR (certificate of registration) and OR (official receipt) of the vehicle on hand. A photocopy won’t do and if they start making excuses then better scratch out that car from your list then move to another one. If the owner tells you that the CR does not contain their name yet since they didn’t process a transfer of ownership when they bought it, this is acceptable so long as the seller has the original deed of sale from the previous owner. So if you purchase this car, the seller would have to provide the old deed of sale, current deed of sale, insurance documents, CR, and OR. If you’re wondering whether you can register your car even though the CR is not your name, this is possible and I’ve noticed most car owners do this because the process of having the car registered under your name is tedious.

Remember to stay focused before purchasing a second hand car. Sellers will say anything to keep you interested and there’s a tendency to forget to ask important questions/information about it. It’s important to ask its history, whether the car underwent any accidents in the past or if there’s an existing LTO alarm. If you’re still in doubt, you can go to the nearest LTO branch and have the documents authenticated or you can visit Camp Sotero in Gorordo Avenue Cebu City where the police can examine whether the car’s engine has been tampered or not. This is usually how they identify stolen vehicles. You would need the seller’s consent to have the car examined, so if they refuse then you’ll know when something’s fishy.

Related posts:

1. Tempura Japanese Grill at SM City Cebu
2. JB Music and Soundroom at SM City Cebu
3. Beetle Mania Exhibit at SM City Cebu Northwing Atrium