Consumers Urged to Check Four Critical Points Before Buying Ex-Fleet Used Cars

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vehicle inspection company Garasi.id has stated there are four points consumers should examine before purchasing used operational vehicles, especially those aged four to five years. CEO Ardy Alam noted that companies could lose tens of millions of rupiah in resale value because they lack professional data to prove the vehicle’s condition during negotiations. According to Garasi.id, there are four critical points most frequently used by buyers as a basis to negotiate the price of a vehicle. Firstly, the body structure and chassis frame. Professional buyers typically check the straightness of body lines, signs of re-welding, or uneven paint. Secondly, the condition of the automatic transmission. In operational cars often used in heavy traffic, symptoms such as slightly jerky or delayed gear shifts are frequently used as reasons for buyers to request a discount, citing high transmission repair costs. The third point is the undercarriage and running gear, which are also common bargaining points for prospective buyers. Unusual noises or wear on the suspension, tie rods, and bushings due to intensive use are easily detected during a test drive and are often considered an indication that components need replacing. The final condition is engine leaks and compression. Thin oil seepage in the engine area is often exaggerated as an early sign of damage requiring major repair costs, even though this may not necessarily be the case. Garasi.id stated that data transparency through vehicle inspection reports covering up to 170 checkpoints can serve as objective evidence of a vehicle’s condition, thereby helping companies maintain resale value in line with market prices during the asset disposal process.