JZ Motors

admin

map

PH: 03 9752 2799
FAX: 03 9752 2965
jzmotors@bigpond.net.au

LMCT 8365
1100 Burwood Highway Ferntree Gully 3156 Victoria

  • Home
  • Reviews
  • used cars
  • Finance
    Solutions
  • Trade In
    Valuation Form
  • Australia
    Wide Delivery
  • After Sales
    Service
  • 7 Day Exchange
    Guarantee Policy

MELBOURNE 4WD AND COMMERCIALS SPECIALISTS

banner

Viewing A Used Car – What Should I Check?

June 21, 2022 by Jeff Zaninelli

When it comes to buying a used vehicle, it is not just about its appearance, mileage or brand. After all prior to payment for the car, it is recommended to check whether everything works. Then you will get a car with all “pluses” and “minuses”. To fully protect yourself from unpleasant surprises, you need to check the car before purchasing. You want to ensure that your money is well spent on something that will last. Most of the time, you don’t have access to vehicles ahead of time so when you walk up to the lot and see one you like, you’re either going to make an offer or move on. In this article, you’ll find some interesting facts that can help you find a great car at the right price.

Top 10 Checklist before buying a used car :-

Car shopping can be a nerve-wracking experience for anyone when you’re looking for a great deal on a used car and especially when you have zero knowledge about cars. In order to buy the right one, you need to know what to look out for, where to find it and what the common problems with it are.
With our brilliant service in Melbourne, JZ Motors in Ferntree Gully proudly offers the best possible quality vehicles, finance solution, trade-in vehicle, after sales service and much more….

If you correctly do your homework, that’s it! Here’s a comprehensive checklist for buying a used car: Keep reading!

1) Checking the Tyres :

         Don’t underestimate the importance of checking a car’s tyres. Tyres play a major role in the performance of your vehicle and are vital if you want to keep you and your passengers safe on the roads. Make sure your tyres meet the legal tyre tread depth in Australia. 

Tyre tread is the rubber covering the outer circumference of your car’s tyre. It comes into contact with the road surface, whether it be a smooth highway or a muddy off-road terrain.

Tread depth is the measurement of how much rubber your tyre has left on it. When a tyre is brand new, it starts off with about 8mm of tread depth—that’s how deep into the tyre the grooves are. However, since your tyre is always in constant friction with the road, the tread will eventually wear down. As the tread gets shallower, going down from 8mm to 5mm to 3mm and so on, your tyre will lose its ability to grip and stay on the road.

Having worn tyres means the only contact patch between you and the road is past its best. Accidents might happen due to worn-out tyres.

The law requires all passenger vehicles to be fitted with tyres that are no less than 1.6mm when measured across the tyre’s worn surface. 

To check your tyre tread, insert a 20c coin into the grooves on your tyre. If you can see the entire head of the platypus and your tread doesn’t reach or cover it, replace your tyres as soon as possible. We recommend checking your tyre tread once a month and before any long road trips.

2) Pay attention to Dents and scratches:

On first inspection, the car’s bodywork looks to be in good condition, with only some very minor scratches and dents. In clear daylight, there are no corrosion or extra dents that appear more significant than expected. The plates are still affixed to the front and rear of the vehicle, meaning they haven’t been replaced – that’s a good sign as it means the previous owner didn’t get clamped every time they parked.

    • What’s the bodywork like?
    • Do the wheels show signs of kerbing?
    • Inspect the car in clear daylight…during nighttime or rain can hide the visibility.
    • Don’t let small dents or scratches scare you away from a car. They can be fixed cheaply and easily.

3) Look for Panel gaps: 

When you’re buying a used car, part of the inspection process should include looking at the bodywork. Maybe you didn’t notice it – but a car’s body is almost its own ecosystem. There’s a lot to think about – dents, scratches, knocks and nicks, as well as panel fit (ie how tightly the panels are clamped together). Because of all this detail – you should always get an expert second opinion before signing on that dotted line. That said – here are the key things to look out for while inspecting the outside of your used car:-

  • Check the gaps between panels, to make sure there aren’t any large spaces in between
  • Large panel gaps could be a sign that a car has been badly repaired after a crash, 
  • Check for any colour differences between panels – if there are different colouring on adjacent panels, it could mean the car had been repainted after a crash.

4) Fluid levels matters a lot:

You might think that buying a new car is all about the glossy paintwork and amazing interior but if you’re going to be driving around in it this summer, you should also be thinking about whether the car has been well looked after.

Give the car a thorough inspection before taking it for a test drive. Fluid levels are an easy way to spot problems with your car’s maintenance. Consider the below points:-

  • Bonnet check – look for oil, brake and power steering fluid levels.
  • If they’re low, it could be a sign that the car hasn’t been well maintained.
  • Secondly, check the signs of any oil leakage under the bonnet.
  • Checking underneath the car where it is normally parked can help a lot too.

5) Have you thought about checking under the oil cap:

When you check the oil level, it is also a good idea to have a look under the oil cap. If you scratch the oily surface of the cap with your fingernail and if it appears to have a white mayonnaise-like substance, then this is easy to spot. Your head gasket may have failed and the coolant is mixing with oil meaning that you will need to change both the oil and the coolant immediately. This can result due to condensation.

Moreover, you may also want to check the coolant expansion tank – it should look clean.

6) Keeping an eye for electric parts of your car – worth a try:

Test everything. Heading out in the car, try closing and opening the windows a few times to make sure they go up and down properly. Put on the headlights and flick switches on the dash to see if they light up. Play with all of the dials and buttons (don’t forget the boot). If something is loose stick a bit of tape down to hold it in place until you get it fixed!

When you are test driving the car, turn on the radio and actually listen to it. This may seem like just a way to get up to speed with the functionality of the stereo, but in fact, you’re listening for an underlying noise that will tell you whether or not there’s an issue with the transmission or engine. You don’t want to be cruising at 70 mph when the car’s transmission is going out and you can’t hear it over the music!

7) Windscreen Glass:

If you’re looking to buy a previously owned car it’s always worth taking a look at the windscreen. If it’s been chipped or cracked in any way, you can normally get this repaired for much cheaper than buying a new windscreen. A small crack or chip in your windscreen could turn into a crack, so it’s really important that you know what to do if you find damage. If there are any windscreen chips or cracks, take the car for an inspection to an authorised dealer to see if it needs replacing. A key requirement for car registration.

It’s also worth checking the front and rear lights, keeping an eye out for chips, cracks and any fogging or internal moisture. If a tiny stone has managed to shatter the light it means there might be other underlying problems with its history.

8) Upholstery:

While it’s always a good idea to inspect the undercarriage of a car, don’t overlook the interior. Does the front of the driver’s seat have stains? Are there any tears in the fabric? Is there excessive wear in places where you’d expect to see more wear and tear?

Another important thing you want to think about before buying a used car is how badly it smells inside. Upholstery is also one of the most neglected parts of a car, so it’s likely that any car you buy will need to be cleaned out before it can re-enter society.

9) Find out more about spare wheels and accessories:

The spare wheel is the unsung hero of your vehicle. It’s there in case you get a puncture when you are out and about. No matter how careful you are, it could be that you get a puncture. The spare wheel will allow you to keep driving until you can stop and change the tyre. But, do you know what size of the tyre is on your vehicle? Do you know if the spare wheel itself is in good condition? Has it been correctly inflated so that it can work properly in an emergency situation? Is there a jack for lifting the car if you get a puncture, and an adapter for any locking wheel nuts fitted to the vehicle?

10) How to Spot Signs Of Wear And Tear On A Used Car:

Each and every car that is more than three years old will display some signs of wear and tear. However, this wear and tear are expected to correspond with the age and mileage. It is easy to calculate the average annual mileage for any driver using an odometer from one side of the faceplate to the other. Therefore, it is important to ascertain whether a car shows an unusual amount of wear for its miles. After all, it’s better to spend time checking for potential irregularities before any problems arise.

 

More Suggestions:-

A lot of people drive around in old bangers and dodgy vans, but many people are reluctant to actually test drive the cars out of concern that the brakes won’t work, the steering wheel will fall off or they’ll be caught short and have to go in the back seat. But most used cars are safe unless you take them on a track. 

Once you have taken your potential purchase for a spin round the block, check the above list which will give you a good insight into what you need to look out for when inspecting a second-hand car.

If you are unsure about what to expect when it comes to buying a second-hand or a new car, we are always happy to guide you with the whole process. Our extensive knowledge and 20 years of experience will give you confidence with every purchase.

Happy driving, Stay safe!!!

Filed Under: Used Cars Tagged With: buying a used car, Pre Purchase Vehicle Inspection, used car, Used car checklist

Buying Used Cars: What You Need To Know

May 5, 2015 by Editor

Buying used car can become as confusing as it may seem until you went through the process and experience for yourself.

But things can become less complicated when you know what you need to know as a buyer. This is why as a used car shopper you should not miss checking on important details that will help you close a good deal and have the perfect vehicle.

Before even getting started scouting for your dream car, make sure to set your limit on the budget and be firm with the maximum amount you want to spend. This way you can avoid getting into unnecessary financing or the need to suffer and make a major adjustment on your monthly budget. Choose for the vehicle that would perfectly match your driving needs and habit.

After making a choice on the car model, make a research. This way, you will be educated of the history of the car that you are considering to purchase. You will be able to find information on the internet, books and some magazines that deals with used car buying. The important details that you need to make research on are: age, mileage, usage, history, actual retail value and trade in value, maintenance record and some other things that you thing might be a good help with your decision making.

There are lots of places where you will be able to shop for your dream car. You just have to decide whether you’ll purchase from a private seller or a dealer. It is always a best decision to buy used car from a dealer it helps you avoid a lot of trouble during the process. But take note that the best bargain comes from private individuals.

Getting a car from a dealership ensures that they are accountable for any material defects or damage within a year. So when you happen to discover the damage within the first 6 months of purchase it actually means that the dealer holds responsible for solving the issue unless otherwise he has proven that the damage occurred right after the sale.

Always ask for a written contract after the sale is done. This is important because it will keep you protected in case of a later problem with the purchase, the contract contains the terms of the purchase. Make sure that all necessary documents are available before signing the contract.

Filed Under: Used Cars Tagged With: buying a used car, used cars

How To Be Smart About Buying A Used Car

March 16, 2015 by Editor

Buying a used cars
Buying a Used Car

 

 

Owning a car can become as expensive as owning a house especially when you’re looking after on a top of the line model from a famous brand. But nowadays people have learned the advantages of buying a used car over a brand new one.

 

It is always a better and practical idea when deciding on purchasing your own car.

Yes of course it can be really doubtful choosing a used car over a brand new one since you don’t know the history of the car. Also you would always consider the engine condition if it’s going to drop you right after closing the deal. But all these fears will easily turn into fascination if you learn how to become smart in buying a used car.

In order to get a wise buy on used cars, you must be responsible enough on buying the car model that you have decided to purchase. First and foremost decide on the type of car you want to buy. If you know what car you really want it will be easier for you to conduct a research.

The internet offers a lot of website that deals with buying a used car as well as there is magazines that contain details you might need with your used car shopping. The said resources can provide important information regarding the car model of the used car you would want to buy like the model, the features, retail value as well as the trade in value and so much more.

The most important factor that can help you decide on the used car you will have is of course your budget. Even if you wanted a specific model with great features but it doesn’t fit in your budget you wouldn’t be able to get the car.

Set a specific budget that will enable you to get a reliable used car. As you tend to lower down your budget the chance of getting older car gets higher. So it is better to strictly put a budget that will allow you to own the car that will provide safety and reliability. The safety feature of a certain vehicle always comes as the most critical aspect every buyer is looking for.

Buying a 3 year old car is a wise buy than getting a five year older. It is always a buyer’s responsibility to conduct an inspection before closing the deal. Check the physical and mechanical aspect of the car to make sure that you’re paying for the right one.

 

Filed Under: blog, wise buyer Tagged With: buying a used car, used car buyer, used car in melbourne, used cars

How To Buy A Used Cars, Bag The Best Deal And Avoid Sneaky Sales Traps

March 6, 2015 by Jeff Zaninelli

Used Cars

If you want to own a car but the budget is tight, think about buying a used car. It is the best idea when you try to save money from buying your own car. Buying a used cars does not mean that you will buy an old banger, you just grab the opportunity to get a car at the most practical way there is.

 

A wise used cars buyer must be able to do the following tips in order to end up with the perfect deal.

 

Research.

Conducting a research is the most important thing to do before deciding on your used car shopping. Don’t be fooled with what you see on the physical aspect of the car despite the sparkle there are probably some hidden issues and this without prior research will make you end up in regret. The internet is the best option when you want to gather the basic information about a specific car model. It also where you will be able to learn about the actual retail value and trade in value of the car you are considering to purchase. You can also browse on some buyers review with the used cars model, there are books and magazines which you can refer for other details you wish to know regarding the used cars. Make sure to get data regarding the car’s history, if there is any accident associated with it that caused major damage to the car which will make it hard to maintain.

The right source.

There are lots of options for you to be able to purchase a used car. There are the auction centers, the classified ads, the dealer’s yard or some private sellers or individuals. Dealership and those deals with the private seller are the two most common route of used car hunters.

Physical and mechanical Inspection.

In order to do this step right there is a need for you to hire a professional technician. He will easily know if there is something wrong with the car and what are the things or features that needs a test run. Hiring a mechanic will enable you to determine the cost of maintenance you need to make for the specific car or if there is any repair you need to make and the amount it requires.

Request for a test drive.

In order to decide on the used cars you must be able to request to test drive the car and be able to bring it on varied road types. Bring it on rocky road, along the highway, inside town where traffic may come and go. Make sure that all features are in good condition and perfectly run.

Whether you buy from a dealer or from a private seller make sure to solicit idea from friends and family to be certain that you don’t miss a single thing. Don’t go for a too good to be true deal, it takes a suspicious mind in order to get a perfect deal and avoid being ripped off in the end. Be cautious and always use your mind over your heart. Choose the one that you need over the one you like because a wise buyer will always end up closing the ultimate deal.

Filed Under: blog, Used Cars Tagged With: buying a used car, racv used cars melbourne, used car buying, used cars

This is the only second hand car yard I can trust for quality cars and service.. thank you JZ (Jeffrey) I love my new car!! Oh recommend by racv and many other ppl who have bought a car from JZ MOTERS..read more
Alan Edwards
Alan Edwards
23:43 08 Jun 19
Being nineteen (and partner 21) at the time, and buying a car from a dealer, I thought we would be up against folk who treated us with little respect. This was absolutely not the case here! The first car we looked at on our hunt was the one we ended up buying. We've had it close to a year now, and put an additional 70,000km on it, completely trouble free. Thanks guys.read more
Quin Moore
Quin Moore
22:53 04 Jun 19
Was a little nervous about buying a used vehicle but these guys really made me feel welcome. Sold me a great car at a great price with some generous extras (warranty, RACV cover etc) and gave me a very reasonable price for my old one. Car had a little issue that needed fixing (it happens with second hands) but they were very nice and apologetic about it. Had the issue resolved promptly, no-questions-asked and now it runs wonderfully. Really exemplary after-sales service. Would go there again.read more
James Keen
James Keen
05:27 22 May 19
Bought a navara st-x d40 from these guys. Had some issues, but they help me out and I'm happy. I was probably a bit rude when the problems propped up, but they did the right thing and helped me get it all sorted. My nav now has a new clutch, and drives awesome. I appreciate AJ and Scott over at cool core radiators for doing such a great job. Also a special thanks to Paul at JZ motors for being a great guy and professional, even after I sent some rude messages. Thanks guys, I appreciate all the support.read more
David Lyster
David Lyster
08:32 18 Mar 19
Last Friday I turned up at JZ Motors. I was greeted straight away by Paul. I told him what I was looking for, he pointed me directly to what I had in mind. Details of the vehicles were explained in real person terms, so I understood he said. I test drove 3 Toyota’s and ended up choosing a Camry. Whilst we were in the I met with Jeff, the owner and the deal was done. I’m extremely happy with my new car and very impressed with the way I was treated. I would recommend JZ Motors to anyone. Thanks again Sandra F (a very happy customer)read more
kate Reggio
kate Reggio
06:17 24 Aug 18
If you want a typical cars salesman that will say anything to close the deal, then please keep walking. But if you can handle a dose of straight shooting, down to earth guys, then you might get a good laugh and a damn good car too. Well worth the extra drive to get there.read more
Saint rose
Saint rose
14:34 17 Sep 17
Really helpful & freindly! Very happy with our purchase. Paul was great to deal with! Definitely recomend them!
sandi laird
sandi laird
11:16 23 Jul 17
JZ Motors provided me with top quality, genuinely helpful and friendly customer service & a quality vehicle! Thanks all! (Paul is a top bloke) Lp
Lewis P
Lewis P
05:34 21 Jul 17
Great customer service, very professional. Even after having a minor issue with our car after purchase Paul & Jeff sorted everything out for us immediately with very little fuss to make sure we were happy. Highly recommend and will make sure we refer family and friends their way.read more
Vikings Rugby
Vikings Rugby
05:40 06 Jul 17
I bought my Defender 130 from Paul and Jeff...They were bombarded with calls from the "Defender Crazies" but I was the lucky one to get it. It's 15 years old Defender so has it's issues but they sorted out Fuel Pump, Doors, new brakes, full service, light switch and a number of small items before I took delivery! The doors were still an issue but they were happy to give it another go and it was sorted, no questions asked. I've since asked for their advice on a number of improvements I've wanted to make to it and they were great at putting me in touch with local shops and arranging good prices. Thanks Guys...Let me know first when you get your hands on another Defender and thanks for all the favours!read more
Mark Fermor
Mark Fermor
08:44 19 Apr 17
‹
›
Highly recommend these guys. AJ was fantastic to deal with and very knowledgeable and professional. We went in to look at a 4x4 for towing, we drove one and then later drove home in it. 👌🏻 It has been an amazing car and beautiful to drive. Not what we had originally looked at but so glad we bought it. And the service doesn’t just stop once you drive out of the yard like some. AJ is always available on the phone and willing to assist where he can. Thanks AJ.read more
Tracey Booker
Tracey Booker
2020-02-21T22:11:26+0000
JZ motors was recommended to us and we are very happy with the new car we purchased from them. They were professional and very helpful with everything. Thanks Jeff and AJ.read more
Deborah Hayes
Deborah Hayes
2019-10-16T23:09:46+0000
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ AJ was super helpful. Excellent customer service!!! Love the car!
Mannii Bakunawa
Mannii Bakunawa
2019-09-17T13:34:46+0000
Tracey Simpson
Tracey Simpson
2018-02-16T08:40:36+0000
Excellent customer service. Very knowledgeable. Exceeded all expectations.
Diana Eaves
Diana Eaves
2018-02-09T23:45:21+0000
Couldnt have been more looked after by the guys. Have bought multiple cars off JZ and the boys, and have never been disapointed.
Sean Connolly
Sean Connolly
2017-11-27T11:38:11+0000
I have known Jeff for many years now and he has consistently provided quality vehicles and backs them up with an independent RACV Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection, ---- in fact he is an RACV Approved Dealer -- every vehicle comes with a RACV Warranty and a 7 day exchange policy ---- it is a pleasure to recommend his business to anyone looking to buy a used carread more
Carl John Fechner
Carl John Fechner
2017-05-01T01:45:41+0000
Aria Gonzales
Aria Gonzales
2014-06-17T03:35:15+0000
Granny Flats Builder Perth
Granny Flats Builder Perth
2014-03-04T07:09:51+0000
Mitchell On Main
Mitchell On Main
2014-02-27T07:20:33+0000
AmericanAutomotive Australia
AmericanAutomotive Australia
2014-02-27T05:59:40+0000
Melbournefourwd Andcommercials
Melbournefourwd Andcommercials
2014-02-12T09:57:46+0000
Dikoi Dikkyboi Realista
Dikoi Dikkyboi Realista
2013-12-12T01:09:15+0000
D.j. Blake
D.j. Blake
2013-09-24T22:26:18+0000
‹
›
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Blog

Viewing A Used Car – What Should I Check?

2014 Holden Commodore SV6 VF Auto MY14

2010 Jeep Wrangler Sport Manual 4×4 MY10

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

Before you witness our services in action-here’s what our customers have to say about our award winning personal service, because

OUR ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN OUR WORDS!

TESTIMONIALS

Click here to read what other says

stop

MUST READ ARTICLES FOR THE WISE BUYER

What you need to Know before Purchasing Used Car

Important questions to ask the Dealer when buying used car

Checking Important Details Before Buying Used Cars

Buying Used Car: Negotiating and closing deal

Buying a Used Car? Read This First

More Articles

LATEST NEWS HERE

An old friend of mine dropped into the yard, Warwick Capper, he was a legend in AFL

An old friend of mine dropped into the yard today, Warwick Capper, he was a legend in AFL. He

Mileage Versus Age: Which One Rules When Buying Used Cars?

When buying used cars, we’d usually notice the aesthetics first. Of course, who would want to drive

Here Are Some List Of Cars That Can Last Thousands of Miles And More

Just because your used SUV or sedan comes as second-hand doesn’t mean you can’t get much out of what

Financing Used Car Options

Though buying used car can become tiring and requires a lot of things to deal with and after getting

Used Car Price and Value

The first important step with used car buying is setting up your budget. The process can become

Menu

  • Used Cars in Melbourne
  • Used Cars in Ferntree Gully
  • Finance Solutions
  • Trade In Valuation Form
  • Interstate Delivery
  • After Sales Service

CONTACT INFORMATION

JZ Motors

1100 Burwood Highway
Ferntree Gully3156 Victoria

PH: 03 9752 2799
Fax: 03 9752 2965

  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

SITE POLICY

  • 7 Day Exchange Guarantee Policy
  • Terms of Services
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Sitemap

Contact Us

2020 JZ Motors. All Rights Reserved.
Internet Marketing Solutions by : Internet Secrets Made Easy
used cars in Ferntree Gully | used cars in Melbourne