Buying used cars in India is a difficult decision because of so many choices and sources available. You can buy cars from used car dealers, company affiliated showrooms and from an individual buyer. I found OLX to be the best as there are tons of listing available compared to other sites. I am not associated with OLX in any way. OLX should add a filter for transmission while searching cars.
I fixed an appointment with the seller and inspected the car from inside and outside. The car looked clean from outside sans minor scratches on the bumper. The interior looked as good as new and was very clean. I immediately put forward my inclination to buy and requested another appointment for a detailed inspection at Toyota Service Center.
Photos from 2nd November 2018 when I first met the seller and inspected the car.
Keyless entry/start, 7 Speed CVT, Bluetooth Media Player, HID Lamps and more
Leather Seats
Sofa at the rear
I also drove the car for around 3 kms the same day and found the engine responsive with bit of a CVT lag. No signs of rattle at all and the drive was very peaceful.
Post this visit, I requested the seller to get the car inspected at authorised Toyota Service Centre. Fortunately the seller agreed and we fixed a date for car inspection.
On the planned date, I was super excited and visited Ravindu Toyota, Banswadi, quite early. I am typing this in 2023 and still remember the day. Seller Mr. S came on the appointed time and discussed regarding inspection with service centre folks.
Now Mr S is a true gentleman. He patiently waited and answered my queries. He also requested for a complete annual service for the car to be completed. This was a true surprise for me. If I am going to sell my car, why should I get the car serviced ? But Mr S beat all my expectations. I meanwhile requested for having a look at the previous service history of the car. The service advisor was very patient and showed me all the records. Nothing very surprising came up. The car was regularly serviced and had a clean history. At that time car had approx. 38182 on the odometer.
Now I came across some interesting history of this car.
1. Owner 1 - Registered in name of company in Mumbai
2. Car was then moved to Bangalore in the Bangalore branch of company
3. Car was sold to Toyota Trust by Owner 1
4. Car was purchased by Mr S (Owner 2) on 15/July/2017 with ODO reading 35057
5. After 1 year, 5 months, Mr S was looking at selling the car with ODO reading 38177
I was going to be owner 3, which means a depreciation in my car value. This got me thinking for a while, but I decided to go ahead with it.
Problems identified during inspection:
1. The engine sump had one screw with a damaged thread. I have lost my Bajaj Pulsar due to a similar issue and was surely worried. However on talking and inspecting the underbody, I understood that this should not a problem as a seal has been applied which reduces the risk. The question for me still remained as to why the cover was removed in first place or how did it got damaged ? It is still unanswered.
2. Damaged Front engine bottom guard - This was again not a deal breaker. The cover was hanging loose and was looking ugly, however with the help if few zip ties, the service centre folks were able to secure it in place.
Now, with the car looking good and in good shape, the price negotiations started from the next day. Mr S. had purchased this car in 11.5L a year ago and he was not ready to lose a lot. He started with 8.5L and finally settled on 7.5L. These negotiations took some time and finally we agreed on delivery date of 23rd December 2018.