Thinking of buying a secondhand car? Here’s your 5-step checklist.

Thanks to our brand partner, Toyota

When it comes time to buy a car — something that somehow feels like both a luxury and a necessity — the age-old question usually comes up: used or new?

In today's economy, not many of us have the means for a brand-new car. New cars lose value fast, and with the cost of living doing its thing (read: skyrocketing), I made the decision to go secondhand.

While it felt like an obvious no-brainer, there were still things I needed to consider ahead of making the big purchase. After all, it's an investment. And chances are, it's something you'll use almost every day.

So, if you're also leaning towards buying secondhand, here are the five things you'll want to consider first.

1. Work out what kind of car you actually need.

Notice how I said 'need' instead of 'want'. Sure, sure, we all want the big shiny car that drives real fast, and that might suit you perfectly — but it might not. You need to consider various factors:

• Your lifestyle. Do you live in the city, the suburbs or the countryside?

• Do you have any pets or children?

• What do you use the car for — commuting to work, driving family around, running errands — or all of the above?

• Do you drive long distances at all? Is this mainly on the freeway or back roads?

Assess the life you lead and you should be able to narrow down the type of car best suited to you. If you live in the country, have a dog and three kids, you're going to need that big four-wheel drive. If it's just you and your cat, living the high life in the city, you probably want something compact, zippy and easy to park.

Be sure you set your sights on a car that serves you. Don't compromise on the factors that will make your life easier.

2. Choose a seller that offers peace of mind.

There are a lot of places where you can buy a secondhand car, and many people opt for that street in their town… you know the one, where everyone parks their cars with 'For Sale' signs?

The trouble with that is, you can never be completely sure of what you're getting. You're much better off going through a certified seller. Toyota's Certified Used Vehicle program is designed to give you peace of mind, making sure your money goes towards a high-quality pre-loved car.

When you buy through Toyota's Certified Used Vehicle program, you'll get a whole list of benefits included. You get a 90-point comprehensive quality inspection by Toyota Technicians themselves. They'll supply you with a full service history and two sets of keys. Toyota also provides an additional one-year warranty on the purchase (definitely not something Susan from down the road can do), and you'll also get a free year of Toyota Roadside Assist.

It's all these little extras that you can't get when you buy from just anyone. Secondhand buying is almost always a good choice, but it doesn't necessarily come without problems. Going via a certified seller like Toyota means you can have the benefits of buying new, while still being savvy.

3. Be clear on your budget and your non-negotiables.

Once you've worked out what kind of car you need, you'll be able to set the parameters for your budget.

Obviously, you'll know your maximum limit. From there, you should take into account how old you're happy for the car to be. If you're not willing to compromise on fancy bells and whistles, you might prefer something slightly newer. If that's not your cup of tea and your focus is on a good deal, you might be happy to settle for something older.

It's also a good idea to have in mind the maximum number of kilometres on the odometer you're willing to go with.

The make, model, age and odometer reading are going to be the biggest influences on cost. Get clear on your preferences and this will guide your overall budget.

If you choose to shop at a verified resale dealership like Toyota, they'll be able to help you find the right car for your budget, taking into consideration those preferences. It can be a lot easier than scrolling through car sale sites and feeling a tad overwhelmed.

4. Always take it for a test drive.

No matter who you buy through, a test drive is a must. You need to feel the motor purr and ensure everything runs smoothly. If the seller refuses to let you take the car for a spin, that's an immediate red flag. Dump them.

5. Don't skip the paperwork.

Louder for those in the back… this one is boring, but oh-so important. If a vehicle is lacking paperwork, if a seller cannot verify its registration, its location of original purchase or its service history, then you should run for the hills. These are key indicators that you're buying a valid car, and if they're not available to you, it's not worth the risk.

So much of the process when buying a secondhand car is about knowing what you need and what you are and aren't willing to compromise on. After that, it's mostly about feeling safe and confident in your purchase. A seller who can't provide peace of mind, the comfort of paperwork and a test drive shouldn't be someone you're willing to buy from.

On average, we spend at least an hour in the car each day — often more. So it makes sense to choose something comfortable and reliable. Buying second-hand doesn't have to be stressful — just follow this checklist and you'll be ready to hit the road.

Ready to find the right secondhand car for you? Start your search with Toyota's Certified Used Vehicle program.

T&Cs apply. For full T&Cs see your Toyota Dealer.

Toyota Roadside Assist expires 12 months from the vehicle purchase date. Toyota Roadside Assist is administered by Toyota Finance, a division of Toyota Finance Australia Limited ABN 48 002 435 181, AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 392536.

Feature Image: Getty.

Toyota Certified Pre-Owned, Vehicles in a Class of their Own.