ICTLSM KELANTAN

I've been thinking about this after helping a friend shop for a used car recently. The purchase price is only part of the total cost, and it's easy to forget that some maintenance or repairs may be needed soon after you drive the car home. Even a vehicle with a good service history can have parts that wear out over time.

In my experience, it's always worth setting aside a repair budget before buying. That way, any unexpected issues won't be as stressful. I also think getting a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic is money well spent, even if the car looks perfect on the surface. Buyers working with Japanese used car dealers should still inspect the vehicle carefully, as maintenance needs can vary depending on age, mileage, and previous ownership.

Here are a few repairs or maintenance items I think buyers should plan for:

• Replacing worn brake pads or brake discs.
• Installing a new battery if the current one is several years old.
• Changing engine oil, filters, and other fluids for a fresh maintenance baseline.
• Replacing old tyres if tread depth is getting low.
• Checking the suspension for worn bushes or shock absorbers.
• Inspecting the timing belt or timing chain service history where applicable.
• Replacing wiper blades, bulbs, or other small items that are often overlooked.

I usually keep a small emergency fund after buying any used car because there's almost always something that needs attention during the first few months. Even if it's only routine maintenance, it's better to be prepared than caught off guard.

What repairs did you end up paying for after buying your last used car? Were there any surprises that you wish you'd budgeted for in advance?