Before the pandemic, we give high value and importance to worldly things—real estates, businesses, cars, and luxury properties--that satisfy our needs, until a virus happened and still ravaging our lands, we shift our sight to what’s more vital—our health, more so our lives.

As part of the so-called health crisis’ domino effect on our economy, businesses have been tremendously suffering, one of the industries hit hardest by the on-going COVID-19 pandemic is the automotive sector.

Car dealers have reopened and tripling their efforts to keep up with the new normal set-up but, buyers are seemingly not interested anymore at this time of the uncertain future of their lives.

Yes, we do love to have our very own car, who wouldn’t want it especially in this time of pandemic? But, as everyone knows, buying a car means a large amount of money, well, it should always be the first and foremost be considered by many. Now, buying a brand new car has become more difficult given the current financial situation, and many are putting funds in the most important things.

In a study published by Bloomberg about commuter changes across 27 cities around the world from January 13, 2020, to May 3, 2020, pandemic time, it says that there is a significant change in driving and public transport figures.

Meanwhile in the Philippines, according to Autodeal, the percentage of consumers who were willing to buy a car within a month from now has decreased, but the number of consumers that are interested in buying a car three months from now has shown significant signs of recovery.

Admit it, we hate anything used ones, we want brand new, but in this case, if you’re one of the many decided ones who want to purchase a car with a limited budget, second-hand or pre-used ones can be a choice, but the main question, is now a good time to buy it? Is it safe?

In an online article published by Autoindustriya.com, It is stated that based on what they have observed in this time of the pandemic, there is a noticeable shift of car buyers' preferences, and many are paying attention to second-hand cars, especially the certified pre-owned programs of car companies and dealerships.

IS BUYING SECOND-HAND CARS THIS PANDEMIC A PRACTICAL MOVE?

In a country where public transportation is a major problem especially in this time of wrath, every day is a bigger chance of getting the virus, and if you’re one of those commuters or as what Pinoy called them ‘mandirigma’ who needs to hustle outside your homes, make sure you are in utmost safety precautions.

Not everyone can just instantly buy one, but for the blessed ones who have the means, you have a choice even in this dark wake of Coronavirus, you don’t need to put your breaks on and go get that auto.

Yes, many car enthusiasts say that it’s practical to buy second-hand cars now especially if it’s for yourself and loved ones—for convenience, security, safety, and more importantly, having your own wheels can lessen the chance of exposure to the virus and long hours of waiting for a ride which is undeniably risky nowadays.

IS BUYING SECOND-HAND CARS SAFE THIS PANDEMIC?

In this catastrophic time, we’re all getting conscious about every single thing, and I think this time, safety is now the best policy.

To buy a car in this pandemic means you need to be more extra careful, since physical interaction is not allowed, this can be a hindrance to further check your autos.

CarGuide, a UK based online car buyer’s guide providing with the information that matters the most when choosing a used car, recommended the following steps on how to stay safe when buying second-hand cars this COVID-19 pandemic:

• Stick to online research about your car prospects.
• Check and ask your dealers’ situation before going to any meeting or do any transaction to prevent the spread of the virus among their customers and employees.
• Disinfect first, then test drive while wearing disposable rubber gloves that you need to dispose immediately off after the test.
• When sealing the deal, don’t shake hands ‘cause now safety comes first before etiquette.
• Wash your hands and avoid touching your face as the golden rule during the Coronavirus outbreak.

So given the current situation, the rise of the used car market is a strong possibility. Many people need income in this very difficult time, they go outside which much more even riskier without a car.

Come to think of it, would you rather be in a car by yourself or be exposed while waiting for a ride?