Buying a used car is an excellent option for anyone who can’t bring themselves to pay the price tag on new cars. It can allow you to buy your favourite car at a fraction of the price in great condition. However, buying a used car comes with some risks.
It can be difficult to be sure if the car you’re buying is safe and reliable, especially if your knowledge of cars is limited. If this is the case, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some simple tips on how to choose the right used car for you.
What Do You Need From A Car?
Before you start looking for a used car, it’s important to know what you need. What will you be using your car for? How many passengers do you have with you in your car? There’s a big difference between simple run-arounds and big family cars.
Are you looking for a petrol or diesel car? Diesel can be cheaper if you’re doing long runs everyday. Or perhaps you’re looking for an electric or hybrid car as someone who is conscious of environmental impact.
Once you know what you need from a car, you can start looking for suitable options, rather than wasting time looking at cars that won’t suit your lifestyle.
Where To Buy Your Car
There are several options when it comes to buying used cars. Firstly, you could go to a dealer and look at approved used cars that often come with a short guarantee. They’ve usually been checked by a mechanic and some dealers will offer a brand new MOT and tax.
However, it doesn’t mean a used car from a dealer will stand the test of time. Another option is to buy a car online but this often comes with risks that aren’t worth the hassle. Lastly, you can opt to purchase from a private seller.
This is a favorable option because there are many private sellers who have looked after their cars well and can provide you with service history. If the car has only ever had one owner, it could be in pristine condition.
Large independent dealerships are often a middle ground between small local lots and private sellers. These businesses usually have a high volume of car sales every month, so they keep a wide variety of models in one place. You can find everything from family SUVs to small hatchbacks without the need to visit many different locations.
This setup makes it simple to compare different brands side by side. Many of these larger operations also have their own service centers to check every vehicle before it goes on the lot.
Age and Mileage
The same question pops up from car buyers everywhere- is a new car with high mileage better than an old car with low mileage? The truth is, both types of car can be valuable investments. If you’re choosing between both, look at how well the cars have been cared for.
It’s likely that a car that has been shown tender loving care will last longer. Look at the car’s history and avoid any cars that have been sitting around for too long.
Running Costs
You can’t buy a Lamborghini if you can’t afford to run it. It’s important to think about running costs before purchasing any car. The last thing you want is to find your perfect car for it to put you in debt.
Things to consider include engine size, the type of fuel you use, and whether you choose an automatic or manual car. It’s also worth considering insurance and tax costs. You should be able to get a good idea of how much it will cost you to run your chosen car each month.
Cleanliness
When looking at car choices, cleanliness is something to keep your eye out for. Look inside the car to see how well it has been taken care of. You can still find evidence of the family selling it, it may not be a good option. No-one wants to drive away with sweets stuck to the seats of their new car.
You should also look at how clean the car engine is. Someone who has kept their car in good condition will have used automotive dry ice cleaning to ensure every inch is spotless. Although cleanliness doesn’t say everything about a car, it’s a good indication it’s been taken care of.
Colour Differences and Gaps
When you start viewing cars, look for signs of colour differences on the paint work. These may not be obvious straight away but the closer you look, you should be able to spot them. Ask the owner about the paint work and why it was necessary for new paint.
Colour differences can sometimes indicate that a car has been involved in an accident and now has cheap car parts. If this is the case, it’s vital that you check that the car wasn’t written off or doesn’t have any faults that could put you in danger on the road. You can do this with a HPI check.
Document Checks
When purchasing a car, you need to make sure you have all the documents you need. The owner should be able to hand over a V5C document to legally exchange ownership. Check that all the details on the document match the details of the car.
Check that the person selling the car to you is the person that owns the car on the V5C certificate. If the car has been owned by multiple people in the past, this could be a concern. You should also ask for proof of a valid MOT.
Take a Test Drive
There’s no better way to see if a car is suited to you than to take it for a test drive. You’ll be able to see if you like driving the car and pinpoint any potential problems. There are some key factors to look out for when you test drive a car.
The most important thing to look at is whether the car starts without any issues. Think about whether the clutch is positioned correctly and if the gears change easily. Listen for any unusual sounds and test the brakes with an emergency stop.
Negotiate On Price
Whether you buy from a private seller or a dealer, never take the price tag as written in stone. If you find the smallest embellishment, you’re within your right to haggle on the price. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.
You can politely offer a price you think is reasonable for the car and the seller may try to negotiate with you. If the seller won’t budge and you don’t think the car is worth what the seller is asking for, walk away and look at other options.
Financing Your Car
If you want to buy from a private seller, you may need to come up with the money yourself. This could be through a personal loan or savings you have tucked away. If you choose to buy from a dealer, you may have more options for financing.
Dealers often work with lenders to provide their customers with finance options. You may be able to secure a loan through a dealer and get some money off the price for the privilege. Some dealers also offer part exchange deals where they’ll give you a price for your current vehicle and that amount is taken off your new vehicle.
Extra Perks
Buying from a dealership could give you some extra perks. For instance, you may be able to drive away with a full tank of petrol or they could help you find the perfect insurance provider before you drive away. Dealers can also offer you additional specs on your car for an added price.
Talk to your dealer about the perks of buying with them and make sure you get everything you can if you’re driving away with one of their vehicles.
Guarantees
What happens if you come across issues with your used car after driving it for a week? It’s not uncommon for dealers and private sellers to hide issues well and then you have no way of returning the car. For your peace of mind, it can help to buy a used car that comes with a guarantee.
These are often short guarantees where used cars are concerned but enough for you to get the car checked by a mechanic. Many dealerships offer a one month guarantee that gives you enough time to spot issues and take it back to the dealership for fixing or a complete refund.
Check Reviews
Before you buy from a dealer, take a look at their online reviews. You won’t have to look hard for reviews of any car dealer, especially if they’re bad. If there are lots of reviews from people who have needed to take their cars back to the dealership multiple times, stay away from that dealer.
You may also notice reviews about poor customer service or a lack of finance options. These can also be off-putting. If you have to travel to find a good dealer with an excellent reputation, it’s worth doing.
Finding the right car for you and your family is a decision that shouldn’t be rushed. You should take your time and view the car more than once. Set time aside to dedicate to car shopping so you don’t miss any important details. Once you’ve found the car for you, you’ll be glad you did your research.
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