When it comes to used cars, the biggest fear most potential buyers have is that they might end up with a lemon
. Knowing what to look out for can help boost your confidence while viewing vehicles and significantly reduce the chances of you making an expensive mistake.
Specific makes and models of vehicle often have particular weaknesses so, no matter whether you're looking for a used Vauxhall for sale or a second-hand Ford, it's worth using the Internet to carry out a little background research once you have narrowed down your choice of vehicle.
Obvious things to watch out for are a misaligned fittings and areas of paintwork that don't quite match. Both could be signs of the vehicle having been involved in a crash and repaired by the owner themselves rather than by a professional garage.
If you don't know anything about cars, take along a friend who does.
Alternatively, you can pay for one of the professional motoring organisations to inspect the car on your behalf. If you make the seller aware that you plan to do this before going ahead with the sale, they may be less inclined to try to pull the wool over your eyes.
If you are buying from a dealer, you can expect to pay more but in return will receive a certain degree of protection in the event that anything goes wrong. If you decide to buy from a private buyer it's much harder to get a refund should the car turn out to be a dud.
Be on the look out for dealers posing as private buyers. A few unscrupulous traders do this in order to get rid of cars that they know have problems as the usual dealer protection does not apply. If you notice the same telephone number being used for several cars that are supposedly being sold privately, this could be a warning sign and the vehicle is best avoided.
In conclusion it is important that when you are buying a used Vauxhall you consider all the options and do your research before purchasing your car. There are a number of different sources open to the user so make sure that you get the best value for money and you get the best possible deal when you are buying your used car. It is also important that when you have purchased your used Vauxhall that keep it serviced and perform regular checks on your car