subject: Always put a car through its paces before deciding whether to buy [print this page] Always put a car through its paces before deciding whether to buy
An astonishing one in five Brits doesn't test drive a car before they buy it, research has revealed. Findings also show that more than a quarter of Brits have regretted buying a car soon after purchasing it, with almost 10 per cent blaming the colour of their new motor for their dissatisfaction.
The research follows a report by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) which listed findings gathered from its study into the used car market. The OFT found that consumers were being let down by some used car dealers, and urged that more needs to be done to ensure consumers are protected.
Subsequent research carried out into British car buying habits has revealed many Brits are intimidated by the buying process and have a tendency to act before they think. More than three-quarters of would-be buyers admitted feeling out of their depth, with little or no confidence when making decisions about buying a car.
The fact that only a quarter of Britons feel confident when making such a big buying decision points to many people needing some form of independent help when choosing their next car.
It's easy to get some reassurance, by simply requesting a vehicle mileage check. This will highlight any inconsistencies in a car's history, and may be a pointer to problems or less desirable factors which a seller has attempted to hide for example, a poorly maintained vehicle, or even one which has been clocked' or had its mileage reading wound back.
With the possibility of these problems arising, it's good to follow some basic tips when embarking on choosing a used car which is right for all your and your family's needs, so bear in mind the following:
What type of use the car will mainly be for are you hankering after something fast and flashy, does it need to be able to transport the kids, all their paraphernalia, and even the dogs?
How high up your priority list is the car's environmental credentials? Are you looking for something which is cheap to tax and run, and which will hold its value?
It's easy to compare car prices online, so once you have a particular model in mind, check out what's available to avoid paying over the odds
Does your dealer have an established reputation for quality and fairness? Check for any online reviews, and whether they belong to a trade organisation, and
Don't forget to test drive the car an honest dealer will take it for granted, and it will prove they have nothing to hide.
Following this list will put you well on the road to finding the right used car, but above all else, use your own judgement there's plenty of choice out there, so unless a car and the deal being offered feels right, you can always walk away.
There are many car dealerships in your area selling a range of cars from smaller Peugeot or Renault cars to larger cars like Jeep and Land Rover so if you are looking for a new car have a look at your local used car dealers near you for assistance.
