subject: 5 Tips When Buying A Used Car [print this page] 5 Tips When Buying A Used Car 5 Tips When Buying A Used Car
With new cars depreciating so quickly, losing thousands in value as soon as you drive it off the forecourt, it can be worth buying used. Buying a car which is 2 or 3 years old you can still be confident that it will be in good shape but at a heavily discounted price.
Buying a used car can throw up a whole load of questions, what to buy? where to buy from? how do you know its safe? etc..
Well here is 5 tips to keep in mind when buying a used car:
1.) Purpose
What do you want from your new car? What need is it filling? These are the questions you need to ask yourself. I know it sounds obvious but make sure you define exactly what you want. If it is just a car to drive around town then maybe smaller is better or are you likely to be ferrying people around maybe you need something bigger.
There are also a lot of considerations to take if you have or are planning kids. You may need boot space for prams, pets, etc... Then again you need to consider all the aspects. If the car is perfect in every way except it doesn't comfortably fit your pram. It might just be worth buying a new pram.
2.) Private or Dealer
Consider whether you prefer to buy from a used car dealer or from a private individual. It is probably safer via a used car dealer but be sure to ask for recommendations from family and friends. There are dealers who may try rip you off. It is harder for a private seller to put a high price and see the car sold. The problem of buying privately is it is less secure than buying from a dealer and it could be harder to find details on the cars background. It can be hard judging a used cars price, but have a guide price in your mind. Search used car sites, such as Carfax or Autotrader and check Parkers to find out what a similar spec car costs.
3.) Running costs
You may find a car for a great price but you have to consider running costs. Check the mpg (miles per gallon) to see how fuel efficient it is. Older cars are likely to be less efficient an cost more than a newer equivalent.
Also check what tax band it is in. This is calculated depending on a cars CO2 emissions - find out the vehicle's tax band here. Check what the cost of car insurance is on the car and how often it needs to be serviced. Some cars can cost more to service and parts may be harder to find on older cars.
4.) Car Viewing
Go see it for yourself! Obvious I know, but take a friend, ask questions get a feel for the car. This is an important purchase. Make sure you see all the documents and remember to take the VIN number down (Very Important). Check the documents match the car and nothing looks out of place, if it does dig deeper.
Take a good look for where and tear, take a test drive ( make sure your properly insured).
It is also better checking it out in the day time so you can have a good inspection of it. Having a friend along side you will make sure you are not rushed and can help spot something you missed (Remember the saying two minds are better than one!)
5.) Buying your used car
So it's time to buy! The car is right for you, everything seems fine, just a few last checks! You should think about doing a HPI check to ensure you aren't sneakily going to get lumbered with some unpaid debts.
Now to negotiations, always haggle! It pays off and you can't lose, worst case they don't budge on the price. If you are buying from a private individual and are paying cash make sure you have proof and a witness. If you are buying from a used car dealer than use the Car Tell app to find out what the dealer paid for the car on their lot. It is worth doing all you can too haggle that price down as dealers normally have high mark ups.
So there you have 5 tips for buying a used car, I hope it gives you a rough guide and will help you when you look for your next pride and joy!
