subject: Hints And Tips For Choosing A Previously Owned Car: How To Find The Car That Is Ideal For You [print this page] Just like wiring money to Nigerian generals or long walks on short piers, buying a used car is the kind of undertaking that's associated with financial risk. That neednt be the case, however. If one is mindful and puts a lttle bit of thought into it, the work need be neither complicated nor high risk. To help, weve assembled a handful of handy tips and tricks to make certain you get the best car thats right for you.
Look out for cars you want. Most of us arent Jeremy Clarkson and for the vast majority of the time a car is just a car. When youre intending to invest a lot of money in one, however, you might as well be sure its the one that suits you. Before you attack the showrooms and Online sites, just pay a small amount of extra attention to the cars which are around you each day; those you pass on the street, park near to where you work or see driving passed your window. Remembering down the make and model of something you find desirable will give a good starting position once you begin your search proper, rather then simply just throwing yourself blind into the arms of fickle fortune.
After you have located a car you like the look of, ask yourself if its something you could live with day-to-day. You may fancy yourself in that huge American muscle car thats going for a steal, but itll probably drink petrol like a mule. By contrast, can that dinky, fuel-efficient Smart carry three young children comfortably on a long school run?
Keep clear of cars that are likely to be attractive to dangerous drivers. In particular here, were thinking about boy racers. Citroen Saxos, Vauxhall Novas, even Ford Fiestas are popular with the sort of young, hot headed men that may very well have been driving recklessly and even without insurance. Even if the car is apparently fine on the surface, there is absolutely no guarantee it has been well-maintained and there may well be underlying problems. Of course, if your potential car has been owned by a boy racer then the massive tail fins and under car UV lighting will also be a clue.
Have a look around second-hand car dealers. They may have a bad rap, but the infrastructure of a business enterprise offers you an assurance of quality that you wont get from a man in a lay by. Most second hand car dealers carry out their own quality checks on the vehicles that end up on their forecourts. Some may also offer a limited warranty and after-sales services.
In the event the car is more than three years old, check with the seller that it has a new MOT. Its not enough for it too just have an MOT; that may have been conducted eleven months ago and any number of issues could have arisen subsequently.
The Web is your friend; it can put you in contact with lots of retailers you would never ordinarily have come across. Its common practice these days for people to set up a viewing over the internet, travel up on the train and then drive the car back if they like it. The same old rules still apply, of course. Do the same check ups you would were it a car you had found down the local garage, and just because youve travelled to look at the car dont feel pushed into purchasing. Youll lose more money on a poorly chosen car than you will on a return rail ticket.
Sort out a test drive and preferably one which permits you to keep it over night. Dont simply use it for just one trip to work and back: take it on a proper drive. You might spot the sticky clutch or grinding gears on the Colchester bypass, but you might not notice the propensity to overheat on extended drives or perhaps the old spring in the seat that pokes into your back.
Carry out an HPI check. They are accessible very easily on the net. Put HPI check into any internet search engine and youll be presented with webpages which need no more of you than to provide your prospective investments registration number. In return, youll receive a full rundown on whether or not the car involved has any outstanding finance, whether or not it has been reported stolen with the police, whether it's an insurance right off and also whether it's a clone. A check will generally be priced at between 20 and 30, but its really worth that modest outlay for peace of mind. Cheaper offers may be available if youre checking multiple cars - and lets face it, how many of us only look at one car when were buying?
Above all, always remember that you are a customer. You might be purchasing a second hand car, but that doesnt mean you should expect second hand service. Demand the best and if it's not enough walk away. As a quick Google will demonstrate, there isn't a shortage of second hand cars out there and that gives you great power as a purchaser.
