Buying a Used Car Successfully

Buying a Used Car Successfully

Purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is currently a popular option for savvy buyers. It’s the cost-effective solution and can be a great option whether you’re looking to upgrade or buying your first vehicle. The reduction in price means that many people are able to afford a much more expensive model of vehicle than if they were buying new. This is because a new car begins to depreciate the minute it is driven away from the dealer’s lot, and the greatest reduction in price occurs between three and five years of ownership. If you chose a used car between three and five years old, you’re guaranteed to have a functional and high quality vehicle for a fraction of the retail price.

Setting Your Budget and Choosing a Vehicle

Before you start browsing, it’s best to set your budget and work out how much you have to spend. If you’re selling a current car, make sure you know how much it’s worth and whether the sale of it will cover the cost of your new car. If you need to take out a loan, research the best lenders and the most competitive interest rates. You should also consider how much you can afford to spend on fuel, insurance and road tax costs. Once you’ve worked out these preliminary details, it’s important to think about what you want to use the car for, how many passengers will be regularly carried, and how much repair and service costs will be. These factors will enable you to make an informed choice when choosing a make and model of used vehicle. 

Inspecting the Car

When first contacting a private seller, it’s important to be thorough in terms of the questions you ask. You should ask about the condition and history of the car, and ensure that you only view the car in daylight and dry weather. Darkness and wet conditions make it more difficult to spot damage and imperfections. It’s essential that you investigate the car’s part with a car history check, as this will determine whether it has been stolen, written off or has any outstanding finance. The vehicle’s documents should be in order, and include the MOT certificates, logbook and service history. The Vehicle Identification number (found at the base of the windscreen, under the bonnet, and stamped into the chassis beside the driver’s seat) should be unmolested and match the numbers recorded in the logbook. Look for mismatched body work and rust. The car you’re viewing should be exactly the same as the vehicle shown in the advertisement.

Test Driving the Vehicle

Your test drive should last at least 15 minutes and include different types of road and different speeds. It’s your responsibility to make sure that you have insurance coverage for the test drive. You should assess how the car feels on the road and whether all the equipment, including the radio, is in good working order. Smoke, unusual noises and vibrations are all warning signs, so if you notice any of these things occurring, it’s a good idea to discontinue the sale. 

If you can’t come to an agreement over price with a private seller, don’t pay over the odds because you’re afraid of not being able to find a suitable vehicle anywhere else. There’s a massive amount of choice available in the used car market, and there will always be another car for you. If you’re uneasy about buying from a private seller, there are plenty of reputable used car dealerships out there, like Exchange and Mart. You should be completely at ease in the car and comfortable with every aspect of the sale before you allow it to go through. 

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