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Though you’re unlikely to spend as much money on buying a used car as you would buying a new car, you should apply the same amount of forethought and research, if not more so. The trappings with used cars can be extensive and whereas if you buy a new car you are always assured that it is at least ‘new’… with a used car, you could soon be behind the wheel of a rust heap unless you are careful.
TIPS FOR BUYING USED CARS - PREPERATION
Be sure to read the previous parts of this guide on buying new cars to familiarise yourself with some good car buying practice that can also be applied to used cars. However, here are some additional important guidelines that you should follow before you buy a used car.
Budget – Think carefully about your budget. What can you afford to pay each month and in terms of running costs? Also think about what you will want the car for in the future – will this be the right vehicle for you if you plan to change jobs or start a family?
What type of car do you want – Pick a category that is right for your needs – such as small cars, estate cars, etc and see what’s available. Look for the specifications you want.
Petrol or diesel – Diesel engines are generally better for the environment and are cheaper to run but petrol cars are quieter, faster and cost less to service. Perhaps test drive both types to see which you like best.
Pricing – Remember that invoice prices and manufacturer’s suggested retail prices do not apply to used cars – they are for buying new cars only. If you want to find out how much the car you are interested in is worth, you should visit used car websites and see the prices quoted for the same make and model to gain a perspective on what is a fair market value.
Consider the extras – Extras such as leather seats and air conditioning will not cost as much on a used car as they do on a new car but the dealer may inflate their price. Remember that factors like electric windows; power steering, central locking and at least one airbag are standard extras on most nearly new cars now so they should not affect the price.
Insurance – Though you might be able to afford a flashier used car than you would expect, think carefully about the insurance costs. It’s best to get a rough insurance quote from a range of providers before you buy so you can be sure you’re not stretching your budget.
TIPS FOR BUYING USED CARS - THE BUYING PROCESS
Now you’re ready to face the dealer or the private seller, here are some important checks:
Shop around online first – You can avoid all the hassle of facing a salesman if you shop around online for a used car deal. There are many online car buying websites that list used vehicles. At the very least you should use these websites as a starting point and print off the results so you can be firm over prices when you haggle.
Paperwork – You should always request a vehicle’s paperwork and study it thoroughly before you commit to a purchase. The more paperwork that is available on a vehicle the better – make sure the VIN numbers and registration on the documents match the car you are interested in. Never buy a car without a V5 registration document and ask to check the MoT certificate and the service records.
Consider contacting a previous owner or a company that checks the previous history of cars such as the AA.
Here are some important facts you should look for in a vehicle’s paperwork:
- Mileage – To alert you if the mileage clock has been rolled back.
- Accidents – Has the car been in any accidents and what repairs were required? Has the car ever been written off?
- Number of owners.
- When the dealer took delivery – The longer it has been there, the more likely a used car dealer is to want a quick sale.
Test drive – It’s much more important to test drive a used car than a new car so you can look out for faults. If you don’t know too much about cars yourself then take someone with you who does… however, even if that’s not possible there are some tests you can carry out alone to check the condition of the used car:
- Brakes – On a deserted patch of road brake as firmly as you can without skidding, effectively producing an ‘emergency stop’. Ideally you want the car to stop in a straight line with little noise. A metallic grinding means the brake pads or shoes are likely to be worn out while any swerving should be investigated.
- Engine – The best time to test drive a used car is when the engine is cold. This will allow you to see if there are any ignition problems. Check the oil and the antifreeze to see if the car has been maintained properly.
- Gearbox – Check the gear-stick moves smoothly from one gear to the next and release the clutch pedal with the engine running to test for a worn bearing.
- Mileage – The more work the car has done, the more trouble it is likely to cause. A service history should give you an indication of the mileage and if you fear the mileage digits might have been adjusted look at the car’s interior to see if it is more worn than you would expect.
- Sounds – Listen for any unusual sounds. Any banging noises means the car should probably be on its way to the scrap heap.
- Tyres – Ensure they have the legal minimum tread and make sure they are worn evenly.
Signing for a car ‘as is’ – Remember if you sign for a car ‘as is’ then you have no legal right to complain if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Always be sure before you sign.
In part five we’ll take a look at some of the motoring jargon you should familiarise yourself with before buying a car.
Move on to part five of the car buying tips guide…
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