Buying a used car a simple way of getting a good deal and ensuring you can stay on the road when your current vehicle has given up. There a few things to consider before stepping into the market and here we’re hoping to guide you through the whole process.
Budget Setting
Before you even take a look at the cars available you need to have a budget in mind. If you’re selling your old car, and planning to visit a dealer, work out its worth and value for part-exchange. You may also need to consider whether you’re going to take out finance and whether your budget can manage the fuel, insurance and road tax costs in the long run.
Choose the Car
Making the right decision in type and model of car is hard, there’s just so much choice. Whether you’re looking at the second hand cars Liverpool, Manchester or any UK city has to offer you’ll be impressed by the range. Before choosing your car consider its usage, how many passengers will carried regularly and the related costs mentioned above.
Inspecting the Car
Once you’ve contacted the seller you’re hoping to buy from its important you see the car physically before handing over any cash. You need to check it out in full. This means getting a fully check of its history to establish if it has any outstanding finance still upon it or has been stolen or even written off in the past. You should also examine all the vehicle’s documents including its service history, logbook and MOT certificates – this should show whether the car has been clocked in its past.
Time for a Haggle
In most instances sellers will advertise vehicles at a price higher than they expect. You should be able to confidently make an offer and negotiate from that point. Do you research and make sure you genuinely know what the car is worth and then start your bidding low. You can let the seller take the lead from this point and work the price up but then you could ask for additional extras such as a full tank or petrol or a service before you buy. Showing commitment and remaining calm will go a long way in your favour.
Paperwork Matters
The paperwork of the car is an essential requirement and gives you all the history of its owners. You should check it in depth and ensure it feels and looks genuine. Warning bells should be ringing if you find any print outs or photocopied pages. You need to also check that the vehicle identification number found in the logbook matches the one which is shown in the car and everything tallied in terms of seller’s name and address. Cars which are over three years old must also be supplied with a valid MOT certificate so you can verify the car’s mileage and check with former garages to be sure clocking hasn’t taken place.
With all these points in mind you are ready to get going and find your new car. Happy hunting!