Buy A Used Car? 10 Tips That Will Help You!
Most people in the uk buy a used car. Some buy from specialist used car dealers but many good cars are available by private sale. If you are put off buying a used car privately because you feel that you might end up buying a “lemon”, Best 10 Tips brings you some simple advice on what to look out for,what to avoid and what questions to ask.
Even if are thinking of buying your car from a secondhand car dealer, this essential knowledge can make sure you know which questions to ask. You don’t even have to lift the bonnet.
- When assessing a used car, the things that affects the value most, are the mileage and service history. Unless you are a car expert, try to buy a used car with a credible, if not complete, service history. If the vehicle seems to be sporting a low or average mileage, try to work out if this is genuine by inspecting drivers seat, seat belt and steering wheel for excessive wear.
- Check the car’s tyres, particularly the front pair. It would be obvious if the tyre treads had uneven wear, showing possible steering or suspension problems, but what if they were brand new. Quiz the owner/used car dealer as to why they needed replacing and check that any remedial work had also been carried out.
- Ask the car seller how long they have owned the car. It is easy to check date they took over ownership in the V5 registration document. If they have owned the car for less than a year, they may not have had much work done on it yet. This means you may be buying a car with a mechanical history they don’t know much about either.
- Try to find out what work has been done to the used car. Parts replaced on older cars such as exhaust, tyres, brake disc and pads are normal items that wear with time. If a used car has recently had a new coolant pump, oil pump or other engine part replaced, it may well be that the engine has been mechanically stressed.
- Always make sure that you ask the seller if the cam belt has been replaced recently. A cam belt can break with age and usually means the engine will need rebuilding. A used car dealer will often replace the cam belt before selling a car.
- When checking a used car that you hope to buy, as well as a test drive, make sure you check that some of the less obvious features work correctly. An electric sunroof, door mirrors and electric windows that don’t work will be costly to get fixed.
- If you are meeting a private owner to buy a used car, ask them why they are selling it. See what you make of their answer ( most private sellers don’t think to lie very well, anyway ). Do they need to sell it to raise some cash or get a bigger model? Or do you get the impression that the car is a bit of a dog and they can’t wait to get rid of it?
- Check the documents. This includes the V5 registration (in the Uk), current MOT certificate (ditto) and any other service history. Many dated documents will have a stated mileage on them, which is a handy gauge to the validity of the vehicle mileage. Check to see if the numbers on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate match with those on the documents.
- If you are buying a used car from a private seller, get a vehicle history check. Before you decide to buy the car, pay a little to have the used car checked as stolen, modified or having outstanding finance on it. It saves you trouble in the long term.
- If you want to buy a used car in the UK and pick up a bargain via a private sale, you don’t have to be a mechanical expert. You can arrange a vehicle inspection with companies like the AA and RAC. They check the used car and give you a report on it’s value and mechanical condition. Buying a car from private seller can save you up to a few thousand pounds when compared to a used car dealer.
These 10 Tips were written in the UK to help you buy a used car. Much of the information is relevant to buying a secondhand car anywhere . For some more advice on buying a new or used car, Which? Car Buying Guide has some useful, up to date advice.
If you have any other advice for our readers, leave a comment in the box below.
