So, you’ve been planning to buy a new second-hand car, but you’re not entirely sure where to start. No doubt, buying a used car is a huge decision, but it’s often a brilliant way to save money on your purchase. Just be careful to make sure you don’t accidentally get caught out while doing so! Thus, without further ado, we’ve outlined some of the six key things you must look for when buying a used car as follows to help.
What to Look For When Buying a Used Car
Before you agree to purchase any second-hand vehicle, make sure you’ve checked the following six points. Trust us – it can make a huge amount of difference.
1 Model
The first thing to check is pretty obvious: what sort of car are you looking for? Choosing a model (or several) that you would be happy with is a simple way to narrow down your search and help you find a car that might be suitable.
2 Car Check
How can you be sure the purchase is genuine? Well, if everything else looks right and you’re happy to proceed, make sure you get a car history check first.
A car history check provides countless pieces of vital information relating to the sale of a vehicle, including its MOT history, whether the vehicle has been stolen, ownership and financing information, and the like. All of this data is crucial to ensure you don’t end up buying a car that’s not quite as honest as it might seem on the surface.
In addition, always make sure you’ve asked the seller for physical copies of all documents proving this as well. If you notice a discrepancy, don’t chance it. You’re spending a lot of money on your used car, so make sure you’ve started by checking the basics first.
3 Mileage
Once you’ve worked out the model you want, the next thing to consider is the mileage. As part of this, try to consider how you will use the car as well to inform your decision. Notably, if you are likely to be doing 50-mile round trips several times a week, you’ll begin putting a lot of miles on the car very quickly. As a result, factor this into your decision to help you find a vehicle that should last for as long as you need it to.
4 Age
Another factor you should consider is age. Now, it’s worth considering here that age is less significant than mileage, in some cases; often, a ten-year-old car that’s only done a few thousand miles will often have a longer lifespan left than a car that’s only a couple of years old and has done thousands every year. Still, it’s worth remembering that older cars will often need more repairs and replacements, which will also likely impact their value.
5 Condition
This one needs no explanation; always check the condition of the car – both inside and out – before buying. Any signs of damage could be indicative of a bigger problem (for example, written off that has been repaired). Even if any issues are merely cosmetic, this should no doubt factor into your decision. If possible, taking the car for a test drive can also help you check how well it runs and handles.
6 Price
By now, you’ve checked some of the car’s key features – but don’t forget to check whether these correlate with the price! Always do your research to compare the vehicle you’ve been offered with other cars of similar age, condition, and mileage. Remember, if you think you’re being overcharged, you may be able to negotiate on the price.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a second-hand car, starting out with a model that ticks all the boxes is incredibly important. Indeed, while many people assume that their choice of car won’t matter all that much, so long as the price is right, this isn’t true. And, without checking some key points and carrying out a car reg check, you could find yourself in a very tricky situation in the end!