Used car buying. With thousands of vehicles at any one time, picking the right one is naturally complex. Thus, today, we’re outlining 6 top tips you should follow when buying. Hopefully, this will help you choose the vehicle that best meets your needs.
6 Top Tips When Buying a Used Car
If you have been looking to buy a used car, knowing where to start is essential (naturally). However, there is, of course, a lot that you will need to keep in mind. Hence, the following tips could help you make this choice more safely.
#1 Run a Vehicle Check Before Paying
Once you’ve found a car you love and are confident the seller is genuine, there’s one more step to take. Always run a vehicle check before you buy. All you’ll need is the vehicle’s number plate, which can bring up a wealth of information. Just a few examples of how this can help include:
- View the car’s details. Information such as the vehicle model, color, etc, can help verify that the number plate provided matches the car itself.
- Check MOT history. The seller’s word isn’t enough. Always inspect the vehicle’s MOT history to ensure it is in good condition and doesn’t have severe concerns.
- Ensure there is no outstanding finance. Don’t buy a car with an active loan!
- Verify the car is not a write-off. Written-off cars are substantially less valuable. In severe cases, they may even be non-roadworthy. Car history checks allow you to verify this to confidently buy.
Don’t take the risk. Always run a check before handing over money to give you additional confidence in your purchase.
#2 Never Waver From Your Budget
One of the most crucial things to remember when buying any car is never to stray from your budget. Of course, this can be tempting. Just picture the scenario: you’ve found the dream car, and it’s just a thousand or two outside your budget. In this instance, staying resolved to your original quote can seem tough. Nevertheless, it’s critical to do so, as overspending can leave you in a tricky position down the line.
#3 Always Research Models First
Before buying a second-hand car, make sure you’ve looked into the model itself. What are common complaints and praises of the vehicle? Understanding this can help you pick out an appropriate vehicle.
#4 Ask the Seller for More Pictures
If you’ve found a car online, asking the seller for more pictures is a great tip to follow. Indeed, this allows you to verify the seller is genuine; if they don’t actually own the car, they likely won’t be able to supply photos. This is especially useful if you ask for more niche pictures that sellers are less likely to find online.
#5 View the Car in Person
Never buy a car unseen; it’s not worth the risk. Before you pay for the vehicle, always view it in person. This simple step can give you a much clearer picture of what it is like and whether it will be right for your needs.
#6 Go For a Test Drive
Asking whether it’s possible to take the car for a test drive is crucial. This allows you to see how the vehicle runs and may reveal any potential issues. In addition, from a personal preferences perspective, it also helps you decide whether the car is comfortable and matches your driving preferences.
