Purchasing a second hand car is a great way of saving the cost of your driving because the majority of new cars actually lose around 40% of their value in the first year alone!
However, that said, there are dangers involved with buying use cars, and therefore it is imperative that you take your time and do not rush into any deal. Ultimately, you must make the purchase with your head rather than you heart.
Here are some useful tips to help you make the right choice when buying a second hand car:
Do Your Homework
If you know the type of car you are after, then do some research. Check and compare similar cars in the classifieds and online guides, to make sure that you have knowledge about the car to avoid being over charged and to know what to look out for.
Budget Scrupulously
Remember to obtain insurance quotes and check car tax rates before sealing the deal. If you do need to borrow money to purchase the car it is a good idea to get loan quotes before you actually view any cars. That way you will know what you are able to afford. Also, you will be able to tell whether any finance a dealer offers you is good value or not.
Maybe the car will require some maintenance and therefore this is something that might help with negotiating a better price, or it will mean retaining some money back to afford any repairs once the car belongs to you. Either way, these are important considerations to factor in to the final cost of any used car.
Enquire About The Service History
As a rule, most cars need some work doing to them, and therefore those owners of a car a few years old will have collected quite a lot of paperwork. This will include garage bills and invoices for work done or car parts as well as previous MOT certificates, and records of regular servicing.If there’s no history then ask why
Remember, if there is no service history with the car then ask where it is or why it does not have any. It is unusual for a second hand car not to have such paperwork, and it would ring alarm bells for me.
Choosing the Right Dealer
If you are looking for a used Ford car online in Brighton , then finding a reliable and trustworthy dealer is essential if you want to avoid post-sale problems. It is always worth noting that if it a car appears to be a real bargain and too good to be true, or if the car has a very low mileage for its age, then all is probably not what not seems. There are bargains to be had but in general, if a deal looks too good to be true then it most likely is.
However, if you find a reputable dealership, one that has been recommended to you or has genuine excellent reviews, then you should be confident that the cars on sale are of good value and reliable.
Finally, before you hand over any money
Do not be easily swayed into handing over you money if you are not 100% happy with the car or the deal you are getting. Confirm exactly what is included in the price and any work that the seller has agreed to complete for you. Make sure you have agreed the collection arrangements of the car, and that you get a receipt showing the details of the vehicle, its price and the terms of the sale and the details of the seller.
