Buying used cars has never been more popular. Economic circumstances dictate that new cars have taken a bit of a back seat and used cars are percieved as better value and are obviously not as expensive as a brand new vehicle.For every good and reliable used car dealer there are the cowboys or sharks who are only interested in your money rather than you getting a nice, relaible and value for money used car.These are the people you have to avoid at all costs and you have to bear in mind that whenever you go and look at a used car all may be not what it seems.
Before you go and see a vehicle run through these essentials in your mind so that you do not miss anything out. Firstly, you will need sight of the vehicles documentation including service and repair history. If the car is over 3 years old it should have an M.O.T certificate if it doesn't it is illegal. Have a good look at the cars bodywork looking out for stone chip damage, dents and scratches.
Seeing any of those things gives you a bit of leeway when discussing a price for the car. It is important to remeber that you are viewing a used car so do not be too pedantic.Next check the cars tyres and they should be roadworthy if they are not ask for another set as part of the price. Remember you are viewing a car that according to the dealer is ready for sale and in its best condition.
Always check under the vehicle too. It is often a good idea to take somebody with you who is knowledgeable about motor vehicles. Some of the worst con tricks for selling used cars are to actually weld two different ends of the same model of car together.This is highly dangerous and illegal.I have heard of some dealers doing this to put two supposedly good halves of the same model of car together for a resale. Call the police if you see this. Take a good look that no oil or other fluids are underneath the car as this could indicate an oil leak. You have the right to ask for this to be repaired.
Make sure you are very thorough in your car inspection as it will save you money in the long run as well as less heartache if you buy a car that is problematic.
After the exterior comes the inspection of the interior and the test drive itself.Check the general standard of the car inside.Look out for excessive leather damage or torn or damaged seats.Is the internal scratching reasonable for a used car?.Now you can start the car and if it does not start first time ask the dealer why. Look at all the dials and check that they appear to be working correctly as you drive the vehicle. Make sure all the relevant dashboard lights are working correctly and check the headlights and sidelights too.
Also check the brakes work correctly and make sure the steering wheel feels natural and comfortable. The last thing you need is a used car with a steering rack problem.For a manual car you will need to ensure that the gear changes are smooth and that there is no grating noise or jumping motion as you go through the gears.
Buying a used car just needs some common sense and good preparation and research. If you do those things the end result will be a good value, safe and longer lasting used car. The vast majority of car traders want to sell you a good car it is only the rogue dealers that you have to look out for. Be prepared and you will not get ripped off.
Before you go and see a vehicle run through these essentials in your mind so that you do not miss anything out. Firstly, you will need sight of the vehicles documentation including service and repair history. If the car is over 3 years old it should have an M.O.T certificate if it doesn't it is illegal. Have a good look at the cars bodywork looking out for stone chip damage, dents and scratches.
Seeing any of those things gives you a bit of leeway when discussing a price for the car. It is important to remeber that you are viewing a used car so do not be too pedantic.Next check the cars tyres and they should be roadworthy if they are not ask for another set as part of the price. Remember you are viewing a car that according to the dealer is ready for sale and in its best condition.
Always check under the vehicle too. It is often a good idea to take somebody with you who is knowledgeable about motor vehicles. Some of the worst con tricks for selling used cars are to actually weld two different ends of the same model of car together.This is highly dangerous and illegal.I have heard of some dealers doing this to put two supposedly good halves of the same model of car together for a resale. Call the police if you see this. Take a good look that no oil or other fluids are underneath the car as this could indicate an oil leak. You have the right to ask for this to be repaired.
Make sure you are very thorough in your car inspection as it will save you money in the long run as well as less heartache if you buy a car that is problematic.
After the exterior comes the inspection of the interior and the test drive itself.Check the general standard of the car inside.Look out for excessive leather damage or torn or damaged seats.Is the internal scratching reasonable for a used car?.Now you can start the car and if it does not start first time ask the dealer why. Look at all the dials and check that they appear to be working correctly as you drive the vehicle. Make sure all the relevant dashboard lights are working correctly and check the headlights and sidelights too.
Also check the brakes work correctly and make sure the steering wheel feels natural and comfortable. The last thing you need is a used car with a steering rack problem.For a manual car you will need to ensure that the gear changes are smooth and that there is no grating noise or jumping motion as you go through the gears.
Buying a used car just needs some common sense and good preparation and research. If you do those things the end result will be a good value, safe and longer lasting used car. The vast majority of car traders want to sell you a good car it is only the rogue dealers that you have to look out for. Be prepared and you will not get ripped off.
About the Author:
Before you consider buying a used car there are a number of things to be aware of forAdvice on buying a used cargo to David King's website for the best Advice on buying a used car. Check here for free reprint license: The Potential Pitfalls When Buying A Used Car.
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