A vehicle is a major investment. For value-conscious buyers, the used market is an attractive proposition. In many cases, quality vehicles can be found there, in immaculate condition, at a substantial discount. If you’re willing to tolerate small defects, and outdated interiors, then you could even pick up a pre-loved car at a fraction of the price of its new equivalent.
Getting the best from the used market, however, means putting in a little bit of work. Let’s take a look at a few key tips that will help you get the best from your shopping trip.
Research the market
Before you start considering specific purchases, you might think about the general state of the market. What kind of vehicle are you interested in? How much are you prepared to spend?
When buying new, you’ll be limited by what’s available. Therefore, you’ll want to spend as much time researching vendors as you do comparing specific vehicles. Shop around so that you have an idea of what price is fair. A used Citroen C3 from a dealership in one town, for example, might cost less than the same car in another.
Checking the Vehicle’s History
The vehicle’s past might provide a hint as to what the future holds. If it’s been mistreated, or it’s simply clocked up a lot of miles, then it might be more likely to run into mechanical problems. Find out whether the vehicle has been involved in a collision, and check out whether there is any outstanding finance. You can check the MOT history of a given vehicle in seconds, using a free online tool.
Inspecting the Vehicle Thoroughly
Before you part with any money, you’ll want to inspect the prospective purchase thoroughly and in person. Look for scratches and nicks along the outside, and check the interior, too. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, then you might consider bringing along someone who does. If you’re on good terms with your mechanic, then bringing them along might help you to identify obvious problems.
Never buy a car based solely on images you’ve seen on the internet. If something looks too good to be true, then the chances are good that it is!
Negotiating the Best Deal
Finally, there’s the process of actually settling on a price. You should enter into this haggling step with an idea of what the car’s value actually is. Research vehicles for sale of a similar make and model, in roughly the same area. Make sure that you’re prepared to walk away – if you aren’t, then you are at risk of being ripped off. If you’re buying from an approved used dealership, then you might be in a better position to ask for additional extras, like service packages and warranties.
