Every year, thousands of people navigate the used car buying process.
Whether you're upgrading to a more spacious model or simply looking for a cost-effective way to get around, purchasing a used vehicle should ideally be a painless experience.
However, there are crucial considerations when investing in a second-hand car to ensure it perfectly meets your needs.
Understanding these essential points is key to making an informed decision.
Budget
Setting a solid budget is the best starting point when purchasing a used car. By setting a budget, you can ensure that you don't spend more money than you wanted to in the first place, and it will also help you narrow down your search.
The good news is that many online retailers allow you to filter vehicles by price, ensuring you don't see anything out of your budget. Remember, don't be afraid to walk away from a deal if the price seems too high.
On a safety note, don't be tempted by cars that look too cheap for what they are. Many online scammers use this process to lure victims: a car is advertised at a very low price and interested parties are asked to make a deposit to secure the vehicle.
Fuel type
Deciding what type of fuel your future purchase will use is also a great way to narrow your search. It's a good idea to consider the type of driving you're doing; If it's mainly local travel, then a petrol, hybrid or electric model might be a great idea, while long-distance drivers might prefer the long-range efficiency that diesel brings.
Remember to also consider the car's emissions, as they have a key impact on how much road tax you will pay.
History
A car's history gives you an idea of how well it has been cared for. At a basic level, you can check a car's MOT history through a free government checker, allowing you to see how it has fared and if it hasn't passed any previous tests.
For a small fee, providers can also tell you if a car has previously been written off or if any financing is pending. If this is the case, you could be liable for any outstanding financial payments, so it is worth taking a look.
Maintenance
When setting that first budget, it's a good idea to keep maintenance in mind. Cars, of all types, require regular maintenance to keep them in their best condition and it is essential to make sure you have enough money to fix it.
Whether it's a regular MOT, a standard oil check or even replacing fluids at regular points, ensuring your car can receive the maintenance it needs is essential.
Repair
When looking at a used car, it's a good idea to check to see if any repairs have been made, good or bad. Take a look at the car's main panels to make sure there are no strange gaps (this could indicate a previous accident) or paint colors that don't quite match. On the test drive, be sure to watch for strange noises, squeaks or rattles, as well as vibrations from the brake pedal or steering wheel.
Some companies offer an inspection service, where a trained engineer will come to the car you're looking at and check it for a variety of problems. If you don't have much confidence in the mechanical parts of cars, or if you want added peace of mind, then it might be worth the outlay.
Again, like maintenance, it's worth remembering that from time to time something can go wrong with a car. Having a fund set up so you can get your car repaired when you need it is a great idea and worth factoring into your initial budget.
Warranty
A warranty will cover you against certain problems that may arise with a car, with different levels of coverage offered by different retailers. It's always worth checking what kind of warranty is available with any used car you're looking at and how long it will last once you've bought it.
There are many third-party warranty providers that will provide coverage for a used car for a fee. This could be a good option to help avoid costly repair bills in the future.
