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.
You must prepare well before buying a used car and starting your search for one. There are many tricks of the trade and you have to be aware of them to ensure that you get a good deal and a good safe car. Ask to see thew cars documentation which includes a service history and any repairs to the vehicle as well as an M.O.T. certificate if appropriate.Secondly take a really good look at the bodywork looking for dents, scratches and perhaps less than normal levels of stone chip damage.
If you find any of those things and feel the car is not in the state in which it was advertised then you have a price bargaining tool.Do not have unrealistic expectations after all you are buying a used car and always be reasonable.Check the tyres and whether they are legal or if they appear bald. There is no point buying a used car for a price that costs a fair bit and then having to spend money on a new set of tyres.
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.
Its really important to be ordered in your inspection of your prospective new car as it will save you money and a lot of heartache in the future.
The interior of the vehicle is important too. Look at the general standard, is the leather damaged or are the seats torn. Watch out for stains and internal dents and scratches. Once again be reasonable as you are looking at a used car after all. Start the car if it does not start cleanly on the first attempt ask the dealer why. Check all the dials and dashboard lights to make sure they are working and do the same for headlights, sidelights and indicators.
It is important all the brakes work so check them. Listen for squeaks and any metallic grating noises. The steering wheel should feel smooth and turn easily as the last thing you want is a vehicle with a steering rack problem which can be very dangerous. If the car has manual gears make sure you go up and down the gears and check the reverse gear too. All gears changes should be smooth with no jolting of the vehicle.
Buying a used car can be a minefield but if you follow thus advice you will find a good reliable and reasonably priced car.Do not think that all car dealers are out to rip you off because they are not. Sadly it is like anything in life the minority give the decent majority a bad name.Common sense and a little bit of preparation will ensure that your experience of buying a used car will not be an unhappy one.
You must prepare well before buying a used car and starting your search for one. There are many tricks of the trade and you have to be aware of them to ensure that you get a good deal and a good safe car. Ask to see thew cars documentation which includes a service history and any repairs to the vehicle as well as an M.O.T. certificate if appropriate.Secondly take a really good look at the bodywork looking for dents, scratches and perhaps less than normal levels of stone chip damage.
If you find any of those things and feel the car is not in the state in which it was advertised then you have a price bargaining tool.Do not have unrealistic expectations after all you are buying a used car and always be reasonable.Check the tyres and whether they are legal or if they appear bald. There is no point buying a used car for a price that costs a fair bit and then having to spend money on a new set of tyres.
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.
Its really important to be ordered in your inspection of your prospective new car as it will save you money and a lot of heartache in the future.
The interior of the vehicle is important too. Look at the general standard, is the leather damaged or are the seats torn. Watch out for stains and internal dents and scratches. Once again be reasonable as you are looking at a used car after all. Start the car if it does not start cleanly on the first attempt ask the dealer why. Check all the dials and dashboard lights to make sure they are working and do the same for headlights, sidelights and indicators.
It is important all the brakes work so check them. Listen for squeaks and any metallic grating noises. The steering wheel should feel smooth and turn easily as the last thing you want is a vehicle with a steering rack problem which can be very dangerous. If the car has manual gears make sure you go up and down the gears and check the reverse gear too. All gears changes should be smooth with no jolting of the vehicle.
Buying a used car can be a minefield but if you follow thus advice you will find a good reliable and reasonably priced car.Do not think that all car dealers are out to rip you off because they are not. Sadly it is like anything in life the minority give the decent majority a bad name.Common sense and a little bit of preparation will ensure that your experience of buying a used car will not be an unhappy one.
About the Author:
Buying a used car is a bit of a minefield and 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. Unique version for reprint here: Smart People Get A Good Deal On A Used Car.
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