Disclosure: This is a collaborative post about buying a car
Buying a car is an expensive endeavour. New vehicles can cost upwards of £12,000, so it’s little wonder why people opt for used cars over brand-new cars. Used vehicles can be anywhere from a few months old with only a couple of thousand miles on the clock. To over 10 or even 15 years old and have driven over a hundred thousand miles.
With so much variation to be expected from used cars, it is essential to understand what you need to be looking for. When it comes to used cars and how to ensure you pick the right model for you.
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Set Your Budget
Never go car shopping without setting your budget first. While used car shopping is undoubtedly cheaper than choosing brand new. You still need a budget in mind, be it £2,000 or £20,000. Remember that your budget will determine the type of car you can choose and what you will likely expect from what is available in your price range.
Read Reviews
If you don’t have a specific car in mind, it can be a good idea to read up on used car reviews. This will help you to find the best type of used car to buy. Some makes and models are safer on the road. Such as Tesla’s Hyundai and Volkswagen are currently amongst the top safest cars on UK roads. Whilst others might be more susceptible to breakdown and repairs; we’re looking at you, Ford Focus. This can help determine what type of car you should go for and what to expect when you buy a used car.
Check Local Sellers, Dealers and Auctions
Get an idea of all the used cars for sale in your local area and find out what cars are selling for what prices. What conditions you can expect in your budget and the reputations of each one, if possible.
If you are nervous about buying a used car, you might feel more comfortable buying from a reputable dealer in your area. Especially if you have a decent budget and are purchasing a car such as a used Land Rover. You need to be confident you are buying a car that is fit for purpose and paying a fair price. So, while researching the used car market is essential, so is looking at how and who you buy from.
Don’t Rush It
While this post is not exhaustive, and there are more tips you can use to help you buy the right used car. Something to bear in mind is that this process shouldn’t be rushed. You should also avoid buying the first car you test drive. Take your time, try out a few different cars and if possible, take someone knowledgeable in vehicles. Or, ideally, a mechanic with you to give it a quick look over. Don’t be afraid to walk away and visit other dealers or refuse to buy a car you have seen. Be comfortable with the car’s driving experience, know what you are getting into and be confident you know exactly what you are buying, especially if you are tied into a long-term contract and aren’t buying the car outright.
Buying a used car can be an excellent way of getting the car you want for less; new cars typically lose around 27% of their value in the first year and half of this again in the second year, so waiting until it’s clocked up some miles can allow you to get a bargain over a brand new car. But buying used needs to be something you put a lot of thought into to ensure it is exactly what you need and you aren’t sold a dud.