Rules for Buying a Used Car
Planning on shopping in the used car market? When the time comes to purchase a vehicle, the used car market is often the best place as you can make huge savings, get a lot more for your money and avoid the biggest depreciation hit. Additionally, the internet has made it easier than ever to find what you are looking for, and you should be able to get a good deal if you know how to navigate the market. The used car market is also daunting, and you hear many stories of people getting ripped off or scammed. With this in mind, this article will offer a few rules for shopping in the used car market that should be useful.
Read About Common Scams
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Before you get started, it is a good idea to learn about common scams. Used car scams are on the rise, and you need to learn how to detect a scam to protect yourself and avoid getting ripped off. In addition to helping you to avoid scams, this should also give you greater confidence when shopping in the used car market.
Know What You Are Looking For
It is also important to know what you are looking for before you start searching. You need to consider what your wants and needs are from the vehicle, determine a category and research a few suitable models. Once you have a shortlist of cars to look for, you can then begin searching online and finding sellers.
Browse on Trusted Websites
The internet opens up the used car market and allows you to find suitable vehicles for sale from all over the country. It is important to browse on trusted websites, though, so that you can find used vehicles that will have been tested and for greater consumer protection. You could buy from a private seller, but keep in mind that this can be riskier, so you should take greater care if you decide to go private.
Know Your Budget
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You should also work out exactly how much you are able to spend before searching for a used car – you do not want to find the perfect car only to find that you cannot afford it! In addition to the cost of the car itself, you will also need to work out how much you can spend on fuel, insurance, road tax and maintenance.
Consider Funding Options
Leading on from this, you should also think about what the best funding option is based on your situation. You could pay for the car outright, arrange a finance deal or take out a loan to pay for the car. There are benefits and drawbacks to each, so it is a good idea to research each option to find the one that best suits your situation.
Always View a Car in Person & Test Drive
It is also important to view the car in person and take it for a test drive before making a decision. Buying a used car is a major financial and lifestyle decision, so you want to check the car over properly before you decide. Additionally, seeing the car in person is a smart way to protect yourself against used car scams. It is also always helpful to bring someone along for a second opinion, especially if they are good with cars.
Get a Mechanic Assessment & History Check
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You should also get a mechanic to assess the car so that any defects can be picked up that would be hard to spot without a professional. A vehicle history check is also essential as there are many potential problems with a used car that are impossible to spot just by looking at it. This includes things such as previously recorded as stolen, previously written off, and outstanding finance.
Negotiate
If you decide that you want to purchase a used car, you should always try negotiating. This is expected in the second-hand market, and you might be surprised at just how much you could save. There is a lot of helpful advice online for negotiating, which should help you to bring down the cost of a used car. Crucially, do not feel pressured into the purchase and be willing to walk away – the sheer size of the used car market means that there are always other options available, and this puts you in a position of power as a buyer.
Check the Documentation
In addition to the car itself, you also need to make sure that all of the proper documentation is available and spend time going through this to make sure that everything is in order. This will include:
- Owner’s manual
- Car registration certificate
- Transfer of ownership certificate
- Car tax certificate
- Car roadworthiness certificate
- Receipt of purchase
- Car invoice
Compare Car Transport Costs
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You also need to consider how you will collect the car once it has been purchased. This is an often-overlooked aspect that can be tricky, especially if you do not have someone that can drive you to collect the used car and/or if the seller lives far away. Often, the best solution is to arrange car transport. This is beneficial because all of the hassle will be taken care of, and you can get the car delivered straight to your home. Additionally, car transport means that you are not putting more miles on the clock if the seller lives far away. You can compare car transport companies online, which will give you the opportunity to easily find the best option for your budget and find a company that you can trust to deliver your car.
These are the rules that you should follow if you decide to shop in the used car market. The second-hand market can be a great place to find your next vehicle, and you can make huge savings here, which will also help you to get more for your money. It can also be a daunting marketplace, though, especially when you consider the growing threat of scams. These rules will help you to shop with confidence and find what you are looking for.
