Tips for Buying a Used Car

Posted on 9 July, 2010

For some, purchasing a used car can be quite a challenging experience. Many people just aren’t sure about what to look for in a used vehicle. For some people, the most important thing is the price tag. They will often purchase a vehicle simply because it is a good deal. Don’t be fooled or persuaded simply by a low price tag. There are many other factors to think about when buying a used car. This will save you from a lot of expenses down the road if you purchase a vehicle that is not in good mechanical or physical condition.
Some cars may have some work that needs done on them. In some cases, this does mean you should avoid them altogether. You could use this as leverage when bargaining with the seller of the used cars for sale. Providing an actual estimate of how much it will cost to repair the vehicle, will give you some proof as to why the seller should give you a cheaper price on the car. Not all sellers will agree but some will.

When inspecting a vehicle, make sure you do so in the daytime when the sun is shining. Cars look different at night and it is very easy to miss certain imperfects and problems with the car. Take the care for a test drive to see how it handles. This will also let you decide if the car works properly. You also want to make sure you feel comfortable in the car as well as comfortable driving it. Never purchase a used car without first driving it.

Paperwork is another thing to inspect. Some used cars may not come with the proper credentials. As a potential owner you need to be aware of this in order to prevent any problems from occurring. Check the MOT certification. Make sure this is up to date. You also want to see the V5 vehicle registration. This will help you to determine who the owner is. Make sure it is the person who is selling the vehicle. Check the keys that come with the used vehicle. These can often be expense to replace.