Buying a car from the second-hand car market can present you with many challenges. However, if you follow these steps, you can successfully navigate your way through and are less likely to encounter any problems.
- Find a seller
While prices might be lower via a private seller, you must remind yourself that the extra you pay to buy a car from a dealership could cover problems for a set amount of time, three months for example, and you have consumer rights if the vehicle falls short of your expectations.
- Know what your requirements are
Arriving at a second-hand car dealership with no idea of what you need or want in a new vehicle can be problematic. You are more likely going to end up getting something that on the surface pleases you, but when you have had it a little while, you realise it does not meet your needs. Jot down a few of the things that are must-haves when it comes to a vehicle, such as number of seats if you have a large family. Next, what are other things that you would like to have as part of your car, but these aren’t necessarily requirements just desirable items. Although
- Check the car’s history
Taking a seller’s word for it when it comes to a car’s background can be a problematic thing to do. Using the webuyanycar car check tool, you will be able to easily discover if the car you are contemplating buying has encountered any major problems. Discrepancies between the mileage, MOT findings and even number of previous owners can be easily uncovered with a detailed check.
- Take someone with you
Indecision can be problematic when it comes to buying a used vehicle. Taking someone with you when you visit car dealerships can be useful as they can ground you when you are taken in by the sales pitch. Furthermore, they will remind you of your previously mentioned specifications that can sometimes go out of your head when you are searching for the perfect vehicle.
- Test drive
It is always advisable to take any car that meets your requirements out for a test drive. While it might tick all the boxes on paper, the way it drives might not be as good as you hoped it would be, for example, gear changes, biting point and all the little extras that you are used to might not work for you.
- Sort your finances
Paying outright for a car might be an option for some, but for most people, it doesn’t work. However, you may have the option to part exchange your current vehicle and this could be helpful. If you need to take out finance for the car you have your heart set on, shop around to get the best price. It might be more reasonable to get a loan rather than going through the dealership itself.
And, if the overall cost still seems a little high, there is nothing wrong with attempting to haggle. It is no longer a practice reserved for market stalls.
