Dream car preview

Buying a used car when the process is unfamiliar can seem a bit intimidating. The fact that there are sellers out there that are not completely honest can make it more difficult for the inexperienced purchaser. Preparing to purchase a used car will yield a bargain you can rightfully take advantage of.

Before setting out to buy a used car sit down and work out your finances to know exactly how much you can afford to spend on this new purchase. It is important to also consider the running costs, including fuel, insurance and servicing and remember to factor in the additional cost of loan repayments if you are looking to raise additional finance to make the purchase.

Once you have worked out all of your finances, you should now have an absolute maximum figure that your are prepared to spend on buying a used car. This is very important as it determines the type, age and mileage of vehicle that you can afford to buy. With the budget settled, use the internet, car magazines and local newspapers to help you narrow the search down to a few cars that would suit you.

Anticipation may encourage you to view a vehicle, but before you make the appointment there are some research aspects you need to do. You will need to explore what other sellers are offering the same vehicle for by looking at the price, mileage, and condition. Also find out if there are any additions to the car such as alloy wheels, CD changer, or turbo charger. The lack of extras on a vehicle you are thinking about purchasing can help you negotiate the price.

Do not schedule an appointment to see the vehicle if you do not have enough time to spend overlooking it. You need to spend several minutes looking over the condition of the outside, engine and the overall vehicle. Rain can hinder bodywork issues, thus you should cancel the appointment if it is raining. If you are not well versed in mechanics bring a friend or take it to an inspector. The car should be run through a HPI check for validity purposes.

Test drives on any vehicle should take twenty minutes. While driving the car check the gearbox, steering, and listen for any noises. The gears should transition smoothly. For steering the vehicle should stay straight on the road. During the drive do an emergency check of the brakes.

When it comes to doing the deal you need to be firm and polite and don’t be pressurised into making the deal. Always start the negotiations at a low price, as you can still raise your offer at a later stage, and use any faults you found during the inspection and test drive, and a lack of optional extras as bargaining points.

With the deal done, the seller will need to send off the V5 vehicle registration form with your new details and make sure you get a proper receipt as proof of the sale. It is also a good idea to consider taking out a warranty at this stage, because whilst they might seem expensive it will normally pay for itself within one claim, and you can enjoy some carefree motoring in your new car.