So you need a new car but there's so much to think about including how much should I spend? How many seats do I need? What engine size do I need? and many many more. Take a read and hopefully some of the information and links below will help you avoid making unnecessary mistakes. Good luck with your search and don't be caught out by the those dodgy car sales.
What's your budget?
Before you think about which car to buy, you’ll need to work out how much you have to spend.
Work out how much your current car is worth, and whether you will sell it privately or part-exchange it with a dealer
Decide on whether you need to take out finance and if so would it be cheaper to get this through a bank instead of the dealer
Calculate how much you are likely to spend on general running costs of the vehicle
Have I chose the right car?
With more choice than ever, choosing your perfect car can be a bewildering process. Make sure you spend some time working out what you need from your car. Think about:
What the car will be used for
How many passengers will be regularly carried
What will the fuel costs be
How much will the vehicle tax be
Get insurance quotes before buying by using sites such as GoCompare, Confused, Compare the Market plus companies like Aviva and Direct Line who don't use comparison sites
How much is service and repair likely to cost
Am I buying a Dodgy Dealer?
You know how much you want to spend and the what you will using the car for now it's time to find where to buy from. Do back ground checks on the dealer where you have seen a car.
Use internet searches before visiting the dealer
Undertake a director check if buying from a company
Avoid sold as seen adverts unless you know what to look for
Trust your instinct, if it seems too good of a deal it probably is
Read more on the Citizen Advice website
What should I check for?
You don’t need to be a mechanic to inspect a used car, but there are a few rules which are worth following.
Get a car history check to establish if the car has any outstanding finance, has been stolen or written off
Examine the car’s documents including V5C, service history and previous MOT certificates for dates, work done and if the mileage between MOT's doesn't quite add up
Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at the base of the windscreen, under the bonnet and stamped into the chassis under the carpet beside the driver’s seat for signs of tampering, and make sure they match the VIN recorded in the logbook
Look out for rust, dodgy paint jobs and uneven gaps between body panels
Make sure all the vehicle features work correctly including A/C, heaters, internal lighting, external lights, radio, CD and 12V charger
By reading the vehicle documents including the V5C (logbook), service history and MOT certificates then checking key points around the car, you will be able to quickly assess if the vehicle you are viewing is as described in its advert
Should I take it for test drive?
A test drive is your chance to asses every aspect of the car, from making sure all its equipment works correctly and how it generally feels on the road.
When undertaking a test drive make it last for least 15 minutes and on different types of road
If required ensure suitable insurance cover is obtained before you drive the car
Start the car when the engine is cold, and check for excessive smoke and unusual noises with radio and heater fans off so you can hear only the engine
Check the gears, brakes, steering and suspension work as they should, with no unusual noises and vibrations
Will the seller be willing to haggle?
It’s common for buyers to make an offer on the car they would like to buy, so don’t be afraid of haggling on price.
Know what the car is worth, and what you’re willing to pay. Use free on-line valuations sites such as Parkers or Auto Trader identify what it's worth and what other similar cars are selling for locally
Start your bidding as low as low as you feel comfortable with and let the seller work the price up
A service, mats or a tank of fuel can be good negotiating tools
Show commitment to the deal, stay calm and don’t be confrontational
If you can’t come to an agreement, walk away and remember there's always another day or another dealer
What paperwork should I check?
The paperwork for a car is essential and provides information on the history and ownership of it, so ensure you check it thoroughly.
Check all paperwork looks and feels genuine, photocopies and print outs could be fake so check for this
Ensure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) recorded in the logbook matches the ones displayed in the car and the address and recorded keeper’s information tallies with the person selling the car
Check service history to make sure the recorded mileage is in line with the mileage displayed in the car, and that it has had regular maintenance carried out
Cars over three years old should be supplied with a valid MOT and do check old MOT certificates to verify the car’s mileage. If you're unsure contact the garage that completed the MOT test
Make sure the buyer writes a receipt for you both
Complete the new keeper parts of the V5C (logbook) and ensure it’s sent to the DVLA
And Finally......
Enjoy your new vehicle and remember your consumer rights should the worst happen.
