Who does not want to save money, especially these days. Buying a used car is a great way of saving money. When you fail to budget for new car, an used car with a clean history and good maintenance record can be the best alternative. According to data from Auto Trader, the average price of a used electric car increased by 15.2% in 2020, while the average price of a used hybrid car increased by 6.8%.
Despite there being a significant rise in used car prices in the UK, these days most of the buyers find them ‘in left with no choice situation’. Therefore used car buying is still an important issue.In order to buy a reliable vehicle at a fair price, you have to follow some procedures and proceed step by step. This article will help those who are planning or searching for a used car to buy soon.
Table of Content
- Budgeting
- Research
- Investigation
- Test drive
- Inspection
- Price Negotiation
- Price Negotiation
- Frequently Asked Questions
Budgeting
You buying an used car, therefore it is important to think about the budget first based on your affordability . You may want to buy it on finance, which will lessen your burden of gathering big sum at once but cost you more in the long run or just pay off in one go with the total sum you have in your pocket. Whichever way you decide to finance your purchase, you have to come to a conclusion , On what budget you will go for your next car. It will narrow your search, you will have an idea which car you should keep searching .
Research
You have a budget in mind for used car. Now you have to search for the cars you like most within this budget. You can find a budget car from market places like autotrader, Cazoo . Make your research on different models and brands of cars that you’re interested in, and compare the features and pricing to get a sense of what you can expect to pay for the type of car you want. When you have a certain budget in mind, you have to bear in mind, you might have to compromise on certain things. You may not have the same model or exact aged vehicle as you expected as the market is always changing.
Investigation
You have worked on a budget, selected a few cars, now it’s time to investigate their history, specification.You have to check your car history with an online car check service provider. You can check car history using car data check services. Most of them provide free services for basic data including Mot history,Vehicle identity ,i.e make , model, registration year, tax status. Still you have a responsibility to carry out a comprehensive car check . Only a complete car check can provide you with provenance data and finance data.
Remember! At this stage a significant number of people make a big mistake.They make haste in determining car history data. Rather than having a comprehensive paid car check , they remain satisfied with basic data received by a free car check. The fact is the paid comprehensive car history check is no longer expansive. Website like cardatachecker.co.uk provides single check for only £6.99, which is the cheapest in the market currently. Spending a few quids will bring you a big relief. You never know, after purchasing you may discover your car has outstanding finance, that means you are not the owner of this vehicle , even if you paid for it . The finance company will take possession of your car.
Test drive
Undoubtedly a test drive is an indispensable part of the old car buying process. End of the day you are the owner and you will drive this vehicle. A test drive will help you determine any major flaw with the car. Although it is impossible to check every single bit at the same time, still it will help you make your decision.
Inspection
Before making the final purchase, it is always a good idea to have the car inspected by a mechanic. They can look for any potential problems, such as leaks, and give you an idea of how much it will cost to fix any issues.
Purchasing
It’s time to finalize your car purchase. Again, you have to make sure you have all the necessary paperworks, such as the title and registration, and make sure you understand any warranty or service agreements that come with the car.
Always remember, buying a used car can be time and money saving or vice versa! Therefore we always have to follow the correct procedure with reasonable care.
Frequently Asked Questions –
Is it worth buying a too old car ?
Depends on condition of the vehicle. A well managed second hand car with a clear history, kept in single owner’s custody for a significant time in reasonable price worth buying. On the contrary, less old car with hidden history, managed poorly does not worth buying.
Is it unfair to haggle while negotiating an old car price?
Why not. As a responsible buyer, you must place your offer according to your budget.
Can I hope a second hand car will last longer?
No one can guarantee. A Second hand car bought carefully following all necessary steps is highly likely to be good car.
Is it better to buy from a dealership or a private seller?
Both options have their merits. Dealerships often provide a sense of security and may offer warranties, while private sellers might offer lower prices. Regardless of the source, always conduct due diligence, perform a history check, and consider the condition of the vehicle.