Maybe you’ve just got your license and need to get yourself a vehicle. Or perhaps your old car is wearing down, showing signs that you need a new car. Getting a car brand new isn’t always the best option. In fact, buying used is often preferable. You can still get an excellent vehicle, but at a much lower price.
Although it often works out more cost-efficient, there are things you need to be careful of when buying used. As long as you take certain precautions, there’s no reason you can’t get an excellent, well-running vehicle. Here are some of the things to take into consideration when buying a used car.
Good Models, Good Mileage
Buying used can often help you drive away with the car of your dreams. New cars go down by over a quarter of their original price in a year. That means you could potentially get a great 2015 model for a fantastic price!
You might want to look for a model with excellent fuel-efficiency. These will save you a lot of money on running costs. You should also check each car’s mileage. Those with lower mileage will most likely last you much longer, making for a better investment.
Higher mileage often means higher prices. A smart way to buy is to get a car that’s built to last for a long time. Look into cars that last more than 200,000 miles. Fords and Toyotas are often excellent when it comes to reliability.
Make Sure It’s Prepared For The Road
When you buy used, you’ll want to ensure there are no problems with your car. Before you drive one away, make sure it’s fully serviced and prepared to get on the road. It will save you time and money and ensure your car is made to last.
All good used dealerships will check your car before you drive it off the lot. You may also want to find a dealership who offer paintwork and interior protection. Dealers and many others provide these services for no added cost.
Not only will your car be prepared, but you’ll also have peace of mind. Make sure you still get your vehicle regularly serviced to avoid problems developing.
Get The Best Price
When looking at used cars, they may already seem cheap enough. But with some haggling, you may be able to make them even more affordable. Dealers are often willing to negotiate with buyers to make an agreement on the price.
Additionally, prices go down at certain times of the year. Waiting longer to buy a used car will often result in a lower price. But you don’t want to wait so long that someone else buys it!
Dealerships also have quarterly targets to meet. November and December are often the best times to buy. Dealers will be eager to meet their yearly sales targets, so you can haggle for an excellent price at the end of the year!
Get Documentation
All used cars should come with a V5C registration document, car service history, and MOT certificate. Reliable dealers will be happy to hand these over.
You can also check a vehicle’s MOT history online. The DVLA website also lets you check a car’s identity is valid. These documentation checks will ensure everything is in order with your used car before buying.
