Three Tips For Buying A Used Car

Posted: Nov 17, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

Buying a used car can often scare the hell out of people. If you're not experienced in the area, or not mechanically minded then you can quite quickly find yourself completely overwhelmed with not knowing what to buy or what not to buy. Thankfully, with just a small amount of research and some very easy to use systems, you can make sure that your next used car purchase goes nice and smoothly. This article gives you three simple tips that can help you through the process and arm you with the best possible knowledge enabling you to make some much better decisions. After all, no one wants to be the person who buys the banger!

Research

This can't be emphasised enough; research, research and then do some more research! The homework you do, the more you'll know about the market and you'll be in a much better position to either negotiate on price, or know when you should be walking away. Looking through used car listings on the internet is a great way to find out how much cars are selling for, and also to help you spot potential issues with certain vehicles. It could also be worth searching for forums that discuss the model of car you want to buy. Here you'll be able to read conversations of people highlighting certain potential faults and when they might occur, and more importantly how much they are to fix.

Viewing

When you first start viewing cars, it's advisable to go out without wanting to buy. Just simply go out on a few fact finding missions. Try to use these first viewing trips to build up a greater picture in your mind as to how much you should be paying for your new vehicle. If you go and see enough cars, you'll probably end up seeing quite a variety in the asking price vs the quality of the car on sale. Just by seeing this you'll start to become better at spotting genuinely good purchases against the not so good buys. If you're lucky enough to know someone who is mechanically minded, it's well worth bringing them along with you as their input will be invaluable, bribe them if you have too! If you don't know someone who can do this, do your own research and make sure you know what to check when looking at used cars.

HPI Checks

Having a good idea about the history of the vehicle you are looking into buying is a really important part of the buying process. Make sure that you can see the service history, log book and MOT certificate and ensure that it all matches up. If the car is being sold with a genuine full service history, then you can be confident that the car has been well looked after and that you are less likely to receive hefty and unexpected garage bills. However, these documents don't tell you the full story so it's well worth doing an HPI check. It'll cost you around £20, but it's money well spent as it will highlight any issues such as if the car has ever been written off/stolen or if there is any outstanding finance. The report is very detailed and for the sake of £20 you'll be a lot more informed in the decision you choose to make.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/three-tips-for-buying-a-used-car-3684901.html

    Article Tags:

    used cars

    ,

    advice

    ,

    buying

    ,

    checks

    ,

    viewing

    ,

    help

    ,

    first time

    The recent jump from buying brand new cars to used cars is perhaps a byproduct of the economic crisis that affected the US.

    By: PennyGeistl Automotive> Carsl Jan 04, 2011

    Buying used cars can be a tricky business. This article gives you five top tips on how to research your next purchase.

    By: J Quintonl Automotivel Jul 25, 2010

    Buying second hand cars or used cars is a good decision as it can save lots of your money which otherwise would have gone in buying a new car. By buying a used car, you let go off lots of formalities that you usually do in the new car. Take proper advise from experts and your technician before making a decision to buy the car.

    By: Smith Joshepl Automotive> Carsl May 10, 2010

    When one looks for a set of wheels, it's only down to 2 options - brand new or used. While the smell and blank service history book of a factory fresh car makes it the instant choice for many, others may think otherwise.

    By: Anthonyl Automotive> Carsl Nov 25, 2010

    Choosing an MI used car dealership can make all the difference for a shopper looking for a used car. MI Auto Times is announcing the fourth installment of its MI Used Cars Buying Guide to help buyers narrow down their searches.

    By: david portal Automotivel May 17, 2011
    March Summers

    International vehicle transports service providers offer facilities for shipping you vehicle across to the new country. These vehicle transport companies have the legal authority, the right infrastructure and a wide network to carry out their operations.

    By: March Summersl Automotivel May 28, 2012

    Donaldson Company, Inc. is one of the world's premier supplies of a wide variety of filtration systems and the replacement parts to go with each system. The company has a long-standing tradition of providing excellent customer service and first-rate products. Founded in 1915, Donaldson continues to develop new products to meet their customers filtration needs. They accomplish this through dedicated research and development.

    By: HertaFink26l Automotivel May 26, 2012

    Cars for sale by owner has been a growing niche in the automotive industry today. Different automobiles are being sold by various car owners, and are not limited to some common brands.

    By: Brian Bartlettl Automotivel May 26, 2012

    Through pre owned car sales, consumers enjoy more benefits and options than they would purchasing a new vehicle.

    By: HertaFink26l Automotivel May 26, 2012

    Car is an asset while selecting the best asset is always wise. And so for the folks who wants the very first its time to get the GMC.

    By: Sia Susanl Automotivel May 26, 2012

    As fashion and society has changed so has the rings women wear and the meanings behind them. Promise rings have become increasingly popular over the last century

    By: J Quintonl Shopping> Jewelryl Jul 25, 2011

    There's nothing more frustrating than losing your desired home at a property auction last minute. You may have walked away thinking there was nothing more you could have done to have bagged your new home. However, there are a few simple things you can do to help your case along and get your dream home for a bargain.

    By: J Quintonl Home and Familyl Feb 20, 2011

    This article aims to give you a basic step by step guide to planning an amazing party for your little girl, leaving her in no doubt as to how special she is.

    By: J Quintonl Home and Family> Parentingl Feb 18, 2011

    With the unpredictability of the property market, many first time buyers are shying away from investing in a home so more people are deciding to rent so if you have an empty room going spare and are hoping to rent it out but are unsure of what to do, then have a look at these tips to help you.

    By: J Quintonl Home and Familyl Feb 09, 2011

    It may seem obvious but having a clean and tidy house to show to potential buyers is a necessity. The prospective new home owners will want to see themselves living in the house so making sure it is clean will appeal to them more over an untidy house. It is also important to de-clutter any rooms of the house.

    By: J Quintonl Home and Familyl Jan 16, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast