Car Buying Advice

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Selling your car needn't be a headache. Our selling advice on these pages will guide you through everything from preparing your car for sale to negotiating the best price for your car. 

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Buying a used car can be a difficult proposition if you don’t know what to look for in a used car. If you are planning to buy a used car, here are a few tips to help you make an informed decision.

Know your budget

Before you start looking for a car, the first step is deciding how much you can afford to pay for a used car. It is important to have a budget in mind and you should stick to the budget at all costs. Also factor in maintenance costs, repair cost and insurance costs while making your budget.

View the car in clear daylight

A common mistake made by used cars buyers is not viewing the car in clear daylight. Make sure that you view the car in clear daylight so that any damages and flaws are visible clearly. Also visit the dealer instead of the dealer visiting you. It is important that you know where the dealer is located and also the volume of business he conducts. If you are dealing with a private buyer, pay a visit to the buyer’s home and make sure the log book has the same address as the buyers’ address.

Check the documentation

The following documentation should be available at the time of buying the car:

·         Registration Document or log book (V5)

·         Insurance records

·         MoT certificate (on vehicles over 3 years old)

·         Receipts for repairs and maintenance

·         A receipt or invoice that proves the used car belongs to the seller

Also make sure that everything on the invoice tallies. Make sure the VIN number, registration number and other details match with the documentation provided.

Independent inspections

You can also have the car inspected by independent organizations like the RAC or Green Flag. Such organizations can help you identify potential problems and help you avoid future expenses. An independent inspection will help you decide if the used car is a good buy and also help you negotiate with the seller. If the seller is not comfortable with an independent inspection there is a high probability he has something to hide.

Check for accident repair

Nearly 5 million cars undergo accident repairs every year. Not all accidents result in complete damage but to know about past accidents do an HPI check on the used car.  A HPI check will reveal previous accidents and it will also check for outstanding loan payments and registration transfers.

The test drive

Once you are confident a vehicle has all its paperwork in place and you are comfortable dealing with the seller. Take the used car for a test drive; listen carefully for rattles, creaks and banging noises. Watch for smoky start-ups (especially blue smoke), and unusual noises, pay special attention to the steering. If you find the transmission ‘sticky’ or if the transmission is underperforming in wet conditions or is non-responsive: speak to the seller. Also check for other problems like poor braking and unusual sounds.

To search for new and used cars in the UK visit onestopcaradvice