How To Ensure You Don’t Get Ripped Off When Buying A Used Car

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When buying a used car, there are many potential pitfalls that can trip you up and part you from your hard-earned money. After all, when purchasing a brand new car, there’s no chance of a hidden history of horrors under the hood that can become a costly repair bill.

So when you’re searching for your next vehicle, keep in mind the following tips to ensure you’re getting the best for your money. 

Buy from a seller with a good reputation

If you’re thinking of buying from a car dealership, then you should do your research on them first. Look at online reviews on Google, Facebook and Tradepilot. If there are a lot of negative reviews, then you should steer clear of them and try somewhere else. Look for your nearest Hyundai car dealership on Google if you have a particular model in mind. 

Of course, if you’re thinking of buying from a private seller, then you might not be able to do this kind of research, so you’ll need to rely on other ways to ensure you’re getting a good deal. 

Check out the history of the car

Don’t just take the seller’s word for it, you should conduct your own research into the history of the car you’re interested in. There are many companies that you can use to conduct a background check for you very quickly. For a small fee, they will scan various databases to check DVLA information, MOT history, owner history, outstanding finance and that the vehicle hasn’t been written off. 

Have a car expert look it over first

Many an unsuspecting buyer has been sold a car that isn’t in the condition it’s been advertised. A lot of issues aren’t easy to spot. If you’re not knowledgeable about cars, then it can be a lot easier for you to fall for a scheme or even a well-intentioned seller who doesn’t know a great deal about cars either. 

If you have a friend or relative that knows about cars, then take them with you when you view the car. They’ll be able to take a look around it for you and spot any potential issues. 

Always take a test drive

The car may look amazing, but you’re not really going to spot a lot of issues until you drive the car for yourself

We’re not talking a few times around the block either. Some problems won’t become apparent until you’ve been driving for a little while. Always do an emergency stop somewhere safe to really test the breaks too. 

Always try and see the car during the day, where you can spot any damage (or bad cover ups) and also see if there are any oil or water patches under the car. 

Trust your instincts

The best thing that you can do is to trust your gut. If something seems a little off, or too good to be true, then walk away. 

If you’re feeling rushed or pressured by the seller, or they’re imposing unusual terms on the sale, then these are all signs that you should go elsewhere. 

Takeaways

You’re always taking a risk buying a second-hand car, but if you follow these tips, then you will increase your chances of getting a good deal.