Buying A Used Vehicle? 3 Tips To Stay Protected

Buying A Used Vehicle? 3 Tips To Stay Protected

Purchasing a used vehicle, particularly if this is something you have little experience in, can be quite an daunting process. You may not always be 100% sure of what to check for or how to check if you’re getting a good deal. Of course, it’s in a seller’s best interests to not draw attention to the problems with a vehicle so that they can obtain a best price.

Buying a used vehicle is as much about staying shrewd as it is about knowing your technical specifications, and how to assess a shoddy deal. If you haven’t an experienced driver to help you, this can present a problem. If you’re buying a vehicle, it’s important to know how to stay protected, especially if it is a private sale. 

With the following principles, we hope you can  stay safe and buy the car you’ve been looking for.

Research The Model & Make

Research the model and make of the vehicle you hope to purchase. Know what you’re looking for in terms of specifications and known faults. Learn the technical specifications of the vehicle. How many miles does it get to the gallon? Have these models had any particular, well-known issues? Does the manufacturer have proprietary parts you need to purchase after the fact, or can you repair the vehicle with off-market alternatives? All of these questions are worth asking. They ultimately become the means through which you can grade the negotiating pitch, and understand what you’re purchasing in the first place.

Get A Second Opinion

Buying A Used Vehicle? 3 Tips To Stay Protected - Here we Tow
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Getting a second opinion is often an excellent use of your time. Bringing along an older driver who may understand how to look for shoddy paintwork, or how to check pressure in tyres, or how a car may feel during a test drive can help you. 

A second opinion, especially from someone familiar with cars, can be a guiding light to help steer you away from a bad purchase. Furthermore, if you have two people talking to the seller, one can keep their focus, while the other can look for inconsistencies the seller may be trying to hide. This isn’t a case file to crack of course, but being more aware can pay dividends. 

It may be worth considering getting a prospective vehicle checked by a mechanic, or professional. No genuine seller should have any opposition to this happening. The AA and RAC offer a service but it may be you know a local mechanic. If you discover any minor defects or faults these can be used to negotiate on the price.

Perform A Car Check

Perform a car check to ascertain a vehicle’s history. You need to know if this seller has the right to sell the vehicle, if it’s been involved in any collisions, and if there is any outstanding finance. Any outstanding finance must be paid by the seller or you may find your new car being repossessed. 

It might be, worse case scenario, that the vehicle is stolen or has previously been written off by an insurance company. A check will highlight any of these unwanted issues. The car check is not costly but could save you a lot of money in the long run. It will help you verify the information given to you by the seller. If everything checks out, then congratulations! Odds are you have a fantastic new car on your hands, and a successful purchase.

With this advice, we hope you can more easily know what to do when purchasing a new vehicle – and no doubt move forward with confidence next time around. Remember these three simple tips for a safe purchase.