Looking for a second car for the family? Just want it for quick shopping trips or the school run? Reluctant to lash out on an expensive new car? Why not try the used car market where following a few dos and don’ts can take the worry out of finding a great bargain that could be even better than buying new.
DO look at the sums – can you afford a car? In the used car market depreciation is less of a problem than in new cars, but service and running costs may mount up. Work out what you can afford in purchase price and for any work that may be needed, and what you can afford to spend in annual costs for fuel, servicing, MOT, car tax and insurance.
DON’T assume the used car market is a jungle where you’ll get lost and ripped off. It’s a place where thousands of satisfied families shop every day to buy their car.
DO think of the used car market as a chance to do even better than you could by buying new. You could trade up a class in the car you’re looking for. The reduced cost of buying it second-hand could add a host of desirable features and extra engine power with the savings against a new car price.
DO check out websites for comparative market prices for private sales, but remember that you have to take responsibility for all the homework if you don’t go to a car dealer.
DO consider going to a reputable used car dealer or dealer group that offers a range of models and years. If they specialise in certain makes, they’ll have knowledge about key features and owner-satisfaction, and they’ll help you maximise what you can buy for your money. Cars under three years old often still have warranties, and most approved-used schemes will provide 12 months of cover.
DO check out the dealer. Make sure they are registered traders, and are members of an industry body like SMMT or RMI.
DO take extra care if you look privately. Inspect it at the owner’s home in daylight. Be sure that the seller is the owner of the car – ask them about the car’s history and get them to show you around its controls. Check out ownership documents, the current MOT and tax certificates, and any warranties. If the car is older than three years, make sure the mileage is consistent with service records and past MOT certificates. Inspect the car carefully from all angles – take someone with you to help – and look for signs of damage, such as dimples in paintwork, or excessive wear on seats and accelerator pedal, that might not square with the mileage.
DO look for the best finance deal you can get to spread the cost of buying your car. An approved car dealer will offer low-interest or even no-interest deals.
DO draw up a checklist of requirements from the suggestions below – it will make it easier to get that bargain that’s right for you and your needs.
WHAT do you want to use the car for? Commuting? Driving kids to school and shopping? Weekend driving and holidays? Carrying loads? Towing a caravan? How many people will it normally carry? Remember: if you’re carrying children, you may need to check pushchair space or child-seat anchor points.
WHERE will you mainly drive? Motorways? In town? Country roads? Off-road? Where will you be parking?
DO consider the fuel. Diesel is great for longer runs but not so good for short trips, and petrol is much cleaner now. But there are green options now even in the used car market.
DO check out insurance costs for the model you have your eye on. There are big differences between comprehensive and third-party policies, and remember some insurers do deals for a second car on one policy.
DON’T buy without taking a test-drive. It’s the only way to assess how it meets your needs, and whether it’s in decent mechanical condition.
DON’T be pressurised into buying. There are more cars out there. If the bargain seems too good to be true, it probably is.
You don’t have to buy new nowadays to get a great car at a great price. Sometimes it’s the clever decision to go second-hand.
