Tips on buying a used car

Want some quick tips on buying a used car? Our quick-guide gives you a simple list of some of the more important things you should know.

So, you’ve found a car that you really like and you’re ready to go and see it. Before you grab your keys you need to make sure you’re fully prepared. What you need to do first is carry out the following simple steps.

Step 1: History check
It’s critical that you get history check carried out on the vehicle before you go and view it. It will help to identify things about the vehicle such as whether it has a hidden history, if there’s any outstanding finance on the car or even if it’s been reported as stolen. You should also confirm that the used car you’re going to look at is taxed and, if it’s more than three years old, has a valid MoT certificate.

Step 2: Car valuation
Once you’re happy that the car has no dirty secrets hidden in its past then you really need to find out exactly how much it’s worth. There are a couple of ways you can do this. You can look obtain a professional market valuation of the car with an organisation such as Parkes.co.uk. Alternatively, you can look at similar used cars for sale on the market and see what they are being sold for. Once you’ve found out how much the car is worth then ensure that it fits within your budget. Heading to the seller confident of the car’s value will help when it comes time for negotiating.

Step 3: Insurance
If you’re intending to take the car for a test drive, which we highly recommend, then you need to make sure that you arrange temporary insurance cover beforehand.

Now that you’ve carried out steps 1 to 3 it’s time to arrange to view the car. To ensure that the seller is genuine always insist on meeting at the seller’s place of work or ideally their home address. Once you’re there then follow the next steps to make sure you get the best outcome.

Step 4: Documents
One of the first things you need to do is ask to see the car’s VC5, also known as the logbook, and service history. You should ask if you can view them in the comfort of the seller’s house or workplace. This will help to confirm if they really do live or work there and also help prove that they are genuine.

Step 5: Inspection
When you’re looking at the car make sure you pay close attention to the overall condition of the car. You need to check that the car’s condition matches how it was described in the advert. For example, make sure that the tyres have got plenty of tread left on them and that they are from a reputable brand. Also check under the sills for any signs of rust and keep an eye out for a hasty or botched repair job. It’s also a good idea to check the fluid levels. If they’re not topped up correctly then it’s another sign that the car has been mistreated.

Step 6: Test drive
The final step before taking the plunge is to take the car for a test drive. You should only take a car out for a test drive if you are insured to do so. Make sure that you get plenty of time behind the wheel and test it out fully. This means pressing all of the various buttons and within reason trying out every feature that the car has to offer. In particular, watch out for slipping clutches, a rough sounding gearbox and any knocking or clunking sound from the suspension. Also, check that the car doesn’t pull to one side on a straight piece of road.

Step 7: Your offer
If you’re happy with everything and you really want the car then it’s time to start negotiating on the price. You must be firm but fair when it comes to haggling and always have your budget in mind. If the deal doesn’t work for you then don’t be afraid to walk away. Once you agree on a price then make sure you get a receipt which is signed and dated by both you and the car seller.

Still not found the right car? We have thousands of used cars for sale on DesperateSeller.co.uk.