As a newish driver, I know just how daunting it can be when buying a used car. There are so many variables to consider and if you’re not careful, you might find yourself spending loads of money. When I decided to buy a car, I went with my father who knew exactly what to ask and haggled the price.
Even though buying a used car is more cost friendly than buying a new car, it does have more risks. Buying the wrong car can lead to expensive repairs, which could end up being more expensive than buying a new car. This is why we recommend buying *used cars in Brighton from a reputable car dealer like KAP Motors.
In this post, we aim to share tips to remember when buying a used car, tips that I used. Being a qualified driver and owning a car is such an incredible luxury in life, a worthy investment.
Tips to remember when buying a used car
Buying a car can be a daunting experience especially when you have no idea what to look for. It can be a difference between being able to commute around with ease or having to purchase the best breakdown cover.
A few years ago after I passed my driving test, I knew that dad would be the best person to guide me when purchasing my first car (and many more after). As a new driver, you’re most likely to have an accident, therefore, a used car is more cost-effective for any potential repairs.
There are many things to consider when buying a used car that most people might not even think about. We’ve shared a few tips below that might be useful;
- Search for reputable car dealers and even then, still do some background checks on them. Some dealers pride in not handling cars that are over a certain age and thus takes care of obvious adverse conditions for you;
- Be upfront with the salesman as to how much you have to spend on your car. You can engage salesmen in haggling the price bearing in mind that itβs a used car;
- Avoid buying from private individuals without verifying all the claims made about that particular car;
- Have a second opinion preferably expert one to satisfy yourself you are making a good choice;
- Understand the costs associated with the used car in question for matters such as fuel consumption, insurance, roadworthiness all referred to as running costs;
- Check if the car still has warranty available, and a service history that is not dubious.
The tips we’ve shared above are some of the obvious ones, how about the interior of the car
- Is the steering wheel worn out which suggests over usage
- A worn out driverβs seatbelt and car seats intact or with fair wear and tear? Worn out equipment is telltale of much use that you would be car has undergone.
- The speedometer reading must be in operation and compares well with the recent logbook reading.
- What about the car radio – is it in working condition or not!
- You may also have to check oil levels and heavy appearance for over usage indications.
- While at it check the engine for obvious works carried out or any oil leakages that are apparent. If anything these could be grounds for demanding price reduction should you fall for the car in question?
- Above all else ask the salesman questions to clear any doubts you may have about your anticipated purchase.
The above tips are not an exhaustive list or in any way take away the other obvious things not listed here. Good luck with your search and purchase of a second-hand car.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post
Michelle Murray says
I may need these tips sooner than I had hoped as I think my car is about to die.
Miranda says
Aww bless you, I hope they will be helpful and hope you find a good car.
Michelle Twin Mum says
Super useful tips, we just bought a used car in February this year and it is so important to buy from a reputable dealer I think, I’ve been back already to have soemthgin adjusted without any cost to me. Mich x
Miranda says
I agree, buying from reputable dealers is so important as it can cost a pretty penny otherwise
rhianwestbury says
I think it’s so important to test drive a car to make sure the drive is nice, and you also want to make sure it’s had a pretty recent MOT x
Miranda says
I agree, its important to test drive to get the feel of the car plus checking all legal paper work
StressedMum (@stressedmum01) says
Great tips for when buying another car, luckily my husband knows about cars so usually chooses are next car x
Claire Roach says
Thanks for the heads up – I always buy second hand due to the amount a new car gets de-valued the second you drive it off the showroom.
Mellissa Williams says
These tips are really helpful. We tend to often buy used cars.
Rebecca Smith says
These are some really handy tips especially about verifying all the information before buying!
Sarah Bailey says
These are some great tips, you always need to remember to think about what you need and check the car out all over if you are looking to buy second hand!
Crystal (@BusyMomDiary1) says
I needed these a couple weeks ago, we just bought a new car, and had too do so much research.
WhatLauraLoves says
My first ever car was brand new but since, I’ve always bought second hand and prefer it now because i save SO much money xxx
Sarah | A Few Favourite Things says
So many things to consider when purchasing a car. Driving is not a cheap or easy task
Matt Buttler says
Iβve bought used cars and trucks for the past 45 years. In recent years I have gotten some very good deals from dealers.
rhianwestbury says
You always want to properly road test the car to see how it handles and feels during the drive. And finding out what was pointed out for consideration in previous services and MOTS is good to know x
Olivia Jade says
So much to consider! I’ve known people who purchase second hand cars that run into various problems. This list is definitely helpful for any first time buyers π x
Jenny Kearney says
I’ve only ever had second hand cars and thankfully my husband always comes with me to help me buy them!
Sam π±ππ (@SamGriffBlog) says
I can remember when I bought my first car, I was completely clueless! I took my mum and uncle with me for their advice. These are some good tips!
kirstyralph11 says
Weβve always brought a new car as itβs just one of those things that buying new we couldnβt afford. Never thought about looking at the steering wheel to see how much itβs been used!
Helen says
Lots of fantastic tips here! I always take my Dad with me when buying a car because he knows what to look for, whereas I don’t really know π
Micaela Levachyov says
Both my mum and sister have second hand cars and haven’t ever had any problems, definitely worth considering as an alternative to more pricey new cars.