What to look for when buying a used car

1.       What exactly do you need from your car?

It’s worth taking some time and considering what exactly you want from your car.

Is it a smaller run-around or station car, or maybe it’s a larger 7-seater for the family and dogs? It could even be something newer like a plug-in hybrid.

List all of the important things, such as 7 seats, a small run around, how far you are willing to travel, and a rough idea of what you are looking to pay for the vehicle.

2.       Where should you buy your used car?

From Dealers and garages to private sellers and auctions There are plenty of places you can get your used car.

Private Sellers  - It often depends on your knowledge and understanding of the motoring market. Buying privately you’ll need to check the vehicle and ensure you are getting a good deal.

The biggest difference in buying from a business such as a dealership is the standard of the vehicles and how well they are prepared for their next owner. You will receive support from the start to the finish of the process, along with post-sale follow-ups and warranties.

Privately buying a car may look appealing due to the prices, however, these vehicles will not have gone through vigorous checks and have been prepared to the same level. You will also not receive any warranties on the vehicle, so the initial cost is good however this is likely to impact you later on down the road.

Think about the reason you are buying, and the likelihood of how long you will be owning the vehicle. Would you rather pay a little more through a dealership for comfort and security should things go wrong, you have a business there to help put things right.

3.       When should you buy a car?

It sounds like an obvious answer – when I need a new one. However, there are times throughout the year that have impacts on used car prices that you can take advantage of. Although in recent times we have seen second-hand cars prices rocket due to the shortage of new cars.

Private Sales

Naturally, cars will be put up for sale all year round, but December and January are usually Quieter Months, so you can pick up a bargain during this period.

Type Of Car

Convertible – avoid looking during the summer months – this of course is the best time to drive them, but the most expensive to buy.

It’s a similar story with four-wheel drive/off-road vehicles, the demand is much greater in the winter so avoid buying when the demand is high.

4.       Older Vs New and what is a good mileage to buy at!?

When it comes to looking for a second-hand car, you may be considering, what’s the best in terms of age and miles. Newer with higher mileage or older with lower mileage?

In theory, a car with lower mileage should have a longer life ahead of it, but on the same thought, a newer car should also last longer.

Ultimately it's down to how well the vehicle has been serviced and looked after.

A Newer car which has been sitting collecting dust for a long time, would not be a better option than an older vehicle which has been regularly used and maintained.

If it's in good condition and has been well maintained then is a double bonus. It’s a big thing to check the vehicle's service history and ensure it's been well looked after.

5.        Running costs

Liking the look of a car and going based on the aesthetics may lead you to miss the biggest part of buying a used car, the running costs.

Engine size – this will have a large impact on the fuel economy, so always review what engines are available and opt for the one most suited. Small engines are suited for around town as they don’t need to rev as high at higher speeds, whereas a larger engine for long motorway miles may prove better for fuel economy.

Fuel Type

Petrol models tend to be cheaper to buy than diesel. Although diesel engines are more economical, fuel lasts longer; it’s more expensive to fill up.

Insurance

How much is your insurance going to cost on a monthly or annual basis? It's worthwhile obtaining some quotations before jumping into the driving seat,

Tax

Car tax is based on the emission of a vehicle, higher emissions = higher tax, and vice versa.

6.       Viewing a used car – What should you look for?

A physical checklist when viewing a car will help ensure certain things are not missed.

Exterior – View the vehicle in good daylight and ideally when the vehicle is dry, so you can ensure it's in good condition

Tyres

1,6mm is the legal limit – are they near this amount? If so, they may need changing soon

Bodywork

Are there any major dents/dings/scrapes/scratches or even Rust? Small pieces of damage can be quite easily repaired. Larger damages or rust may cost a little more so this can be negotiated into the price.

Gaps or Colours Differences in the paintwork – vehicles often have minor repairs for scratches/car park damages. However, if there are large gaps between panels and colors do not match up this could be a sign of a repair following an accident so check out for this.

Under the bonnet

Check levels of oil, coolant, power steering, and brake fluid.

Look out for any leaks of water/coolant or oil these can all be signs of an issue approaching and maybe needing to be put right soon.

Interior

Be careful to take your time to check the interior electrics are all working as the last thing you need is to be stuck with a car and things not working correctly.

Upholstery – it is all in good condition, with no rips/tears and there are no foul odors

Further checks –

Mileage- check this to the gov website to ensure it's correct and has been recorded annually with an MOT

HPI -  a HPI check can tell you several things, such as if the car has been stolen or crashed previously. Or if the vehicle has outstanding finance

Check for vehicle accessories – such as a spare wheel and tool kit. Is it all there?

If using a dealer they should be able to provide all of the above information.

7.       Document Checks

V5C (Registration or Logbook)

Check this is the correct logbook for this car. You can check the vehicle's VIN and make and model.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Ensure the VIN in the vehicle matches(you can usually find this on the lower part of the windscreen). the VIN on the Logbook.

                Previous Owners –

Double check the number of previous owners and the age of the car, a higher amount of owners for a relatively newer car may be cause for concern, for why it had so many owners.

MOT

Does the vehicle have a current MOT if so when is it due for renewal? Were there any advisories on the last mot which may be approaching the time they need to be completed? Or have they been actioned by the last owner?

If you are unsure of what you are looking for seek help from a professional to understand MOT advisories a little better.

8.       Test driving a used car

Test driving the car you’re thinking of buying is a good way to figure out any problems, as well as see whether you like driving the car.

Here are some things you need to look out for when test-driving a used car:

Does it start ok, or might it need a new battery or alternator?

Does the clutch perform well/does it judder?

Does the temperature gauge give any signs of potential overheating?

Can you change gears easily?

Does the steering pull to one side, or does it feel heavy?

Are there any unusual sounds coming from the engine?

Do the brakes work properly?

Does it perform as you need it or expect it to?

Remember, if you’re test-driving a car from a private seller, you’ll need to make sure your insurance covers this. Otherwise, you could ask the seller to take you out themselves in the car.

And if you’re buying the car long-distance, over the internet, or by phone, make sure it comes with a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.

9.        Paying for the car

You’ve done all of your checks and now it’s time to purchase. Before you hand over anything, make sure you’re 100% satisfied with what you’re buying and have spent enough time researching and completing your checks.

If buying from a private seller, ensure you do your research and use a trackable payment method rather than cash.

Ask for a receipt and documentation of any work that you have asked to be taken out before the sale.

10.    Added extras

One bonus from buying from a dealership is that you may have some chance of getting some added extras thrown in with the sale. Whether that’s a tank of fuel or a service, it’s worth asking if there’s something you want, and also discussing extended warranties.