Buying used cars is something many of us do… It’s normally cheaper than buying a brand new car, and can still come with some new-car benefits – such as a warranty if it’s only a few years old.
Second-hand cars are also more likely to depreciate more slowly than new cars (depending on the car) as much of the depreciation has already happened from when the original buyer purchased the car.
Here are some of our top tips for when you purchase a used car.
Complete a History Check:
Checking the history of a car is essential, even before viewing it. It will allow you to see the full history of the car, from servicing and MOTs, if it has been written off, stolen, and much more.
You can check the MOT history of a vehicle quickly and easily for free on the GOV website here. You will find an easy to read history starting from the registration of the car, showing all the defects and advisories that the car has incurred during its lifetime.
More extensive history checks may come at a cost, with varying prices, but they can help you decide if a car is really worth the investment.
Check the price is right:
Make sure you put in some research to check that the car you are looking to buy is good value. Some dealerships may be more expensive than others and not offer as many benefits.
View cars on sunny days:
This may go without saying, however, we recommend that you view the car in the day time and in good weather before considering a purchase. That way you will be able to see if there are any blemishes, scratches and dinks far easier than at night time or in the rain.
The last thing you would want to see the next day after purchasing your car is imperfections all over it!
Questions to ask when buying a used car:
There are a few questions to ask people before buying their car, and if they are reluctant to answer, then it should raise some alarm bells.
Dealerships that stock second-hand cars are far more likely to give you a truthful breakdown – which can also be backed up by their service documents – so it is important to know what you are looking for when buying from a private seller.
Some go-to questions you could ask include when the last time the water pump, cambelt, brakes and clutch were changed. These are common wear and tear items that could cost quite a lot to repair, and if they are due a replacement it may be worth asking for a price reduction on the car.
A full set of tyres could cost anywhere from £100 up to £1000+ so it’s also worth asking when the tyres were last changed. Alternatively, you can always check the tyre tread.
Tivoli Auto Services
We are an independent garage in St. Leonards, Hastings, with a selection of used cars for sale. To view our range of second-hand cars available, click here
If you have any issues with your present car or need a service or MOT, bring your car down to Tivoli and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help.